My big disappointment.....

[Aleria]

With a little extra in the cage to make it seem smaller a 3'x2' would work, it's obviously not perfect, but it will work. I started mine in a 2.5'x1.5' sweater box to start and ran into no issues there.
And also yes, you were given false info if you were told that ALL baby rtbs are snippy. One of my was the first week I had him, my other was the sweetest little thing from day one. You can't ever definitively say that ALL of one type of snake is going to act a certain way, they are all individual living things after all and will have their own personalities. Just like some never tame down no matter how skilled the owner is, that's just the way things are when it comes to living creatures.

Also, not sure what you consider moderate as far as price goes but I know I personally have fallen in love with a lot of the different bees out there if I had the spare cash I'd have one in my hands right now.

[L.West]

To Danounet - no improvement, they basically don't want me bothering them.

To Aleria - thanks for the help. At least I am more aware of what my options are in going forward. In regards to price of a new bp - I would like to stay around the $300 mark.

[BuckeyeBalls]

Well i got my baby and when i first take him out he goes crazy real flighty. But he mellows out and just explores around. They may never calm down or he may calm down with more handling.

[L.West]

If they never settle down - how would a person handle them by oneself when they get to be full grown - my god - my 5 footer is pretty strong right now when she trys to flee.

[Step Johns]

I have 2 RTB's a neonate female that is sweet as pie very docile and loves to be held. My 4ft male on the other hand is a recent addition that lacked proper care before I got him. He goes through mood swings and sometimes hisses and strikes when I go to get him, but with patience he is getting better. He loves my girlfriend though and has never hissed or striked at her. Every RTB is going to be a little different but I would definately start with a neonate and or exchange them for a BP.

[BuckeyeBalls]

If they never settle down - how would a person handle them by oneself when they get to be full grown - my god - my 5 footer is pretty strong right now when she trys to flee.

How long are you handling them? And how often? And how are u handling them?

[L.West]

I only handle my snakes once or twice a week maximum because I don't want to stress them out. For the most part - if I am able to get them out without getting bit - then they will settle down if I continue to hold them. The problem I have is their reluctance to even be picked up - I feel bad for making them be picked up when it is clear they do not want it - they will try to scramble away as fast as they can - they must be scared.

[fishmommy]

over time with frequent (2-3 x per week) handling they will likely calm down for the most part.

However, if you don't want to have to deal with the inevitable bad hair day of a big boa, there's no shame in trading for a BP. Everyone has their limits, likes, and dislikes.

In my case, I am probably more like you - what I did was buy a BCA that will always stay smaller than my BP - he has his moments of thrashing but the small size makes it OK for me to handle on my own.

There's nothing quite like a BP
If you're interested in trying other placid, docile snakes, a Woma Python might be something to check out.

[fishmommy]

I feel bad for making them be picked up when it is clear they do not want it - they will try to scramble away as fast as they can - they must be scared.

It's always admirable to try to put your snake's needs first
However, in my experience I have found that a snake (especially a boa) will fight you coming out of the cage because that's his 'safe' territory. Once out of his turf he's quite interested in exploring and not so stressy anymore.
Hook training might also help with the cage shyness, since it will teach him what to expect a little.

[Aleria]

It's always admirable to try to put your snake's needs first
However, in my experience I have found that a snake (especially a boa) will fight you coming out of the cage because that's his 'safe' territory. Once out of his turf he's quite interested in exploring and not so stressy anymore.
Hook training might also help with the cage shyness, since it will teach him what to expect a little.

Agreed. When it comes to any of the larger snakes it can always be a bit awkward getting them out of the cage in comparison to something as small as a bp because of the fact that you are left trying to maneuver them out so they will usually be little snots and try to turn around and put their head right back in the cage.
I have that little fight with my hog girl almost every time I get her out, I'll get out the front half of her body, and then she'll turn around and stick her head right back in as I'm pulling out her back half. Trying to put her back in once I've had her out cuddling for a while gets the same result, get one half in and the other half comes right back out