Alot of "let him settle" advice from the others. I don't buy into that based on some experience.



I have a different take - this is what baby Cal kings do. Period. Some more intensely than others, but this is what to expect with a baby Cal king.



IMO, don't handle it so much. People often think the more one handles baby snakes the tamer they get. I don't subscribe to that. I think, the more one bothers baby snakes, the more they react. At least true for the first few months or so.



As time goes on, baby kings get less defensive, at least on some days. When you notice the snake doesn't react so violently, then try holding it. By two years of age, it will likley be much better to handle.



I have raised baby kings where I've tried holding them alot, and some where I hardly touched them for the first 6 months. As adults, there is no major difference in temperament. In fact, the most laid-back one was one of the males that I hardly held for the first 6 months. I believe all are individuals, and trying to hold onto a squirming, writhing baby Cal king doesn't tame it as much as you might think. All were siblings from the same parents.
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Mark

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