Phantom: Super Ghost BCI Progression Thread

[dakski]

No offense taken whatsoever! This is why I ask what may seem like simple questions because this is my 1st 'rodeo' with BOAs and snakes in general. I was figuring that I only had 4 days a week to hold Phantom (accounting for a non holding feeding day and 48 hours afterwards) but if every other day during the four days is suggested then I'll incorporate that into our schedule. And to be clear, holding time has only been a matter of minutes (< 5) and it's basically tapping him and taking him out near his enclosure. It's a quiet room and I don't take him anywhere (other then when I got bit the 1st time and learned a valuable lesson). I will say that once he finds something he can latch on, it's very difficult trying to pry him loose. I think this is where he gets stressed and starts going into defensive mode. Maybe I should try and do a better job of keeping him away from objects that he can grab onto. Thanks again for the feedback!

I am glad, I am only trying to help.

You'll have to experiment with the handling sessions. Try every other day except for digestion days off and feeding day. Then try two days in a row in a month or two. Once he seems calmer consistently, you can try 2 days, day off, 1 day, etc. It's all about reading the animal. He has told you for now, every day is too much, that's all. Doesn't mean forever.

Remember, he's young and tiny! He thinks everything is a threat to his life! As he grows bigger, he won't be as afraid, and as you work with him, he WILL learn to trust you. How long that takes is on his terms though, not yours.

Boas that are very defensive calm often be calmed down quite a bit. He seems like Behira, calm and docile in nature, so he should tame out pretty quick. However, and again, on his time line.

Remember, you have 25 years or so to enjoy Phantom, take your time and let him "come to you," so to speak. It will pay dividends in creating a rapport and will pay off huge when he's 5ft and 6-8 pounds!

I think you are just really eager to make it happen and you, understandably, want to spend time with your new little guy. It makes sense, but pace yourself too. Realize he's off limits some days and it will take time, but in the long run, it will be a small amount of time in his and your lifetime together.

People often anthropomorphize animals, but it's also important to understand what type of animal and how they think. Snakes are pretty basic creatures; they feel safe, scared/defensive, hungry, and occasionally, randy, but that's about it. Yes, they can learn to recognize a keeper/handler by scent/taste and they learn to be hook trained, and not be defensive and feel safe being handled. However, Rome wasn't built in a day. A lot of good time together and repetition will lead to good results.

Ask Richardhind1972 about his IMG Boa who's pretty calm now. She wasn't so much as a juvenile .

Again, good luck and keep us in the loop.