after feeding

Boafan9876 · 01-25-11, 12:03 AM

I fed my red tail boa about three to four day ago and I went to get him out todat and he hissed and opened his mouth. He didn't try and strike or anything I was just wondering why this is. Do they get aggressive after they just ate? I gave him a small rat and I usually give him a large mouse I don't if that would make a difference.

Ch^4 · 01-25-11, 12:24 AM

He could've just been in a cranky mood. Three to four days is a perfectly reasonable time for him to digest his meal (unless the meal was way too big).

Is he starting his shed cycle? Any changes in temps or humidity? Maybe he was startled prior to you trying to remove him? These could all trigger a behavioral change, especially if he's never done this before.

shaunyboy · 01-25-11, 07:32 AM

as said 3 or 4 days is ample for him to digest and get himself out of feeding mode

it could be he just did not fancy human interaction that day or is heading into shed

after feeding i don't go into my carpet tanks for 24 hours to let them get out of feeding mode

i don't handle for 3 days after feeding to allow digestion

when taking him out don't ditter about or show nervousness as they pick up on it and tend to get defencively bitey

just walk right up to the tank go right in and pick him up and out the tank

have you asked his last owner what he was like regards handling ???

cheers shaun

Boafan9876 · 01-25-11, 02:25 PM

Yeas the previous owner said he was real snappy at first but when I got him he said he calmeded down a lot and stoped striking

NennaMeerkat · 01-25-11, 02:27 PM

Could be his new home, feeling just a bit nervous still but not so nervous that he won't eat.

Boafan9876 · 01-25-11, 05:19 PM

How often do they go into shed he's about six months old now

Reptile_Reptile · 01-25-11, 05:38 PM

it depends on the snake but in general young snakes shed about once a month sometimes even twice and older snakes tend to shed less because they arent growing so fast

Ch^4 · 01-25-11, 05:39 PM

How often they go into shed depends on a number of parameters such as age, prey size and frequency, genetics, species, etc.

My 7.5 month old JCP sheds about every 21-23 days, my 6 year old BP about every 4-6 weeks, my 1.5 year old Cali King about every 3-5 weeks, etc. (Too many others to name off the top of my head.)

presspirate · 01-25-11, 05:43 PM

I would almost bet that snake will shed soon. In my experience, boa's are particularly cranky around that time of the month.

Boafan9876 · 01-25-11, 05:51 PM

Thanks everyone he must be going into shed. He shed about a month ago and he does appear to be getting darker. I jus didn't realize they could shed so often.

Thanks everyone

Boafan9876 · 01-25-11, 05:53 PM

Thanks everyone he must be going into shed. He shed about a month ago and he does appear to be getting darker. I jus didn't realize they could shed so often.

Thanks everyone