Aggression ?

[DanielG1980]

Yesterday I bought a 2 month old Mojave that I had held and played with many times at the pet shop, he was as docile as can be. Now he is striking at everything even after picking him up and holding him, he will hiss and strike at anything that moves.. any ideas? I'm hoping that maybe he is just nervous from being moved to a new place and we have dogs and cats. I don't know..... HELP!....

[myztic24]

Just nerves let him settle down for a fews days

[Stewart_Reptiles]

He is 2 months old and for him you are a predator in a brand new environment (that's a lot). Let him settle "no playing" until he eats for you and when it does eat with consistency still limit your handling.

Younger individuals are defensive.

[bcr229]

Also describe his setup, if he's a little snake in a big tank with nowhere to hide that will stress him out.

[Tigerhawk]

Yes just give him time to settle down and he should be ok in about a week or so . If his setup is correct.

[SlitherinSisters]

Like others said, defensiveness/nippiness is pretty common in young bps. It typically goes away fairly quickly. I'm also curious about his set up. He needs security to feel safe, he won't have that in a large open enclosure. I also suggest not handling him until he's eating regularly.

[albinos_rule]

+1, give him time to settle in..juvies are sometimes nippy, he'll be ok once he settles down.

[DanielG1980]

When he does this he starts what seems like heavy breathing or muscle contractions. he has only hissed once but he strikes every time I pick him up

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is that normal

[bcr229]

Answer the questions that have been asked please.

[DanielG1980]

2 months old in a 20 gallon glass terrarium, 6x8 under tank heater on one side with uv day night lamps, hide on both sides, climbing vines, aspen bedding, 85 degrees in center of habitat during daytime