| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| parks |
Posted - 14/09/2010 : 18:40:54
hey everyone.. my names craig, or ''parks'' whichever you prefer to call me.. i am only a matter of days away before i purchase my brazilian rainbow boa, and i must say, im alittle nervous since its gona be my very first snake. im buy one around 4-5 months old, not sure if it will have been handled much but i will ask. but can anyone give me any words of confidence about owning one of these beautiful creatures. im told to be ''expectant'' of afew ''nips'' when young are first being handled? how would be the best way to handle my snake when young? |
| 3 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Snakesitter |
Posted - 15/09/2010 : 20:43:02
If you've done regular handling, and *listened* to your snake to gain its trust, the odds are stacked in your favor. That said, a few animals never develop full trust (one of my two-year olds still tries to "run" from me), and on rare occasions that will be expressed as biting (which she did once, several times in a row, when I tried to pick her up for a second time the same night). This is, however, much more uncommon than stories would have you believe. You were thoughtful enough to ask and plan in advance, so I'm sure you'll be fine. :-) |
| parks |
Posted - 15/09/2010 : 16:51:58
thanks for that snakesitter.. i will take your advice on board. however, once the snake gets into adulthood, and around 4-5ft in length, i dont think i will be able to help myself but get nervous when holding it, or do you think that by this time, the snake will have trust in me and will not even think about attacking me? since i will have had him/her from afew months old? |
| Snakesitter |
Posted - 14/09/2010 : 22:52:25
Hi Craig/Parks!
Yes, you will absolutely get nipped at first. Baby Brazilians are one of the nippiest critters on the planet. To them, everything is either a potential threat (and must be driven off) or a potential meal (and must be attacked). With regular handling, however, your baby should calm down and become a good pet. As a general rule, babies bite often, juveniles occasionally, and adults rarely, once they get to know and trust you. That said, I got nailed by one of my adults -- one I did not raise, which be part of the problem -- just this morning!
As for tips specific to your case: as a new arrival, let your snake recover from its move and adjust to its new home for a few days before even starting to handle. In fact, I'd get him/her to eat at least once before starting the handling process. Wait two or three days past that, and then start handling it for short periods, say five minutes a day to start. Your snake will let you know its comfort level (or lack thereof) by its behavior. Does it stay balled up? Does it try and "run" away? Or does it slowly and calmly explore you and its surroundings? Do this on a regular basis (except for two-three days after feeding, of course!) and you will soon have a much tamer pet.
Hope this helps, |
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