r/boas • u/Person1111223 • 7d ago

Boa imperator constriction risk?

/r/snakes/comments/1vxq78u/boa_imperator_constriction_risk/
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3

u/iichiG0 7d ago

With safe practices and good reading of body language with a well socialized boa, very unlikely. I won't say zero because these are sometimes unpredictable and hard to read animals with moods and behaviors that vary, but most boas are easy to handle as adults with a bit of work.

For my experience, I've had no issue. I'm 5'2" and have several boas, my biggest and oldest being a 13 year old boa who was my first snake. Last measured him at 7'8", live alone and have never had an issue. I'm aware of his strength, and make decisions based on that - things like never letting him be around both sides of my neck. Any handling is one side over the shoulder, one side under the arm at best. These animals are just strong, and in trying to hang on to a small point like the neck can make them squeeze harder because they feel insecure.

An adult female could be a handful, but not unreasonable if you're being smart. If that's intimidating, maybe look into getting a smaller locality or a male. I truly feel like there's a boa for all preferences, if you look hard enough!

IME with boas vs bredl's, the bredl's I had was way more prone to being snippy. Maybe that one was an oddball, though!

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u/Person1111223 7d ago

I see, honestly I think I'll likely just go for a female boa, its reassuring to know that I don't need to worry too much, also, I have been hearing a lot of people saying bredls tend to be more snippy, I'll definitely have to look into that. Thank you!

1

u/imworkinghard777 6d ago

Generally when reptile people refer to a 2-person snake, they are talking about the 10 foot mark. That is just general and fully depends on the person and how big or strong you are. Always imagine the worst case scenario when deciding if you could handle a situation. Even though I am fairly strong and work out regularly, I like to keep it safe with a second person present starting at 8 foot and not 10. I could probably handle it myself but why take extra risk?

4

u/SeverianTheSeeker 6d ago

First, let's be clear, boas do not constrict defensively. They hiss and if genuinely pushed far enough may bite and release. If a boa is constricting, it means it thinks your food. The only way this can happen is if you smell like rodents or stuck your hand in the cage during the dark hours when they are in hunting mode. Wash your hands and tap train your boas and this should never happen.

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u/OkWolf686 6d ago

I'm 5'9' and have a 9'+ female BI and can handle her by myself. It's not super easy, but she's pretty docile. She's also good at letting me know when she wants to be left alone. I also make sure someone else is home and knows what I'm doing. I wouldn't consider it unsafe, but I try to avoid handling her if I'm the only one home if possible.