Quote Originally Posted by artgecko View Post
I am not an expert, but I'd definitely invest in a snake hook to help with taming him... If you want to attempt handling, and he does appear defensively bitey, then long gauntleted welding gloves may come in handy, as well as a plastic face shield...

I hook train all of my boas and the snake will learn to associate being stroked with the hook with you messing with their enclosure, cleaning, and / or handling vs. feeding time. I am able to take my 6' boa out of "food mode" by stroking him with the hook a few times...then he is safe to handle once he understands what is going on. You may want to do this every time you go in his cage (to change water, clean, etc.). Stroke him with the hook first and then use it as a barrier between where his head is and your hands. I would do this for a few weeks to get him used to the idea of what the hook is and you doing things in his cage, then progress to attempted handling (baby steps as it were). Something like a golf club could also serve this purpose if you have one on hand. Do not use the hook when feeding to avoid it being associated with food.
Thankfully I do have two strong hooks for bigger snakes and I've listened to your advice, I stroked him with a hook today, he is in his pool and started vibrating with his body and flicking his tongue curious. No defensive behaviour so far. Slowly and patiently, I hope he will be much calmer so in few weeks I can post a photo with me holding him without bleeding from his bites


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