This is Grimm

[WhompingWillow]

Neat boa!

As a youngster they can be defensive and will back it up with a bite but they are not quick to do so and I don't recall ever getting bit by my pair in something over 12 years (I never used a hook either). The Occidentalis in my care (as large mature adults) prefer to be interacted with on their terms. If I open one of the doors to the enclosure and just reach at them, either one will give a loud open mouth hiss to this day. If I open the door and give them a couple of minutes to see what's up they will come check me out and let me drag them out without a hint of care. -And I rarely handle them.

When kept so they feel secure (and loose the defensive youth) both of mine are the most interactive reptiles I've kept in many decades. Either one will come to an open door (especially when hungry) and even hang way out to check things out no matter what is going on in the room. Its pretty awesome to have an eight and half foot snake cross the floor of her home and put her face about 3 inches from your hands while I'm spot cleaning.

Another thing about them is their ability to thermoregulate. If you use undercage heat they will compress their body so more surface area is touching the floor to gain heat or the opposite to loose heat -other boas do this to some extent but Occidentalis can stay on a floor temp that is higher than desired for a much longer time than other boas. They also do well when offered seasons with a long cool period.

Sorry...I could go on and on about these...there is nothing like an Occidentalis. Adapt yourself to this boa and enjoy the uniqueness they offer.

Thank you, I love hearing more and more about them! So far he's made good use of his cage, as bare bones as it is until we are sure he didn't come in with any critters. He's pretty active and very alert - will come right up to me if I'm looking at him through the glass. We've had him out twice, once for cage cleaning (he was a VERY exuberant eater) and once to get a weight. Both times there's been a lot of posturing but no actual biting yet, although I'm expecting some tags from him. So far he has been pretty good to handle when in your hands unless anything in the environment changes - being set down on a surface, someone else walking into the room - then he goes a bit nuts lol. Handling will remain at a bare minimum until he's had at least 3 meals. I'm looking forward to gaining his trust over time.