Bite Club - First Bite from BCI Behira/Hook Training

[dakski]

So, I talked to a few other people I trust with BCI's and other snakes. Jeff Ronne, at Boaphile, who made my tanks, and has bred BCI's for 30+ years, had the best answer for what probably happened.

Behira was cruising for food, I reached in to pick her up, her head was around the house and couldn't see my hand, felt warm, and WHAM! Feeding response. Jeff said they know pretty quick if it's not a rat/food and she was totally calm after and let me pick her up etc. She probably thought, "damn, not food, oh well."

If it was an aggression bite, the consensus is there would have been more fanfare, hissing, biting, etc.

Jeff recommended, as many here did, to hook, etc. train. Touch her with something other than my hand before picking her up, so she knows it's not food time. He said he does this with all his large Boa's, as they can (like Behira does) have a strong feeding response.

I have been using the hook and no problems. I am glad I learned my lesson at 700G, not 3000G!

Now I just have to get my fiancé to NOT hold this against her. LOL. I am working on it. I grew up with reptiles, she did not.

Thank you everyone for the input! I'll keep you in the loop on my success with getting her not to think I am a rat!

Also, to be clear, I am more worried about her biting because of my fiancé and friend (my friend was over to watch the Super Bowl) who are now skeptical. I understand it can happen.

Thanks again and everyone be well!