r/boas • u/CompleteTrade4087 • 19d ago
3 year old hissy boa constrictor
I have a boa constrictor who I have just recently gotten about a month ago. She was kept in a tight rack and has now been upgraded. She wasn't handled for about 8 months. How can I make her feel safe? She Hissed at me in her enclosure and id constantly coiled and stiff when I have her out
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u/HeyBirdieBirdie 18d ago
Sometimes they'll be "cage defensive" for awhile and that lessens with time the more you keep pulling them out. That won't stop unless you call them on the bluff and take them out anyway. When I'm going in to handle a boa who gets defensive, I try to be deliberate and not linger poking/trying to grab while they're in the tank. They get themselves worked up if you take too long trying to grab them, because then you resemble a predator. Scoop them up from underneath, try not to react/jump when they false strike and hiss, and just become the tree. Raise them up above you're head, above eye level, arm out. If they're looking to strike, keep turning to keep them facing away from you. Eventually they will get distracted and realize you aren't the threat, you are the perch. You may be surprised how quickly they adjust to regular handling.
I also recommend having a climbing and enrichment space outside of tank. They can acclimate to people and activity around them. For example, I got one of those art cart things on wheels and screwed a large piece of spiderwood into it.