How can I tell if my Red tail boa will strike?

Question

I recently got a red tail boa. It was already 6 years old and 6 feet long when I got it. Ever since we got it (a week about) It will not let us hold it. Its curling up and behind its head is going into an "s" shape. I was wondering if that "S" shape truly means that he will strike or that he is just normal. He's a wonderful snake but I want to be able to hold it as well? Any ideas/help???

Answer 1

Well, the person I bought mine from told me that when you have 30+ razor sharp teeth in your arm, then he might bite. You may not be able to handle it at all, at least, not without a python hook. http://tongs.com/pythonhook.aspx. They are normally okay once you get them out of the cage. Mine is about 4' and he gets into the "s" bend almost every time I try to get him out. I just grab him. If you have Germ-Ex then you can use that before you try to hold him, and he shouldn't bite or strike. They really don't like smell of the alcohol, so they won't strike. Just make sure your hands don't smell like rats. I did that once, and trust me, it is better to learn from someone else's mistakes. I didn't get bit, but it was so close. I hope this helps you.

Answer 2

snakes give many warnigs before they strike they almost always curl up and dont want to be held and  they rise there head up slowly and in a split sercond uv ben bite

Answer 3

It means that the snake is active and alert. From this position the snake is ready to strike if it determines that what is coming at it is food or a threat. Most Boa constrictors are quite docile once held.

A few things that I suggest.

A snake hook

Heavy leather gloves (welder gloves are great they cover the fore arm)

In the mean time you can use a towel or pillow case to throw over its head before picking it up.

Answer 4

every snake is different..but there is really no "sure" way of knowing when a snake will strike. if you watch it, and learn its movements, and the position its in when it strikes its food, it may give you an idea. did the last owner hand tame it? i wouldnt want a snake that large, not being tame. you may have to open its cage slowly, and grab it really quick behind its head taking care not to harm it. and then hold its body with your other hand. if the snake was not hand tame and paid attn to by the last owner, i wouldnt even try to hold it.

Answer 5

my red tail allot of times has that ss shape going but has not struck me. Usually they will hiss before they strike. But all snakes are different. Don't be afraid of him. He can sense fear. If it will make you feel safer put on a pair of leather gloves when you try and pick him up.

Hope this helps.

If I can help any further please let me know.

Answer 6

i used to have a ball python which will get about the same size as a red tailed boa like yours but  like the other guy said all snakes are different..i think from previous experiences NEVER feed your red tailed boa in his cage were he sleeps very bad thing..because if you go to pick him up he might thinks that your hand is food and might bight it...if your snake head is up that means he is interested in you. if his tounge  is out there is like a 10% chance or less that he will go for you or even less of a chance if your dont feed him in his cage thats good less of a chance he will go for you..you feed him in his cage more of a chance he will go for you