Timid about picking up Boa..

[Jrl6130]

So whenever I go and try and pick up my Hog he seems VERY tense about it.. He looks like he want to eat and gets all scrunched up in a "S" shape and I'm not sure whether I'm approaching him the wrong way, up the feeding size, or he's in a prissy mood. How should I try and hold him?

[Evenstar]

Babies can feel intimidated very easily. Remember how much smaller they are than you! I always try to make my babies feel secure and never startled. I try to gather them up with both hands if I can and get at least one hand underneath to support the whole body. You can also "hook" your finger around the baby's body to begin the lift, but slide the baby onto your other hand.

This process sounds like I go very slow and careful. Well, I am careful of course, but I don't move too slowly. I make sure the baby is not startled, but really I just reach in and pick them up. Be gentle and supportive and go easy, but sometimes if you move too slowly, they'll take advantage of that and strike in an attempt to bluff their way out of being picked up at all.

If your baby does strike, don't worry too much about getting bit. Right now, it's not going to hurt and you can get over your fear and he will too.

[Gio]

So whenever I go and try and pick up my Hog he seems VERY tense about it.. He looks like he want to eat and gets all scrunched up in a "S" shape and I'm not sure whether I'm approaching him the wrong way, up the feeding size, or he's in a prissy mood. How should I try and hold him?

An S shape isn't always an indicator of a strike. Is he hissing or making any defensive strikes? My snake used to put up a front with all the posture and hissing and even a strike or two when he was younger. I use a hook and tap him a bit and then reach in and get him. Usually once he is elevated off the floor, he mellows out completely.

How old is your snake?

Gentle handling will usually make them feel secure.

Have you called his bluff yet?

[Evenstar]

An S shape isn't always an indicator of a strike. Is he hissing or making any defensive strikes? My snake used to put up a front with all the posture and hissing and even a strike or two when he was younger. I use a hook and tap him a bit and then reach in and get him. Usually once he is elevated off the floor, he mellows out completely.

How old is your snake?

Gentle handling will usually make them feel secure.

Have you called his bluff yet?

Good point. If he's only making that S shape and isn't hissing or striking, it probably doesn't mean much at all. Nearly all my boas have an S shape when they turn and look at me....

[DooLittle]

Agree. A "s' d" up boa doesn't necessarily mean anything. Mine do this when they are looking at something or me sometimes. Once you get to know your snake more, you will know if that means business or is just a nosy, busy, boa. Just be confident in your handling. You guys will be fine. Wait till he becomes infatuated with your face...:p

[Gio]

Agree. A "s' d" up boa doesn't necessarily mean anything. Mine do this when they are looking at something or me sometimes. Once you get to know your snake more, you will know if that means business or is just a nosy, busy, boa. Just be confident in your handling. You guys will be fine. Wait till he becomes infatuated with your face...:p

Both good points Evenstar and DooLittle.

I remember the first time handling boas. I thought the S was a sure sign of a strike. It is so different from a BP but that's just a typical boa posture.

[DooLittle]

One of my favorite pictures of him. He was in no way defensive in that picture, but entirely a nosy brat. :p

[MonkeyShuttle]

Agree. A "s' d" up boa doesn't necessarily mean anything. Mine do this when they are looking at something or me sometimes. Once you get to know your snake more, you will know if that means business or is just a nosy, busy, boa. Just be confident in your handling. You guys will be fine. Wait till he becomes infatuated with your face...:p

why do you think they become infatuated with peoples faces?

[DooLittle]

why do you think they become infatuated with peoples faces?

Because mine are always in your face...

[MonkeyShuttle]

Because mine are always in your face...

Oh, maybe a heat signature thing then... :shrug:


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