Need help with my Cali King - Temperment issues

[JoshSloane]

^^^This for sure. Also, start feeding in the enclosure itself. He might be thinking that every time your hand comes in that he is going to the feeding tank. Even though its not necessary for colubrids, you could do some classical conditioning in the form of hook training. The basic thought is that when you are going to feed him, you simply open the enclosure and introduce the food item. Don't touch him, don't interact, just feed. Other times when you are wanting to handle him, you will want to use some kind of object to gently touch him, or tap him on the nose. Then pick him up and pull him out. This process will serve to turn off his feeding response, and hopefully prevent him from striking and coiling you. I would use a paper towel roll, or something that is forgiving and soft. If he strikes it wont hurt you or him.

I feel your pain with having an aggressive animal. I've owned dozens of reptile in my life, and only had one which I have not been able to tame down. Honestly if your husbandry is on par, and are spending time each day to work with him, there is nothing more that a shelter could do. Shelters provide a wonderful service, and are incredibly helpful and philanthropic people, but I wouldn't necessarily call them experts. I think your snake is better off with you.

One thing worth mentioning is that when he strikes at you, despite it being a natural reflex, try not to withdraw your hand. The snake needs to learn that having an aggressive response is not going to deter you. I also usually ball up my hand into a fist when first entering the cage of an aggressive animal, or even a flat hand. Wiggling fingers can sometimes elicit more of a prey response. With consistency he should calm down, or at least become more manageable.