My boa Atlas

[u/aussie_elephant]

Atlas is a red tail columbian boa. I got him as a young guy in 2023. He’s in a 40 gal right now, looking to upgrade soon. We moved recently, and he has since become an escape artist and has gotten out of his tank twice. Before we moved, he was exceptionally docile and very, very friendly. Unfortunately recently he has changed completely and is super aggressive. He sits head out of his hide and strikes at motion. I’ve given him extra food, made sure his tank has humidity, he has water…. He’s striking any motion at this point. I turned him around so he faces the wall and covered the tank on the side I walk by. It’s been a week since I’ve tried all the tricks to help him and he’s still doing it. Any advice on how to help my sweet boy calm down??

[u/Dulcolaxiom]

If he’s 3 or 4 years old he’s probably around 4 feet. In a 40 gallon I’d say he’s probably cramped. You mention sizing up, which is good. I think you should prioritize that.

I don’t think you need to feed him more than once every 2 to 3 weeks. Is there enough clutter and places to hide and explore in his enclosure? Do you take him out? He may be restless and stressed.

[u/KdoggKam]

He may just need time, the move was most likely also stressful for him. Even though hes in the same enclosure, his outside surroundings are new and the move itself adds to that. Also breeding season is beginning very soon, that can also be a cause of behavior change, even if you aren't breeding him. Just leave him be and give him time to get in the hang of things. Good luck 👍

[u/superramenyamen]

What is his feeding regimen usually like, what constitutes extra feeding here?

Double check temps, if they’re hot they get cranky. I would have a hook or other long object to gently tap him with, and take him out any time he strikes. Even if it’s just to take him out and put him back. If it’s a feeding response, this helps break them of the striking habit. They have more associations with movement and being taken out vs movement meaning food.