Aggressive hatchlings.

[Mp432]

This may be a stupid question but it is my first clutch. All of the 8 hatchling that hatched about 3 weeks ago are extremely aggressive. They all strike as soon as we open the tubs. Is this true for all hatchlings?


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[jesst]

Not all hatchlings, but many are. I have been tagged many times by hatchlings.

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[Kibbleswhites]

I like the feisty babies, they usually eat better and grow faster than the more timid ones. = healthy.

[PythonBabes]

Babies are gonna be aggressive, they don't know that you mean them no harm.

[Mp432]

Thanks. I'm trying to handle them so they get used to people.


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[bcr229]

This is defensive behavior not aggressive behavior. Instinctively they know they are prey for bigger animals, lizards, and birds. To them, you are a great big Godzilla monster that will gobble them up.

Just handle them gently and carefully, and if you do pick them up or interact with them, don't put them down or go away when they strike out as that teaches them that striking gets them what they want, which is to be left alone. Eventually they figure out that you are not a threat, striking doesn't work, and the behavior stops.

[IsmQui718]

I definitely agree with not backing down when they strike. I personally like the feisty ones since I've noticed they eat better as well. They calm down in time.


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[Mp432]

This is defensive behavior not aggressive behavior. Instinctively they know they are prey for bigger animals, lizards, and birds. To them, you are a great big Godzilla monster that will gobble them up.

Just handle them gently and carefully, and if you do pick them up or interact with them, don't put them down or go away when they strike out as that teaches them that striking gets them what they want, which is to be left alone. Eventually they figure out that you are not a threat, striking doesn't work, and the behavior stops.

That makes a lot of sense. Thank you I will definitely do this from now on.


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[Albert Clark]

I don't think it happens all the time. My last 4 clutches have all been non strikers. I had one incident when I had to cut the paper towel roll hide that one pied hatchling refused to come out of. When I got her out she was upset and tried to tag me and missed. I picked her up and she began to cower with her head down in her coils. What you can do is pick each one up and cup your opposing hand over them. This is a form of calming and dominating a hatchling without scaring them. They actually feel the warmth and security of your hands. It's a threefold benefit. The other thing would be to double check the temps and humidity of your tubs.

[Tigerhawk]

Don't worry they will calm down with time. There bites don't hurt, just keep handling them and it will work out. Just don't give up.