Hissing boa

[J.huff23]

So while making the rounds today I decided to handle my my female boa, this is the one that had the last shedding problem. I opened her cage and moved some stuff aside and he raised her head out and let out this crazy low hiss with her mouth wide open. Her body was inflating and this hiss was LOUD! I couldn't believe it because this is the first time that this snake has shown any kind of aggresion. Then I noticed that her eyes were all milky so I know she's nearing a shed. I know that snakes are easily agitated when in shed mode but this snake just never does this. For only being two feet this girl was loud and low.

I hope she calms back down after her shed because I want her to be a docile giant.

Now a question. Will this shed correct the old shed? She still has minimal dead skin attachment from her last shed that hasn't come off with treatment. Will this next shed correct that?

 

[rattlesnakejake]

You need to raise the humidity. Maybe start soaking her for about 10 minutes a day in room temp water until it sheds. Yes she will calm down, you probably just surprised her. The next shed can help fix the previous. Make sure her eyes, nostrils, and the tip of the tail are clear of shed.

 

[J.huff23]

Do you mean to make sure that the head is free of shed before her new shed?

 

[catfishrod69]

She is more than likely hissing because when in preshed, they cant see well. My boy did this once to me. Just make sure the humidity is good, and she should shed out fine. If not, get to it quickly to help get any off.

 

[J.huff23]

Ok. Thanks guys. This is my favorite snake and she's never done that before. I was very impressed how large she made herself sound. I've been misting the tank with warm water. Hopefully she comes out of it with no problem.

 

[Wadew]

JHuff23,
If you have given her more humidity and a large enough pan to soak in and have improved conditions between skins you will get a better shed, but if conditions have been off again (dry,not enough fresh water to drink, ) you will not see a complete shed. Also be sure temps are where they need to be.

-Wade

 

[catfishrod69]

You have a water bowl on the heat side, and on the cold side right?

 

[Entomancer]

This shouldn't be that hard.

My first python had a really awful shed when I first got it, because I didn't understand the humidity thing.

If you have a large tropical boid, and the humidity is too low, it won't have good sheds. Just raise the humidity and leave the snake alone.

 

[J.huff23]

You have a water bowl on the heat side, and on the cold side right?

I only have one water bowl on the cooler side and I mist the cage regularly.

 

[J.huff23]

Well she shed this morning and everything came off clean. She looks beautiful! Thanks everybody.

 

[catfishrod69]

Awesome! Glad she shed good for you. Now just keep that up.