First Snake (Colombian Boa Imperator)

[Bogertophis]

Thank you! I can't wait until he is big enough to wrap around my waist, we will definitely be out and about when the weather permits! And yea, it's already kind of tricky to put this little guy back in his enclosure. He tries everything in his power to climb back up my arm. It is funny and entertaining at the moment. I can only imagine when he is big, lol.

He definitely has a strong food response and appetite. He takes his mouse within 5-10 seconds every time and usually has it down within 5-8 minutes or so. And his strike is insane. I was not aware how fast he would slam it. Being so small, the impact is not really hard, but I can only imagine what it will be like when he is adult sized. I am using 12 inch tongs so hopefully I am good to go.

But yea, I'm happy with my decision on BCI. At 33 years old, I had never even held a snake but regardless I decided I might want one. So I went to a reptile shop a couple months back and held some BP's and BCI's. I researched as many species and as much info as I could on proper care. The Boa won me over almost immediately. The head shape and the patterns just did it for me.

And I also did not realize how calming and therapeutic handling him would end up being for me. But again, couldn't be happier with him and the start of this journey.

As he grows, so too should the length of your feeding tongs. Trust me- snakes sometimes overshoot their target for a big warm hand, lol. Or so I hear... I mostly used my 18" non-locking hemostat for feeding the boa, & still use them for my 7' rat snakes- I also have a 24" hemostat (from when I kept & fed hots- another place you don't want any mistakes!) but the length makes it awkward, not comfortable like the 18" one is. It's still good for retrieving things from a drain or behind furniture though, hahaha.

Incidentally, that's what I love about snakes too- that they're "calming & therapeutic"- when you hold them & try to convey to them that they're "safe" with you, you get the same vibes back. Snakes are not demanding pets, & don't get me wrong, I love dogs & still have one, but they're almost constantly in need of something, unlike snakes, which are also quiet. I'd say you came to the right "place".