Please fill this out so we can know more about your husbandry to help you:


What are you using as substrate? If it has depth, how deep is it?

What type of heating do you use?

Do you use a thermostat to control temperatures?

What do you use to measure/monitor temperatures?

What are the surface and ambient temperatures in the enclosure?

What is the average humidity level?

How many and what type of hides does the snake have?

Does the snake live alone or does it share the enclosure with anything else?


From your post I want to say that the size of the caging in comparison to the snake and it sounding like the snake has been consistently roaming could be determining factors in why it's acting defensive/stressed (besides you getting it very recently which is stressful in itself). I usually don't start handling until it's had three successful meals (besides cleaning the substrate).