Sort of a dumb question

[snakelet]

So I've been researching and debating, and researching more, wanting to find the exact right snake to be my first boa. I've looked into BRB's so far, but the caging requirements are a bit big for my tastes (though I can work around it if I have to). Anways, I've been doing a little reading about ATBs and they sound really very cool. Something about having a snake you can actually SEE most of the time, rather than one that hides all day. I understand they are more work to take care of than your average snake, but that is what I would like. I'm obvoiusly not going to go jumping into anything quite yet, just wanting to gather some information.

1.) How hardy are they, and how would they handle travelling? I understand that they are fairly hardy for tree boas, but could they handle a 5-6 hour car trip twice a year? I ask because I am at university and have to move home for the summer (4 months). Would an ATB get way too stressed out by that? (Sorry if this is a dumb question, I have a huge love for keeping snakes, but don't have a place of my own, sooooo....)

2.) Do you folks handle them at all? I didn't think you could, but I've seen a few pictures of people handling babies without gloves, so they don't seem THAT nasty. (ie. The "lol" thread)

Thanks for putting up with my questions. I'd like to learn as much as possible about all my options before I buy anything. Thanks :)

Leanne

[Linds]

Originally posted by snakelet
I understand they are more work to take care of than your average snake, but that is what I would like.

They aren't difficult snakes to care for. They are really quite simple to care for - if done correctly their requirements are easy to meet, they are just less forgiving than many other species.

but could they handle a 5-6 hour car trip twice a year? I ask because I am at university and have to move home for the summer (4 months).

Shouldn't be a problem :)

Do you folks handle them at all? I didn't think you could, but I've seen a few pictures of people handling babies without gloves, so they don't seem THAT nasty.

You can handle them. If you want the best chance of getting a handleable animal, get a CBB neonate and work with it from there. Many do take quite a bit of effort to acclimate to handling. No guarantees that you will end up with a handleable snake however. These aren't big snakes but they have BIG teeth and willl use them. Regardless of temperament or size, gloves should never be used to handle any snakes.