New 5 year old BP has never lived outside of a tub

[Bayonet]

Hi guys! I got a beautiful 5 year old Spider last night from a breeder who was selling some of his males, and he's my first snake. He was always kept in the plastic tubs that breeders keep, and since he will be my pet I have him housed in a Zilla "Critter Cage". He was incredibly stressed when I brought him home and struck at my hand when I was topping off the water. I know he's not aggressive, he was fine at the breeders. I am chalking it all up to stress. My question is, will he ever get over it? After living five years in a closed off rubbermaid to be suddenly put in a clear box where we can see him, and he can see us. I'd hate to bring him back to the breeders, but if he will be aggressive in a terrarium for the remainder of his life then I can't keep him.


Thanks!!

[Sgpython]

What you need to do is cover the 3 sides of the tank and put him in a quiet room and leave him alone for 1 week before trying to handle him

[Kamerick]

I would make sure there are plenty of hiding spots, and don't handle him for a while until he is more comfortable with his new home.

[LLLReptile]

After having been in a tub his entire life, he may need a bit extra to feel secure in a tank. Additional hiding places (a crowded looking tank = a secure feeling tank), blocked off sides, and being kept quiet for a week or two will go a long way towards helping him feel better about being in the tank.

If you don't want to get a bunch of hides (I am particularly fond of large pieces of cork stacked on each other ), you can also add moss and fake foliage to help provide visual barriers, which will again help the snake feel more secure.

-Jen