HELP WITH NEW BCI!

[Chaos_in_1983!]

I just got my BCI about 4 days ago, it's about 32 inches long, but she's way too aggressive, everytime I get near it it starts hissing like crazy, i've been told to handle her for about 15 min per each day to let it get used to me, well I've been getting her out of her cage with a shirt, because every time I get her out she get's weeweeed, and start hissing and tries to bite me, I've been bitten like 5 times now. What can I do to calm her down?
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	Boa Constrictor Imperator Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor imperator). Most common is the Colombian Boa.

[Chaos_in_1983!]

I've got some pics of it, how can I post them on the forum?
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[XzyluM]

Daily handling should eventually calm her down. You seem to be on the right track handling her about 15 minutes a day. Continue to move up handling her about 30 minutes a day and so on. Be patience, it may take time. However, there are some snakes they will always have an attitude no matter how hard you work with them. I just read about you only having her for a few days. You should let her settle into her new environment for a week or so, she could more than likely be stressed.

[XzyluM]

About posting your pictures, you will need to have them hosted on a site that allows linking. Most free sites do not allow this. The site also has an hosting service that isn't a bad option either. Once you have your pictures uploaded, just click the IMAGE button below and type or paste the full link to the image. All should go well. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]
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[hostensteffa]

First off, welcome to Reptilehaven. One thing that generally seems to work with about any species of animals, boas included; is to take a t-shirt that you have worn for a day or so, and put it in with the animal. It will get used to the scent and Identify it with a friendly place. Therefore making you a nice friendly place and not food. Another one of the more obvious ways is to make sure you do not smell like any type of "fuzzy" animal. Generally washing your hands will solve this one.

As far as the pictures are concerned, first you have to have a place to host your pictures (if you need a place, send me a private message and I can put them on my web server for you) and then you just click the image button below and it will bring up a pop up box. Just insert the url and there ya go
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[deadboy]

What i did when i got the queen of all mean snakes and she was big was covered her cage for a week because i couldnt even walk in the room without her hitting the glass ont he cage. After that i left the cage uncovered and she started to calm down but still wouldnt let me touch her, I would open the cage every day and stick my hand in there for her to smell me. Eventually i started getting braver and when she would his i would come from her back and lift up her tail and slowly make my way to her neck section to lift her and handle her for about 10-15 minutes. I have had her for about a month now and she doesnt even his anymore and is just so sweet. It just takes time and commitment. But i believe that all snakes can be calmed down with enought TLC.
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[Chaos_in_1983!]

Thanks for all your fast and helpful replies. Well it's been a day now, and I can see she's a little calmer, she's not hissing at me when I enter the room and she's not striking the glass when I'm near it, so I guess there's been progress. I'm gonna try putting a worn t-shirt with it, I hope it helps.

It is very hard for me to get mice because they don't sell them in pet shops over here, I'll have to breed some, but I haven't found them yet. It was last fed the day I got it, so I still have a couple of days before I have to feed her again, what can I feed her istead of mice while I get them?

One more thing, I don't know it's age, it there a way to determine this? and how can I know what sex it is?

About the pics hostensteffa, how do I send you a private message? I'd love to share my new baby with you guys.

Thanks again for all your helpful advise. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]
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[stretch]

You got most of your questions answered already, but the thing I was concerned about is you said you got the snake 4 days ago and you' ve been trying to hold it. That could be the reason why your snake is so mean you should at least leave the snake alone for a week or a little more. Then try to hold it after a week or so. Thats just my .02 on your dilemma. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]
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[XzyluM]

As long as your boa is healthy, then a missed meal will not hurt it. Have you considered ordering online. There is several sites that offer quality feeders at great prices. Are you plan on feeding live? I would recommend you feed frozen-thawed or fresh-killed prey only. The most accurate way to determine the sex of your snake is to have it probed. This needs to be done by an experienced person only.
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[kyleontheweb]

I would agree about feeding your snake frozen/thawed or fresh killed prey. It is much safer for the snake, and cheaper and more convienent for you. Particularly, since you can't buy mice near you, this should be a good option. I have three snakes, and I feed all of them frozen/thawed mice or rats. I personally like to buy them from Rodentpro , but that is totally up to you.
There are several ways that people like to thaw them. I usually use a heat light about a foot above the prey item until thoroughly thawed and warm.

Good luck!
~Kyle
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[Redtail4Me]

lol when i first got my BCI he was a nippy little bugger. It took about a month for him to calm down then after that an occasional head lash would come out when I held him. I clamly took time with him increasing my handling time every so often, now hes a little wimpy that like being cuddled. g/l with your BCI [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]
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	Boa Constrictor Imperator Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor imperator). Most common is the Colombian Boa.