1. Gratz on the new little one. Pic appreciated.And welcome semi local member.
2. You will notice his reflexes and responses are quicker than a bp or hoggie. After 12 years with colubrids, it still makes me jump a little when they change direction on a dime.
3. He will be nippy as he is young and needs to become accustomed to you. I find they are also very nippy when they are hungry. The way I handle cali kings when they are young is just put my fist in their face and let him bite and latch on, pull them out of their enclosure and they typically calm down with no biting after a few minutes. They typically stop biting after a few handling sessions. For a snake that small, you shouldn't need gloves but if you feel it necessary, that's fine.
For you I recommend going into his enclosure and gently picking him up from the middle of his body(bare handed or wearing gloves as you see fit). Be prepared for getting nipped a few times in the beginning. Handle him for 5-15 minutes then put him back. If he doesn't bite, keep him out longer if you would like. They do calm down quickly. Both you and the snake will probably be jumpy with each other and calm down with each other.
4. I would not recommend increasing how often you feed him. I would offer more in one feeding. Cali kings are notorious garbage disposals and complete pigs so you do want to limit how much you do give him but also feed him enough to fill him up. If he is currently eating 1/wk, try a 2nd; it wouldn't surprise me if he took a 3rd if he eats 2.
5. If you feel he isn't for you after a little while, hit me up.
6. Good luck with him.
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