Rescued Red Tail Boa

Evilina · #1 (**permalink**) 08-26-2010, 03:03 AM

On Monday of this week, my boyfriend asked me if I wanted to adopt a boa that was found by his fellow coworkers (he's a cop) in a Brooklyn park. I've always wanted a snake because they're such beautiful creatures.
While I've handled snakes before, they were always a friend's pet that I knew they were comfortable being handled. This particular snake's temperament is unknown.
My boyfriend brought it to my apartment in a pet carrier that a local shelter (that refused to take in the snake). Transferring it to the temporary tank was no problem. I let him settle into his new environment that night. Since I don't know how long he was loose in the park, I didn't know when he last ate. Tuesday night I gave him a small mouse just to be safe. He was a little reluctant to be taken out of the tank when I transferred him to and from the feeding bin, but wow did he pounce on that mouse. I'm glad I gave him a snack! I'm letting him digest tonight (Wednesday).
So here's the thing... I don't know what kind of care he had before being set loose. Owning boas is illegal in the city so I'm guessing that's why they got rid of him. Anyway, I don't know what kind of temperament he has or how he'll take to being held. Quite frankly, I'm a bit nervous.
Any advice as to the best way to approach him? I've used a snake hook to get him out of the tank and supported his body, but that was quick and not really "handling" him.
Also, what kind of temperament in general do boas, specifically the RedTail, have? Any advice will be much appreciated.

Sliding Scales · #2 (**permalink**) 08-26-2010, 03:31 AM

Sounds like you need to jump into the deep end and just get to know it. Since it has eaten, that is the biggest step. Congrats. Now you just have to be cool and get to know it. Look it over for any potential problems, such as sores, and pay close attention to see if it has mites. Put it on newspaper for awhile and watch it. Others here are smarter on mites and how to check for them than I am, but good to be safe so that they don't get on you. The best thing is the poor snake found someone that cares, and second is that that you have a cop for a boyfriend.

Its only illegal if you get caught...right?

Icicle · #3 (**permalink**) 08-26-2010, 03:39 AM

Since you just fed him a snack let him be for a couple of days, so he doesn't regurgitate it back up.
How big is s/he?
for the most part boas are fairly mellow, just don't move fast around the head

Also avoid any unnecessarily handling for a couple of weeks to get used to it's new cage and surroundings.

Finally welcome to the site.

Rachel SS · #4 (**permalink**) 08-26-2010, 03:59 AM

The first rule of thumb to know: Snakes are unpredictable so even if you go three years without this snake biting you, it can, at any time, still bite.

I would leave the snake alone for a couple of weeks. Keep it on paper towels and monitor it closely for parasites and signs of illness.

I would invest in a snake hook as well and support the boa from underneath - never grab from above. let the snake move around you and keep it away from your face!

HERPHAPPY · #5 (**permalink**) 08-26-2010, 04:01 AM

Lucky snake! Yeah, I was gonna ask how long he is too...post a picture if you can? Many snakes revert a bit when loose on the ground, meaning they are more defensive/feisty. This one is probably still hungry...? But hold off for now, let him relax and settle in... Most of us here favor feeding right in the cage, not in a side cage...it's easier and safer (you are more likely to get bit trying to transfer the snake, and the bigger he gets, the more it will matter! Plus the handling stresses many snakes, unless they are starving like yours probably was?)

Welcome to RTB!!! I hope he does well for you...and don't be shy....ask us anything!

kenyabloodstone · #6 (**permalink**) 08-26-2010, 04:08 AM

Welcome and pictures are a must! I agree with HerpHappy on everything lol. I used to feed in a side cage until my boa tried to take a chunk out of me so from then on I feed in cage I just put newspaper or cardboard down so she doesn't eat the bedding.

kenyabloodstone · #7 (**permalink**) 08-26-2010, 04:31 AM

Also I wanted to add I hope you are not feeding live that is asking for all kinds of trouble.

DiamondCreek · #8 (**permalink**) 08-26-2010, 04:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenyabloodstone

Welcome and pictures are a must! I agree with HerpHappy on everything lol. I used to feed in a side cage until my boa tried to take a chunk out of me so from then on I feed in cage I just put newspaper or cardboard down so she doesn't eat the bedding.

