Asked on the Snake Forum by chris on 8/19/01, 7:10 pm
Q: boa handling
I have a new colum. red-tail boa..she is easily handled but how and where can I handle her now that she seems comfortable with me...ie. can I let her on the ground or on tables, chairs, bed etc. or should I just keep her in my hands, can I let her near my face/head, and are there any other ideas for spending "quality time" with her? I have been holding her for approx. 10-15 minutes each day or every other day. I have had this snake about a month now and I need some good ideas. Thanks, by the way this is my first snake.
Answered by reptilemama on 8/19/01, 7:27 pm
A: RE: boa handling
> I have a new colum. red-tail boa..she is easily
> handled but how and where can I handle her now
> that she seems comfortable with me...ie. can I let
> her on the ground or on tables, chairs, bed etc.
> or should I just keep her in my hands, can I let
> her near my face/head, and are there any other
> ideas for spending "quality time" with her? I have
> been holding her for approx. 10-15 minutes each
> day or every other day. I have had this snake
> about a month now and I need some good ideas.
> Thanks, by the way this is my first snake.
>
Feel free to let her cruise around on your bed or whatever, just keep in mind that snakes can squeeze into just about any hole, so don't take your eyes off her, and make sure you can gently guide her to where you want her to go. My colombians love to just "hang out" with me while I'm watching TV or on the computer. I don't think I'd let her on the ground outside until she is a little larger and slower. The little ones are pretty fast, and you don't want to take a chance on her finding a hole to get into, or a crow or bluejay deciding she looks like lunch. Mine like to go outside while I sit on my deck, and sometimes will hang out on the railing. Keep in mind she should not be handled for a couple days after feeding, and during a shed. Have fun with her!
Answered by reptileshelter on 8/19/01, 7:52 pm
A: RE: boa handling
> I have a new colum. red-tail boa..she is easily
> handled but how and where can I handle her now
> that she seems comfortable with me...ie. can I let
> her on the ground or on tables, chairs, bed etc.
> or should I just keep her in my hands, can I let
> her near my face/head, and are there any other
> ideas for spending "quality time" with her? I have
> been holding her for approx. 10-15 minutes each
> day or every other day. I have had this snake
> about a month now and I need some good ideas.
> Thanks, by the way this is my first snake.
>
Hi Chris,
Boas are great snakes!
They can (!!!) be cranky , so I would not let them near my face without keeping an eye on them...
There is NO way to tame them ; you can only get them used to being handled by humans.
They will always be "wild" animals and NOT pets , like dogs or cats !
When you let her go around in your house , make sure that she can not fall.
I asume you do not have any other animals in the house.
Please do NOT handle her when she has to shed her skin ( blue / or smoky eyes ) and when you fed her (atleast 48 hours).
Keep in mind that reptiles CAN have deseases that could be transfered through contact , so you'll have to avoid the snake to reach areas where you eat/prepare food and wash your hands before/after handling.
Regards,
Rob Dumont
http://www.reptielenopvang.nl
email: info@reptielenopvang.nl
