First California King, he's nippy!

[chromey]

I've wanted to join this forum for a while now... I guess this gives me an excuse because I wanted some opinions!

We purchased a cali king from the Hamburg PA reptile show. Now, I'm used to my ball python and my hognose (though, the hognose does have a bit of an attitude sometimes, but it's all bluff) so we weren't expecting this snakes temperament. When we first got him he was fine, no issues getting him into his new enclosure and he was not at all jumpy or seemed in any way distressed. Fast forward a couple days and I go to check his bin... and I ended up with a very nervous snake striking out at me and tagging me on the finger. He let go immediately and didn't cause much damage at all, but it was still a little scary. Now I expect pets to bite, especially reptiles, just this change in behavior surprised me.

Since then he has been nervous, darting around when we open the bin, and striking at my hands and snake hook. I got a pair of gloves as a precaution. He was like this even two days after eating. He is about 2ft long and we were instructed by the previous owner to feed him on sundays a young adult thawed mouse, which he ate with no issues. He is not about to go into shed. I am unaware of his age.

The enclosure he is in now is a dark colored sterilite bin that I believe is a 30qt. Each snake has its own heat pad and thermostat, his is sitting at 88-90 degrees on the warm end. Could the fact that the bin is not clear and he cant see us coming to open it play a part in the problem? We are planning on purchasing a better made rack system soon, with heat tape and clear bins.

If I could get any input on this it would be great. We've only had him just under two weeks and I know that's far too short of time to tell if he is going to calm down. I am going to try gently handling him with gloves for a little bit each day that is not around his feeding schedule. My partner is actually slightly nervous with snakes, but loves my python. I'm not sure we could handle keeping a nippy snake in the long term.

[brianm616]

feed him more than once a week. i recommend offering food every four days, and don't skimp on the mice. he should have a nice bulge after feeding.

make sure he has a nice thermal gradient. high 80's on one end and low 70's on the other. if he's too hot he'll be a problem for you since he's uncomfortable and has nowhere to go to get away from it (lampros like having a nice cool area - i use moist moss hides for them).

if he's spending a lot of time on the hot end, it could be because it's his only choice for a good hide.

then, handle him lightly two days after feeding (to ensure he's digested). he'll eventually get used to being handled. but make sure you're feeding him enough and has an area to get out of the heat. and don't forget to wash your hands before handling him, getula are chow hounds. heck, i've even seen one try to eat a cat

[djansen]

Young colubrids can be nervous and nippy as babies but should grow out of it. He has been under alot of stress the last couple weeks so just give him time to chill with little to no handling. Make sure he has a good secure place to hide and feel secure. After a few weeks you can increase the frequency and duration of handling him.
And just reach in and pick him up with confidence, no need for gloves and if your tentative its when you usually get tagged. He may give a little strike but I will prob just bounce off.

[Pyrate81]

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.

[brianm616]

feed him more often. don't let anyone tell you differently.

once a week is a maintenance feed cycle for adults, not juveniles.

ask the same on a real king snake board, like kingsnake.com and you'll get the same answer. or join colubrid crazy on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ColubridCrazy/ you'll be able to easily interact with some of the most well known and respected lampropeltis keepers on either board.

[Pyrate81]

^^

Yeah, I looked it up. Juvies get fed every 4-5 days. General rules trump my experience.