I've always fed my snakes either on the bathroom floor or actually in the bath tub with the exception of one occasion with my Nic. He was going through some aggressive phase, so I fed him right in his enclosure. Until Athena, the Nic was my biggest snake, and all but the Nic are perfectly tame. I was surprised to find so many "in cage feeding" proponents on this site after reading page after page of "move the snake to a feeding cage".

Have you ever had an issue with ingested bedding? I use coconut fiber and really wouldn't want one swallowing any of it. What if the snake pulls its meal off the cardboard?

Thanks for any input you may have. I'm approaching the first scheduled feeding for Athena and want to do what's best for her.

HERPHAPPY · #9 (**permalink**) 08-26-2010, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiamondCreek

....Have you ever had an issue with ingested bedding? I use coconut fiber and really wouldn't want one swallowing any of it. What if the snake pulls its meal off the cardboard?
....

Depending on the size of your snake and the vigor with which it typically grabs its prey, you can use a shallow box (or a new/clean kitty litter box, for example!) to put the food in...For some of my snakes (non-RTBs) I just turn their hide box upside down and put the food in it....they feel safe (it's semi-private!) and they don't ingest substrate! You could also do like Star does and spread a few sheets of newspaper over the cage floor...?

(good question!)

HERPHAPPY · #10 (**permalink**) 08-26-2010, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiamondCreek

I've always fed my snakes either on the bathroom floor or actually in the bath tub ......

Personally I'd be worried about the germs! I think that is asking for trouble?

DiamondCreek · #11 (**permalink**) 08-26-2010, 05:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HERPHAPPY

Personally I'd be worried about the germs! I think that is asking for trouble?

The bathroom is kept pretty clean. I also wash the tub out well when I'm done feeding...before it is used for its designed purpose again, not to mention, when I'm using the tub for feeding, I lay a clean towel in the bottom before I put the snake in. I don't really think either myself or the snakes are in any danger from each others' germs.

Stargazer · #12 (**permalink**) 08-26-2010, 05:44 AM

Here is an excellent guide to get you started.
Redtailboas.com - Amazing Boas and the Ultimate Care Guide

Sounds like you are pretty knowledgeable about handling snakes already. One thing you could do is put an old piece of your clothing in the cage to let him get used to your scent.

kenyabloodstone · #13 (**permalink**) 08-26-2010, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiamondCreek

I've always fed my snakes either on the bathroom floor or actually in the bath tub with the exception of one occasion with my Nic. He was going through some aggressive phase, so I fed him right in his enclosure. Until Athena, the Nic was my biggest snake, and all but the Nic are perfectly tame. I was surprised to find so many "in cage feeding" proponents on this site after reading page after page of "move the snake to a feeding cage".
Have you ever had an issue with ingested bedding? I use coconut fiber and really wouldn't want one swallowing any of it. What if the snake pulls its meal off the cardboard?
Thanks for any input you may have. I'm approaching the first scheduled feeding for Athena and want to do what's best for her.

I have never had a problem with ingested bedding but then again my bci has such a strong prey drive she will eat where ever I happen to hang the rat for her lol which is over the cardboard. I use a large piece of cardboard from a box or I turn her hide over (which is one of those cardboard wonderkitty litter boxes with a hole cut in it. Which I use depends on how bad she is trying to eat me through the cage lol.) and feed her there. My Ball python would drag his prey into his hide which would get bedding on it so I put a good sized glass cutting board (new with no sharp or chipped spots) under his hide (its his hot side and the glass conducts the heat well and can be removed when I clean the cage and easily sanitized) and just leave it there and put the rat on it and he goes to find it himself. Even though he dragged his prey through the bedding he has never had a problem with the little bit he may or may not have eaten but I would rather be safe than sorry hence the cutting board.

