[General Care] Any tips for a first time RTB owner?

[Renigaed]

Hey guys, I just got my little girl and she's about 5 months old. I've done all the research I could possible do on these animals, however I'd love to know if you guys have any tips for me! Maybe things you did wrong at first? Or tips you just might think may helpful.

Thank you everyone

[Joba1972]

Re: Any tips for a first time RTB owner?

Tip #1: Buy an AP or Boaphile (or similar) cage ASAP. They're the best enclosure for your animal, and if you don't due to the cost, you'll actually end up spending more money buying a series of increasingly larger tanks, and never be nearly as satisfied with their performance compared to a PVC cage.

[Noelle7206]

Re: Any tips for a first time RTB owner?

Don't feed the snake for at least a week or so after arrival, & don't handle the snake for the first couple weeks, while she settles in, takes food easily & digests it. You'll have a less-stressed snake that way, and stress
in snakes, just like in humans, makes them more vulnerable to infections & all. Snakes have taught me patience...believe me, I want to interact with a new pet every bit as much as anyone else...but I put their well-being
first. And don't be shy, ask questions...that's why we're here...congrats on your new pal, & welcome!

[bcr_229]

Re: Any tips for a first time RTB owner?

Don't overfeed, boas pack on the ounces (and pounds) very easily.

Keep cash available for used larger (4' or longer) enclosures being sold locally, it seems like one day you have a cute little worm and the next you've got a six foot long adult.

[zamora]

Re: Any tips for a first time RTB owner?

Tip #2. Post pictures of your new pet here. Actually, that's not a tip, it's a requirement. Welcome to RTB!

[Noelle7206]

Re: Any tips for a first time RTB owner?

...Keep cash available for used larger (4' or longer) enclosures being sold locally, it seems like one day you have a cute little worm and the next you've got a six foot long adult.

But if you do buy a used enclosure, remember that no matter what the seller says the previous occupant may have died from a contagious disease, so clean, then disinfect, disinfect & DISINFECT the cage some more!

[bcr_229]

Re: Any tips for a first time RTB owner?

But if you do buy a used enclosure, remember that no matter what the seller says the previous occupant may have died from a contagious disease, so clean, then disinfect, disinfect & DISINFECT the cage some more!

Oh yes absolutely this! And it should be sprayed once with 100% ammonia and allowed to sit for a few hours outside before being rinsed well, since chlorine and F10 don't kill crypto.

[Shaynes]

Re: Any tips for a first time RTB owner?

Just got a juvenile 9 months old maybe male rtb. He constantly whips his head around towards me and takes a defensive position (not sure of the term, striking position scrunching his neck back looking like he is ready to strike) but he doesn't strike...yet...and then try's his best to slither away. Am I doomed with an aggressive snake?

[Noelle7206]

Re: Any tips for a first time RTB owner?

Just got a juvenile 9 months old maybe male rtb. He constantly whips his head around towards me and takes a defensive position (not sure of the term, striking position scrunching his neck back looking like he is ready to strike) but he doesn't strike...yet...and then try's his best to slither away. Am I doomed with an aggressive snake?

He's afraid, it's normal...be patient! He's probably not been handled much yet by anyone. Handling (or "taming") is NOT what you should do first anyway. If you handle him before he has 'settled in' & is eating for
you, he can be so stressed that he refuses food...and you don't want that. For best results, don't handle at all until he has easily fed 2 or 3 times (with about 7-10 days between meals at his age), and don't handle
for a day or 2 after his meals either, otherwise he may regurgitate it. To be successful with snakes, you need patience, and to be observant. His body language will tell you how to proceed, but for now, let him relax.
I trust you have hiding places for him? they need that too, so they feel safe. Some people (& scary movies!) want to make you think that snakes are aggressive, but they are mostly shy...remember, we are "giants".
Welcome to the forum...