Quote Originally Posted by olivv View Post
Your information was very helpful by the way, thank you for that. I've come to the conclusion that being bit really wouldn't be that bad. Painful, but temporary and just an instinctual reaction to fear on the snakes behalf- I can't blame them. I'm twice their size and I can see how that could be threatening to animals that otherwise live in complete solitude.

He's a big love normally, or has been anyway. I think I'll pick up a snake hook and take your advice on that one. Do you feed yours at night, if not, when?

Also, when I'm unwrapping him I think I might be too gentle. I don't want to hurt him, he's just so incredibly strong.
See above on the hook training. You don't need a hook, just any long(ish) object you can be consistent with.

Very doubtful you hurt him! He will let you know if you are making him uncomfortable, but if you uncoil tail first and are firm but cautious and consistent, I do not think you will hurt him. You'd really have to try frankly. Just don't yank too hard below the vent on his tail. You want to uncoil it gently there and then you can uncoil there rest of his body.

Boa bites are subjective but rarely require any major intervention, even at size.

I do feed at night and handle during the day 95% of the time. This helps avoid confusion as does the hook training.

Bottom line a bite isn't good for anyone, snake included, but yes, there are many worse things. Wrestling with my little Shih Tzu usually creates much more pain for me than any snake bite I've gotten, or would get, but it's less scary .

You are welcome and keep the questions coming (if you have more).