Aggressive Central American Boas?

Don't feed him in a separate enclosure either. Mine hisses the most when she thinks I'm going to mess with her while she's eating - she is very protective of her food.

Originally Posted by bcr229

Don't feed him in a separate enclosure either. Mine hisses the most when she thinks I'm going to mess with her while she's eating - she is very protective of her food.

Yeah that I can't do. Several years ago I fed a male/female boa who were being bred in the same cage. Frozen thawed rats don't move but they smelled rats. The male moved and the female went after him. I separated them within seconds but that could've been nasty had I not.

That's not a mistake I will make twice. At least one is coming out of the enclosure when feeding. That really will be a non issue when my cages are done being built and sent.

One note: I know a lot of breeders say don't house more than one animal per cage. That's fine, I understand the logic. Others say it's not a big deal but there are risks. That's not what I'm here to debate. I'm just unfamiliar with dwarf species temperament and was wanting to know if they calm down with age typically or if they're always nervous critters.

I'm gathering that they typically calm down with age. That's great news. The housing thing is temporary and may be partially contributing to 'Crimson's' behavior. That will be rectified soon.

I just hope he's not always this way. I don't wanna scrap the project because my wife is timid when handling him. This particular pair has the potential genetics to produce bloody snows. That would be outstanding if they prove out.

You all have been very helpful. I regard your input highly.

I don't see anything wrong with a temporary co-habitat if you are in fact as adamant with cleanliness and husbandry of the animals together. I also see the 'aggressive' boas (yes, i would consider the behavior described as aggressive, even for a new baby standard). Needless to say that i would be very shocked if they don't mellow out within the next month of daily, stress free handling.

Yes, I replace bedding every Sunday and clean the interior with a non-chemical scrub at that time. Water bowls go in dish washer on hottest setting.

Anyhow, from all the replies I received it sounds as though they will chill out after a while.

Thanks again, everyone.

Originally Posted by Celtic Constrictors

One note: I know a lot of breeders say don't house more than one animal per cage. That's fine, I understand the logic. Others say it's not a big deal but there are risks. That's not what I'm here to debate. I'm just unfamiliar with dwarf species temperament and was wanting to know if they calm down with age typically or if they're always nervous critters.

I'm gathering that they typically calm down with age. That's great news. The housing thing is temporary and may be partially contributing to 'Crimson's' behavior. That will be rectified soon.

I just hope he's not always this way. I don't wanna scrap the project because my wife is timid when handling him. This particular pair has the potential genetics to produce bloody snows. That would be outstanding if they prove out.

You all have been very helpful. I regard your input highly.

I myself have had to house snakes together before but only temporarily. I think what some people on here are trying to say is the fact they are housed together may be the reason for the aggression. I have raised many, many CA boas and for the most part they have always been more aggressive (or defensive as some say) than my other boas. Word of advise, when they are young, don't be afraid to handle them without gloves. Please don't think I am crazy, but most of my smaller CA's were held that way seemed to tame down faster than when a glove was used. Worth a try.

Thanks. I'll give that a shot.

Hey, just wanted to know if your boas have improved any? Ms. Tara is down to a token hiss when picked up.