So evil...right outa the egg...

[stratus_020202]

That's definitely no feeding response, lol. I get a few of those every season.

In my experience, they are frequently difficult starters. They see everything as a threat, including the mouse or rat they're offered. I've seen one of those little nippers get SO upset, it bit that poor rat pup 15 times, and was so wound up it looked like a little spring, hissing like mad. Not remotely interested in eating it, lol.
I have had to assist-start at least two of this type.

On a more positive note, I had at least one of them around long enough to see it grow out of that behavior and actually become handleable.

Awww. Lol. That's funny. I only have two hatchlings but my little nippy one eats anything that comes anywhere near her tub. You are right though, the first hopper I gave her, she struck at it about 10 times before she decided to coil.

That's good info to know though for future reference they can be difficult starters.