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05-08-2007, 01:13 AM
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Newbie to RedTailBoa.net
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another red tail question
Does anyone else have a boa that is a sweet, loving creature who loves attention and spending time with you. But then will out of the blue hiss at you. I know why snakes get defensive if they feel threatened or scared, and I know that they can be cranky sometimes. It is not in Clifford's personality to be "hissy". I handle him everyday and we have a strong trusting bond. What am I doing wrong?
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05-08-2007, 07:39 AM
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Soul Doubt
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Re: another red tail question
Can you fill in a little more detail about what was going on when it happened?
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05-08-2007, 07:40 AM
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I don't say please
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Re: another red tail question
Yeah, more information is needed. Oh and pics too.  |
05-08-2007, 08:54 AM
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*Smile*
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Re: another red tail question
As stated above,more info about the circumstances when this hissing happens.It could be alot of things and after we know more I am sure you will get alot of people posting to help you and your snake if they can!There are ALOT of people here that are awesome and know what they are talking about!
Good luck  |
05-08-2007, 08:41 PM
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Newbie to RedTailBoa.net
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Re: another red tail question
The first time it happened I was feeding him in a pillow case. He is picky and won't eat in a box. I leave him in overnight on the warm end to aid in digestion and because he takes forever to eat. In the morning when I picked up the pillow case he threw a really loud and long hissy fit. The second time a was reaching in to handle him just like I always do. He hissed when he saw my hand. I can understand how both of these events on there own sound like he was startled. This snake does not get startled. I have corn snakes that startle easier than him. It is atypical. |
05-08-2007, 09:00 PM
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RTB Aficionado
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Re: another red tail question
Maybe it's not so much defensive, if you know what I mean, but a bit more mild. Like, "Whoa! What is THAT?? Oh, it's just mom's hand. False alarm." Gryphon, my sav, does that sometimes too. Hope this helps. |
05-08-2007, 09:21 PM
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I am an RTB Addict !
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Re: another red tail question
Bipolar Boa???
Just joking!
Maybe you could try not handling him every day....let him settle a bit for a few days sometimes.
I feed mine in a covered plastic "stirlite"(?) container which is semi-transparent, so they do not get a closed up, totally dark environment in which to eat. They can see me moving about fairly nearby while they are eating. Maybe it does startle him to have your hand coming down on him after he is nicely settled and peaceful and warm in his pillow case. Maybe I am wrong!
My boas are totally different in their personalities...one is calm and curious and the other is reclusive and suspicious and sometimes even aggressive. The recluse, Morpheus, I got from someone who could not deal with his temperament and so I agreed to take him. I just realize that he may always be like this.
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05-08-2007, 11:03 PM
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Newbie to RedTailBoa.net
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Re: another red tail question
Actually the bipolar boa idea did cross my mind He is usually such a sweety. Not jumpy at all. He even likes to have his cute chin rubbed like a cat... seriously... |
05-08-2007, 11:21 PM
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Professional Poop Scooper
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Re: another red tail question
Here is a crazy concept. Snakes have the brain about the size of a pebble. When something bothers them even slightly, the brain reaction time is very fast and a response may come out even if the snake is still not fully aware of the situation.
If you did not get bit I would not worry too much. Animals are animals and we can not always understand what they think or how they will react. Simply be careful and pay close attention to the warning signs. I get a hiss every now and then from all of my reptiles (never open mouth) that is just their way of communicating.
Here is some fun reading for anyone trying to understand how brains work. The test was done with humans because our behaviors are the first scientist want to understand.
ABC News: Women's Brains Better at Handling Anger
Then what will really bake your noodle is look at the r-complex and it's functions in humans then compare it to the brain of any reptile
Last edited by razeraze : 05-08-2007 at 11:23 PM.
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