Handling large boas, any tips?

JJshiv · #1 (**permalink**) 03-19-2003, 07:41 PM

My BCI is starting to get some real weight on her. Shes probly 6 ft. and is realizing she has the strength to basically go where she wants if she really wants to. Once I get her out of her cage shes fine and seems to relax cmpletely although she has always been an active boa moving around usually when handled. I guess Im mainly looking for tips in taking her out of her enclosure. Its a 432 vision so its pretty deep. When I reach in to get her I try to support her, but shes gettin big enough that its kind of hard to completely support her. She hates when I try to pull her closer to me so I was wondering how most of you with larger boas approach your snake when first trying to take them out.
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Ravnos · #2 (**permalink**) 03-19-2003, 07:50 PM

Maybe we need a step-by-step photo collage of someone reaching into a cage, and then being mauled by a 7' BCI. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

What I do is basically just make sure I have the head end controlled, and the bulkiest part of the body supported the most, and then kind of let them do their thing. I do the same with large burms... all you can do is really just make sure you have the bulk of the weight and then let them go about their business, shifting yourself as necessary. For intial removal from cage, I usually do a nose tap to stop them from coming up and trying to eat me, and then grab the bulk and heft. Sorry... very hard to describe, I just do. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Rav
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MTB Mamba · #3 (**permalink**) 03-19-2003, 08:52 PM

a nose tap? care to explain a little more? This doesnt upset the snake at all?
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Stormyva · #4 (**permalink**) 03-19-2003, 09:19 PM

Here is what I do....
I reach in with an open flat hand and put it on top of and to the back of the snake's head tolet her know it's me and not food or something to else. Then I move my hands to the snakes underside and pull it towards the front of the cage then get a better grip to support the heaviest part of the snake and the head. Then I lift her out of the cage.
This has worked for me for all of my snakes with the exception of the ATB (that is a whole different story [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]) My snakes are all docile so I dont know if my method will work with an aggressive snake, I am sure one of the more experienced bunch will come along to elaborate.
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Ravnos · #5 (**permalink**) 03-19-2003, 09:27 PM

Nose tap is a method I've used with all of my large constrictors, almost always, as soon as I start fiddling with the lock on their cage, they are right there waiting for me to open it. I crack it a bit, reach in quickly and bap them on the nose. Not hard, just enough so they know there is no food coming. Once they flinch back, thats when I proceed to remove them from the cage. I don't really know if it works, but I've never been bitten by a large snake since I started doing it. *knock on wood* [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Rav
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dlamphere · #6 (**permalink**) 03-19-2003, 10:05 PM

Man, that would #$%^&#$%^&#$%^&#$%^& mine off. I tapped him on the nose once by mistake and that is the only time I thought I was going to get bit. The most he has EVER hissed at me...lol. You will not catch me tapping his nose before handling him. I'm just talking about my snake if it works,,,,go for it.
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BadKarma · #7 (**permalink**) 03-19-2003, 11:34 PM

stormy we've got a hand full of biggins we'll let you come try to just lay your hands on. We would be sure to get a line of mauling pix. My suggestions are as follows, 1) have a second person there when possible for assistance. 2) I also use the nose tap method. 3) I use the hook and tail method. to do this you get a good size snake hook and hook them about a third of the way back from there head. You then reach down and pick up the animal just over half way to about two-thirds the way back from the head. Lift with your hand and the hook. 4) When all else fails get as profane as possible. It really doesn't help the situation any but it does make me feel better. LOL [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_cool.gif[/img]
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JJshiv · #8 (**permalink**) 03-20-2003, 12:12 AM

Thanks for the replies. I dont think my girl would appreciate the nose tap thing, haha. I wouldnt call her aggresive, but I would call her independent or something like that. She doesnt like to be messed with so the nose tap wouldnt work. The only time she bit me was when I was moving and I was settin up her cage while she was sittin in my backpack or something liek that. I guess she liked it in there cuz when I pulled her out WHAP she nailed me. She was about 4 ft then. I guess Ive been doing it right if what you guys say is the way to do it. I have a hook I use sometimes just so I dont make myself vulnerable when reaching into the back of the 3 ft deep cage.
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Ed_r · #9 (**permalink**) 03-20-2003, 12:49 AM

Now i don't consider myself a hookwuss. But i do use one specially on feeding day. I dont necessarily use the hook to pick up the snake, but to touch it first to test their mood out. Or to adjust the body position so i can get a better grip without sacrificing my hand.

I take all my snakes out tail first. Support the body well. Make sure the snake feels secure in your hands and there really wont be any problem.
The only snakes I use head restraint on is the Amazons. Then i just quickly grasp them behind the head and then I have total control over them.
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