Woma question.

[spilota_variegata]

I have a pair of yearling womas that both display the same behaviour and I was wondering if all womas do this. They are both eating like pigs and are healthy but everytime I approach them in their enclosures they puff themselves up, flatten their heads and hiss at me. They are very cute and have never bitten. When I have them in my hands, they become pussies. I thought it was because they were small when I first got them but they're a fair size now and still do it.

Any thoughts??

[david63]

Lots of snakes are defensive in their enclosure, probably becuase they feel trapped & can see some huge creature looking in at them, but once out most snakes will calm down after a little handling.

Try moving slowly & using a snake hook to grab them from their enclosure, again most snakes prefer a hook rather than a hand reaching in to get them.


Cheers
David

[aspidito]

Hi Spilota,
I see you didnt get much response, well this is my first posting so hello to all that read this, I have kept womas for many years & they have to be the most docile & most enjoyable snake to work with. Some hatchlings show a lot of courage with a display of head strikes that may feebly hit your hand, as they get older most become more relaxed but some continue with the strikes becoming more acurate & still with the intention to hit rather than bite, as they grow the deep & loud breathing to make themselves look bigger become more pronounced.
I have found that generally by aprox 18 months they have all quietened down, you did not say how old yours are, I assume they have not bitten you at all. Now dont think they cant bite though, some womas will take your hand off if they think its food & they can strike with speed, but very rarely will you find an agressive adult woma.
I have a couple of Ulurus that strike like crazy when they smell food & on the other hand 3 of my SA womas can be held while taking a full grown rat from your hand & these are fully grown adults. Womas do like a hide box to retreat to & if all your conditions are right you will have very content snakes to enjoy, hope that is of some help, cheers for now.
ps: dont expect too many postings I barely have time to read them but I do enjoy browsing through this site.

[craig.a.c]

I have a BHP that does the same sometimes. He will flaten his head and neck, hiss and bob his head up a down. Very interesting to watch. Great threat display.

[krusty]

none of my womas are like that but my pair of ulurus when you get them out they are fine but after you have been holding them for a bit they will just latch on to you.and dont let go.