Changing colors?

[ChloeTrahan82]

So ive been reading on the threads that different snakes turn colors with there temperments and i was noticing a couple boa posting about it. My baby girl redtail boa is the sweetest, and i handle her a lot and shes even been rough around by one of my friends and she didnt attemp to strike or anything, just got a little fast with her movements. what i was going to ask, my fiancee is a little timid about her even though i bought her for him, is there any waning signs for redtails when they arent wanting to be handled LIKE the changing colors or do they just stay the colors they are even when aggitated? i know shes not an aggressive snake, but i understand and know a little more about snakes then my fiancee, but just to look for cause hes the type if she strikes hes going to be afraid of her at that point on

[Will0W783]

I've never heard of red-tailed boas changing their colors. Some scrub pythons, diamond pythons, and certain reticulated python morphs are capable of photochromatic changes; meaning their color varies from day to night. But it is more in tune with the time of day and not so much the animal's mood. Chameleons change color based on mood, but snakes generally do not.

That being said, there are warning signs that can clue you into your snake being less than happy. If it begins to tighten its hold on you, it is feeling insecure and tense. A hiss is a dead giveaway. But the best indication is body posture. A snake that is feeling defensive or aggressive will hold its head and neck in a tense "S" shape. This contracts the muscles to give it the maximum strike range. If you see this posture, your snake wants to be left alone.

One way of dealing with smaller snakes that are routinely aggressive is to put a pair of gloves on, and flatten your gloved hand out completely. Lower it down on top of the snake's head and just gently press its head down. Snakes that are battling will try to pin each others' heads down, so GENTLY pinning your snake down with your hand is a natural body language they can generally interpret. I saw that method on a You Tube video and it actually works. I use it with my white-lipped pythons, who are very cage aggressive. Once they've been approached this way though, they are calmer and tractable. However, I'm not sure if repeated simulations of "losing" could do anything to the snake's psyche. I do not have to do it very often with my white-lippeds..once every few months, if that.

[marvelfreak]

Some blood python color will changes slightly with their mood. Diamond Pythons blush. Which is when they get excited the white on them turns pink. Like when we blush and our face turns red.

[Feebo]

Yeah my big Jungle Jaguar Carpet goes from yellow to bright pink when I feed him. I think that`s just the blood showing through his light coloured sclaes but it is a big old colour change! Not exactly a mood thing though. My Bloods head goes from grey to ashen pink aswell but that`s just from morning to evening...

[ChloeTrahan82]

I've never heard of red-tailed boas changing their colors. Some scrub pythons, diamond pythons, and certain reticulated python morphs are capable of photochromatic changes; meaning their color varies from day to night. But it is more in tune with the time of day and not so much the animal's mood. Chameleons change color based on mood, but snakes generally do not.

That being said, there are warning signs that can clue you into your snake being less than happy. If it begins to tighten its hold on you, it is feeling insecure and tense. A hiss is a dead giveaway. But the best indication is body posture. A snake that is feeling defensive or aggressive will hold its head and neck in a tense "S" shape. This contracts the muscles to give it the maximum strike range. If you see this posture, your snake wants to be left alone.

One way of dealing with smaller snakes that are routinely aggressive is to put a pair of gloves on, and flatten your gloved hand out completely. Lower it down on top of the snake's head and just gently press its head down. Snakes that are battling will try to pin each others' heads down, so GENTLY pinning your snake down with your hand is a natural body language they can generally interpret. I saw that method on a You Tube video and it actually works. I use it with my white-lipped pythons, who are very cage aggressive. Once they've been approached this way though, they are calmer and tractable. However, I'm not sure if repeated simulations of "losing" could do anything to the snake's psyche. I do not have to do it very often with my white-lippeds..once every few months, if that.

wow this is great advice. i would have never known this. shes actually been sitting in her corner these last 2-3 days and when i put my hand in shes coild tight and when i touch her to pick her up she does the S thing so im glad you told me that. she hasnt stricken me but i dont want to give it a chance you know. shes a beautiful snake. also as they get older will they get more tame to you? i heard when they are young they are a little more aggressive mainly from just being hatched and being vunerable.

[ChloeTrahan82]

Thanks guys for the advice!. i know its not rocket science to care for a snake but i love learning so much about them. they are so fascenating.

[Feebo]

They will chill out as they get older yes. Do make sure they have plenty of hides though, not just one. I give all my snakes a good few places to hide, the more at ease they feel the calmer they`ll be. Avoid restraining them in any way when you handle them, stay away from the head end. Make sur you`ve got a good hold of them, the most common reason for Boa bites is that they think they`re going to fall. Obviously don`t handle food and THEN the snake. Don`t over handle either, if you`re getting them out every day that`s going to leave them a little stressed also. Good luck :) Boas are beautiful snakes aren`t they! I have a real soft spot for them...

[Jenn_06]

RTB dont change colors but they do get darker in color after feeding, about to shed and sometimes when they are cold.