Hello new member with new baby boas

[mattyj81]

Hello my name is Matt McGillveary I live in Hyannis ma. I recently got two baby boas one regular RTB for my nephew 12 his first snake and I got a RTB morph salmon I believe. We have had them about a week left them alone to get use to the cage.I had a RTB WHEN I was younger but he was big and very calm already.These baby's are very nippy.Should I get them to feed before trying to handel regularly.Also mine hasn't moved much even drinking water of the glass scared she's really stressed.I want them to be goid adult snakes so I know this time is critical.Should I feed inside or outside the tank.Should I get them to eat first before handling regularly.Any info would help thank you

[Pandorasdad]

Re: Hello new member with new baby boas

Welcome to the Forums, Matt!

First and foremost, download, read, and absorb the Ultimate Care Guide! It's a great starting resource that I still use pretty often!

Should I get them to feed before trying to handel regularly

I usually let new boas settle in for a week, feed them, and then give them 3-4 days before I start handling them. Handling is the only way to get them to be less nippy. They need to know you're not going to eat them.

Should I feed inside or outside the tank

Whichever you're most comfortable with. I've done both in my lifetime. I have too many to move for feeding now, so I feed in the cage. All but one of my boas is fine. That one, though.

[mattyj81]

Re: Hello new member with new baby boas

Wow thank yes iev read the care guid again and again but my baby really hasnt moved in days im worried

[acephantom903]

Re: Hello new member with new baby boas

When I brought home my little guy, he sat in the back of his cage in the same spot for the entire 10 days before I first fed him. It just takes time for them to get accustomed. My guy has been home for 4 months and he is only now at the point where he will explore during daylight if he feels like it. He would still sit in one or 2 spots if it weren't for the fact that I handle him often moving him out of those spots.

[Pandorasdad]

Re: Hello new member with new baby boas

my baby really hasnt moved in days

This is not uncommon. Snakes are masters of energy conservation. They will remain motionless for several days at a time. Then food comes along and they move. Real fast.

[mattyj81]

Re: Hello new member with new baby boas

So I just have a aquarium with with heAting pad and light heats good but humidity is impossible to maintain what's the best place to get a custom snake cage

[Pandorasdad]

Re: Hello new member with new baby boas

Animal Plastics
Plastic Reptile Cages, Tanks and Racks. Snake, arboreal, lizard and turtle light weight custom flexwatt heated enclosures.

[Jrock23]

Re: Hello new member with new baby boas

Welcome to the forums, to get rid of the nippy part. It just with take time, just keep handling your snakes. Even if they still bite, do not put them down...

[acephantom903]

Re: Hello new member with new baby boas

Even if they still bite, do not put them down...

Yes! This is how "mean" snakes are made. Some snakes (not all, each are individuals) realise that if they bite you and you put them down, you are rewarding them by leaving them alone which is what they want. If you keep handling them taking a bite or 2 from a baby, they will realise that biting doesn't help and that you aren't a threat. When first handling, you want to just stay still so they aren't stressed out. Best way it to watch TV with them on your lap. They will eventually feel comfortable and start exploring. Just keep an eye on them because when they are small (even big) they can disappear quickly. Snake hunting indoors isn't fun. Also, don't approach their head quickly ever. When they are comfortable, you can approach their head slowly so they know they aren't being attacked.

Just to give you an idea of how little they can move... He was sitting like this when I left for work this morning and he is still there over 13 hours later.

[Jrock23]

Re: Hello new member with new baby boas

Yes you are so correct... Nice looking motley

[zamora]

Re: Hello new member with new baby boas

Are they in the same enclosure? I may have misinterpreted what you wrote so I just wanted to clarify that. If they aren't, that's great. If they are, they shouldn't be.

Welcome to RTB and has been suggested, getting a proper enclosure with the correct heating will help your boa to feel safe and secure. The nippiness will go away with regular handling as others have mentioned.

[mattyj81]

Re: Hello new member with new baby boas

Are they in the same enclosure? I may have misinterpreted what you wrote so I just wanted to clarify that. If they aren't, that's great. If they are, they shouldn't be.

Welcome to RTB and has been suggested, getting a proper enclosure with the correct heating will help your boa to feel safe and secure. The nippiness will go away with regular handling as others have mentioned.

Thanks for all the info yes separate tanks but now my girl just shed and she has a white spot on her back that looks like dry skin not sure what is any ideas also I was going to by a small humidifier that looks like a log for humidity good idea?

[Joba1972]

Re: Hello new member with new baby boas

Hello and welcome. You came to the right place. These folks are so helpful and welcoming. One thing I'd have done differently if I started over, would be to go for the Animal Plastics or Boaphile cage right away. It's the best enclosure for your snakes, by far, and you'll actually probably spend less on one of them then if you buy a series of increasingly larger glass tanks as your snakes grow. Post some pics when your babies settle in.