How to tame a brb?

ben_cincy · 01-17-18, 05:05 PM

I have had a rainbow boa since she was a few months old (2015) , she was perfect and very nice and the past few months all she wants to do is bite me. She will be calm and collect and randomly start to bite me then go back and being nice again when held ,

https://imgur.com/a/ON38P

DJC Reptiles · 01-17-18, 05:18 PM

Rainbow boas have a intermediate temperament. There are good days and bad days. They will never be as nice as a ball python but usually tolerate handling every once in a while. Try to handle your snake at least 5 times a week while giving your snake the day when it feeds and another day off for break. Be aware your going to get bit probably a lot, handle for a minimum of 10 min. But a maximum of 30min, until she gets comfortable. This should at least get her into a routine, but some BRBs never stop with the behavior completely.

Jim Smith · 01-17-18, 07:49 PM

One of my BRB exhibited the same behavior. He went from laid back to constantly in striking pose looking for an opportunity to bite me. I started to handle him twice a week for about 10 minutes at a time. I always moved very slowly and let him "crawl" through my hands until he settled down. I would use the back of my hand to give him support as he crawled so he never felt that I was grabbing him or restricting him. It has now been months since he has offered to bite. I will continue these acclimation sessions as he matures so make sure that he does not revert to his biting.