AboutThea Expertise I can answer questions on the proper husbandry and diet of Iguanas, bearded dragons, geckoes, skinks, chameleons, tortoises, box turtles, treefrogs, non-venomous snakes and tarantulas. Also the breeding of some species of feeder insects.
I have no experience with venonmous snakes and only limited experience with aquatic turtles.
Experience I have been keeping and breeding reptiles for over 30 years. In addition to my regular job in the medical field I also worked for several years in a pet store that specialized only in exotics. The job entailed both caring for and answering questions on innumerable species. It required constant, extensive research into a wide range of reptiles. I have been called to appear on televised national media (CBC, CTV and Life Channel) as well as CBC radio to discuss the proper care of reptiles and other exotics in captivity. I currently own one or more species of those listed under my expertise with the exception of chameleons. I owned chameleons for years but keep none currently. I keep over 20 snakes comprising 5 species, both Colubridae and Boidae. I bred corn snakes for several years. I have a particular interest in treefrogs and currently have 5 different species. I've raised redfoot tortoises for 10 years and have two iguanas, one for 12 years.
Publications A small and now defunct local magazine called "Pet Vue"
Education/Credentials Diagnostic medical microbiology with some parasitology experience.
Question Hi,
I recently purchased a Red Tail Boa, he is about 6 foot long. I purchased him from a breeder and reptile shop owner. He seems to be very temperamental. He has never struck at me but he doesn't seem to like being handled. He is very squirmy and almost impossible to hold on to. How can I get him comfortable with being handled? The few times i have tried to handle him he is very hard to get put bake in his cage. Any information on handling him or calming him down will be greatly appreciated.
Thanky You!
Answer Hi Anthony, There's no magic bullet it's just a matter of regular and consistent handling. This can be easy to forget to do when the handling sessions are not exactly a pleasure for you but try to stick to it! If he has not been threatening you with defensive strikes then you are already doing pretty well. Snakes that are not accustomed to being handled get really squirmy when their body is not touching the ground. Try to give him that extra feeling of security by supporting as much of his length as possible and not letting him dangle too much. This is easier said then done with 6 feet of snake, I realize. I adopted a six footer from an animal shelter that was similarly nervous. I made great strides with him by handling him while sitting on the couch, bed or floor. He never felt like he was falling and became accustomed to being gently lifted and "re-directed" and the general feeling of hands touching him. They are quite strong and can be fairly willful but once you feel more comfortable and gain confidence in handling him it will seem much easier.
