TABOO --- Blew it!

[DianeOr]

Tonite I got Taboo out --- AGAIN---- [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img] I sat down in the chair to have a nice QUIET time with her for 1/2 hour---- [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img] But within 5 minutes of slow-petting she started to move around. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_confused.gif[/img] Then she started to move more, trying to get away from me.... [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_cry.gif[/img] Then she started to show her power and moving faster!!!! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_mad.gif[/img] Ok,,,,,, scared me,,,, back to the cage! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_cry.gif[/img] Then she moved real fast to the top before I could get the top back on! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_evil.gif[/img] I used a book in her face to make her recoil back down and got the lid on......I win.....But WE lose... [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_cry.gif[/img] I wanted to 'BOND' with her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_cry.gif[/img] I feed her on the 8th= 2 small rats. Is she getting hungry, U think?? [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_confused.gif[/img] Or does she want to be away from me or just be living under the couch? "She won the battle........but I will win the war!" [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_razz.gif[/img] Tomorrow I thought I would take her outside, but that's on the back burner! If she scared me bad enough I might drop her and she could go thru the deck and get to the creek never to be seen again....except by the owls at night!....STUPID GIRL! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_mad.gif[/img] [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img] Sorry this is so long, but I'am frustrated!!!!!!!!!!!! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img] P.S. Just checked on her, she's in the dark, on the bottom, looking up saying,"What did I do wrong?" [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img]
[addsig]

[Reticu-Lady]

Sounds like you may need to take it back a step, maybe do the in the cage petting thing you started with. You know, rebuild your confidence a bit. I would not take her outside yet if you are still nervous, just take it one little step at a time. Once you are 100% comfortable on the couch with her, then try outside. I just hate to see all that hard work go down the drain from pushing yourself too hard. You have plenty of time, you and Taboo are young yet, take it slow and easy so you both enjoy it. No reason to add any stress in your life, there's enough of that already without trying to push too hard to have fun. My adult snakes get so active outside, the same snakes that are so mellow inside are quite adventuresome outside. If Taboo is that way, she will really make you nervous.
I know you will win the war, you are too determined not to. I am still very proud of you. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]
[addsig]

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[DianeOr]

Thank you JM or RL, why do you think she acted like that tonite? [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_cry.gif[/img]
[addsig]

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[natas]

I think you should also try to find someone around your area that is used to holding snake's to be there with you for the first few times. It always helps and makes you feel more comfy when you see someone else holding a snake [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img] That's what I do around my friends that are afraid to hold a snake. I take mine out and once they see me holding it for a while they get comfy [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]
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[DianeOr]

Natas, I don't know any ladies at the church that are Grandmas, who have snakes!!!!!!!! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_lol.gif[/img] [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_lol.gif[/img] [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_lol.gif[/img] Remember I am snake-sitting for my son, who is 31. My hubby is always close by. He came running when I said she was trying to get out. He is happy that I am trying... [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img]
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[bewSi]

Dian0r - This is my advice and I'm sorry if you think its kind of harsh since it probably is. First off, you picked a rather large snake to break your fear with. I advice you to go buy a 10 gallon tank and a small-medium cornsnake, let him grow with you and so on. And trust me, you WILL eventually get bitten by your RTB as I dont know anyone yet who hasnt been nailed atleast once. The down side of that is once he hisses, strikes or bites you you will lose your nerve to deal with him, and thats bad for his care. That's probably the #1 reason people like LORI stay in business with adoptions. Heck, you could even start with a baby BCI..their bite is nothing to worry about, but it will prepare you for the road ahead as he gets larger.

Secondly, I do NOT advice 'petting' him in his cage. Most snakes will strike quicker in their cage than in the open since you're bothering them on their turf. Another point to that is, as much as some people will dissagree.. snakes dont really care to be 'petted' like dogs. They are fine to handle, but allow the snake to do its own thing. Just keep your hands in motion so he cant get away, but its risky once you start pulling him around against his will.

I only came out and spoke my mind because I dont want to see something happen I've seen over and over; get nailed and stop performing the proper care needed to keep a large reptile. When you take a snake out of its natural habitat, it becomes your responsibility to give it everything it needs. I have 2 monitor Lizards right now. One is a 3.5ft Savannah monitor that is pretty tame and the other is a mean 4ft bluetailed monitor. However, my Savannah will tear your hand off if he's hungry as he has a VERY agressive feeding responce. And to be honest, I'm not afraid to deal with him or handle him.. but I do NOT want to be bitten by him because they dont let go and would hurt like #$%^&#$%^&#$%^&#$%^& compared ot a large boid. But, thats a risk I have to take by keeping an animal like this. See my point? [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Sean
[addsig]

	Boa Constrictor Imperator Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor imperator). Most common is the Colombian Boa.

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[reptilemama]

Bewsi, back of a little. Diane didn't get this snake by choice, and she's doing everything she can for her. At least she's trying! And since it's technically her son's snake, I don't think she can just find it a new home! Diane, I think you're doing great. I do think it's possible Taboo may have been hungry. Maybe a 10 day feeding schedule would be right for her. But most of mine do like to explore while they are out, so she may have just wanted to go see what else was around. Take your time, and maybe try holding her while she's still in her cage. That way if you get nervous you can just put her down without having to get back to the cage. Or have your husband there so he can take her from you, if he'll agree to it. I don't think this is a major setback, just a little hiccup. You can do it, we know you can! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] Good luck!

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[Jack_Daniels]

Diane, try this... Do you like cats?.. Ever notice how cats are pretty much 'solitare' but dont mind some occasional 'hands on'?... Snakes are the same.. usually the snake 'feeds' off your actions, and you 'feed' off the snakes... so things "escilate" step by step... Ive notice with snakes, especially boas, they're kind of set in there 'ways', meaning if under the couch is where they're wanting to go, its where they're going... I always tell people, dont 'move' the snake...'direct' it.. know what I mean?.. Its like dealing with a picky 'grandson' for example [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img] You have to in a subtle way, get 'it' to want to go where you want it to go...'subliminally'... All in all, just be real slow, and gentle....and try not to bump or move real quick around 'its' head... aka...dont give it anything to get worked up about....and it wont get worked up [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]
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[Jack_Daniels]

..............and one other thing I forgot.. I'd recommend against taking tab outside for the time being.. sunlight has this 'effect' about it, that makes reptiles really come to life.. Alot of times they get really energetic and 'fiesty'.. So once handling him indoors is no prob, outside would make a nice 'step up'...
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[bensnacks]

Blew-it.....No Way Diane!
Your doin' fine!
You can't control what 'mood' Taboo is going to
be in ,or where he wants to go although you
may be able to 'guide' him like Jack said.

If my snakes behave like that when I take
them out just to 'hang out ' w/ me ,just coz thats
what I feel like doin don't mean they do ,no biggie
back they go.
Sometimes I use that behaviour to exercise my
snakes ,put them in the middle of the lawn outside
& let him go for a run dragging him back to the middle
if he gets close to something he shouldn't.

Don't sweat it Diane your doin' great!! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]
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