Rachel SS · #14 (**permalink**) 08-26-2010, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiamondCreek

I've always fed my snakes either on the bathroom floor or actually in the bath tub with the exception of one occasion with my Nic. He was going through some aggressive phase, so I fed him right in his enclosure. Until Athena, the Nic was my biggest snake, and all but the Nic are perfectly tame. I was surprised to find so many "in cage feeding" proponents on this site after reading page after page of "move the snake to a feeding cage".
Have you ever had an issue with ingested bedding? I use coconut fiber and really wouldn't want one swallowing any of it. What if the snake pulls its meal off the cardboard?
Thanks for any input you may have. I'm approaching the first scheduled feeding for Athena and want to do what's best for her.

I always stand there and watch my snakes eat. If a piece of bedding does get stuck, I use my tongs and pull off the substrate. I've never had an impaction issue and have been feeding in the enclosure for 5 years now.

Sakara · #15 (**permalink**) 08-26-2010, 09:09 AM

welcome! and everyone has given great advice! We deff. love pics here! So post some when you can

hehe

the little guy is very lucky to have a good home now! Just let him settle in and who knows, maybe he'll be a sweetie

Evilina · #16 (**permalink**) 08-26-2010, 01:12 PM

Thanks for the advice everyone!

Some additional info... Owning boas is perfectly legal on Long Island. I'm lucky that it was my boyfriend's precinct that brought him in.
I don't actually know what sex my new addition to my family is or how old he is, but I named him "Squish".

He's about 65inches long, maybe 5inches around. He's no baby, that's for sure.
I didn't see any mite--movement on his scales... I did however notices a long white scar down his scales about 4inches long. Poor thing!
Right now I have a temporary tank for him. We didn't know how long he was so my boyfriend had a coworker pick up a 10gallon. We plan on getting a 30gallon this weekend.
The heat lamp is on one side, the water on the other, with a little room between it and the tank wall for him to coil up. The temperature and humidity are within recommended levels. I lined the bottom with newspaper and put a layer of Ashen bedding on top of that. He's pretty much staying coiled since he explored the tank on his first night.
I did use a snake hook to lift him out of the tank. No problems there. But after eating he was definitely defensive (which I kind of expected). I don't want to wait too long before handling him. I prefer he gets to know me as soon as is advisable.
Anyhow, that's my Squish.

I kind of see him as my birthday present so I took over the setting up, transferring, and feeding. My pets have always "found me" rather than the other way around and I've been very lucky to have them. Cat named Caligula. Dog named Moxy Terror. Hope that the sweetheart-streak continues.
I'll post a picture as soon as I, um, figure out how. ;p

mnemoniclist · #17 (**permalink**) 08-26-2010, 01:37 PM

For a boa that long I'd suggest at least a 40 gallon long. Needs space to stretch out. Otherwise it's awesome your taking care of him and stuff. He should be much happier now.

HERPHAPPY · #18 (**permalink**) 08-26-2010, 02:15 PM

Yes, 30 gal is way too small. He is not gonna get any smaller either...a 60 gal. would be more like it! (You need a warm area and a cooler area so he can 'thermoregulate'.) You may want to also check out some of the professional plastic type cages too, they are popular with everyone here (though I still like/use glass tanks personally). Each type has advantages.

mnemoniclist · #19 (**permalink**) 08-26-2010, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HERPHAPPY

Yes, 30 gal is way too small. He is not gonna get any smaller either...a 60 gal. would be more like it! (You need a warm area and a cooler area so he can 'thermoregulate'.) You may want to also check out some of the professional plastic type cages too, they are popular with everyone here (though I still like/use glass tanks personally). Each type has advantages.

Yeah the more I think about it now, a 40 is small for a 5+ boa. If her or bf is handy, he could follow the plans in the tutorials for a melamine tank but modifty the plans for 6x3 or somethin like that.

DiamondCreek · #20 (**permalink**) 08-26-2010, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mnemoniclist

Yeah the more I think about it now, a 40 is small for a 5+ boa. If her or bf is handy, he could follow the plans in the tutorials for a melamine tank but modifty the plans for 6x3 or somethin like that.

The plans are really easy to follow. I'm doing a 6X2X2 with a drop front, as opposed to sliding glass. Maybe her boyfriend can get one together...not a bad idea.

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