Feeding question

[dakski]

First, my boas tend not to go after food on the ground/left for them, like my corn snakes will, and even my BP sometimes.

They like to strike and coil their food. Behira, my female BI, who is food crazy, will literally strike the doors of her tank as I go to put food in. However, if I put the rat down 2 inches from her and she doesn't strike immediately, she will sit there all night and I'll have to re-offer a few hours later and re-wiggle it.

I've heard other boas are different, but mine seem to need to strike and coil.

I assume you use tongs, but you said dangling hands, so that confused me. Hands and prey should never be near each other. Bad association and just plain risky.

Secondly, a few things on hook training. I love it and I think it works great. However, you still have to read your snake. Behira is my best example of this, as she can take a minute or two (or longer) to get out of food mode. I wait until she's good and ready, head down, relaxed, out of strike/S position, etc. before I attempt to pick her up. 90% of the time during the day, this happens in seconds, however, at night, when I rarely handle her and offer food (at night) in the dark, it can take longer.

You should feed at night, IMO, but that means they expect food at night. That's good because you will get snakes that eat like clockwork, but you will also have to be more on guard with snakes like Boas and Carpet Pythons, etc. at night.

I've had Behira out after dark and in involves her striking at the doors and me standing back and calming her with the hook. Once she's calm, it's okay, but I should be clear, I keep the room lights on as well. Not sure it matters that much, she still expects food once her tank lights are out and it's night, etc. However, I wanted to mention it.

Behira has nailed me once at about 450-500G and it was my fault and before hook training. I've had no incidents since, nor have I had any with my subsequently acquired boas, but everyone is now hook trained and if I have a doubt, I keep going with the hook.

Feliz (BC) has been known to nail the doors, get three rubs with the hook, and then be fine with me reaching in and picking him up. Jeff (BI) seems similar, but Behira is the most work there.

I've attached my hook training video thread if you haven't seen it as that might be helpful.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...ead-with-Video

Another thing is you can coax them out with the hook - the non hook end. Keep in mind that the hook itself can hurt them if they are too big for the hook or you are too aggressive, etc. However, I've had Feliz take the hook handle, wrap it, and then I can take him out and he's like, "Oh, new environment, no food. OK!"

Also, always ensure there is no food smell in the room or on your hands, etc. If you are feeding other snakes = leave him alone. If you touched prey = leave him alone or thoroughly clean.

To summarize:

1. I would think your Boa needs to strike the prey, but it's worth trying leaving it and if that works, even better.

2. Hook training = persistence and confidence and reading the snake. Keep working with with handling and hook should be used every time you are taking him out. Get to know when he's out of food mode.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...ead-with-Video

3. Make sure there is no food smell on your hands, arms, etc.


I have one final thought.

If he nailed you when you picked him up, and let go quick, it might not have been a food bite, but a I didn't want to be picked up, or you scared me, bite.

He's still young and getting used to handling, so that's possible, and again, is a read your snake situation.