Head Banging Boa

[a***@sbcglobal.net]

Hi all,

I have an Argentine boa that's about 10 years old. She eats a large pre-killed rat about once a week in warm weather. About a month ago, I let her get too hungry, and she nailed my hand. She released almost immediately, and I was able to hold her normally afterward without any aggressive behavior. Since then, she has started striking the glass when I open her tank, whether she's hungry or not. How can I correct this behavior? I'm afraid she's going to hurt herself.

Thanks in advance,
David

[N Jill Marsh]

Post by a***@sbcglobal.net
I have an Argentine boa that's about 10 years old. She eats a large pre-killed rat about once a week in warm weather. About a month ago, I let her get too hungry, and she nailed my hand. She released almost immediately, and I was able to hold her normally afterward without any aggressive behavior. Since then, she has started striking the glass when I open her tank, whether she's hungry or not. How can I correct this behavior? I'm afraid she's going to hurt herself.

I assume you don't feed her in tank?

She's probably just a little freaked out, and I doubt very much she
will hurt herself.

I would expect that behaviour to extinguish naturally, sooner or
later.

If you're really concerned, put something in her way when you open her
tank. My rosy boa likes to false strike in much the same way, and I
often stick a half used roll of paper towels down in front of him so
he smacks that rather than me or whatever.