Posted by:
DMong
at Thu Jan 19 12:03:24 2012 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by DMong ]
Yes, they can become stressed if they are placed in a big open enclosure, and some individuals can certainly stress more than others would. They are naturally "hard-wired" and programmed to hide when they aren't foraging for food to help ensure they will survive predation and other dangers that threaten their well-being. Even you will likely be seen as a huge threatening "monster" until it gradually sees that you and your giant hand are not a threat to it. It would be similar to us being parachuted into the open exposed terrain of Iraq. We would be HIGHLY stressed and wouldn't feel secure at ALL until good hiding cover was found for self-preservation..LOL!
Hatchlings are generally best kept in smaller (shoebox sized)containers that have ample very low, tight hiding places for them to feel secure. This will help them feel MUCH more secure which will in turn allow them to behave much as they would naturally with their feeding response, etc...
When the snake gets a bit larger and gets more size going, and more familiar with you and the environment, They generally adapt very well to moving up in their enclosure size.
cheers, ~Doug
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"a snake in the grass is a GOOD thing" 
serpentinespecialties.webs.com
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RE: Getting a King Snake! - DMong, Thu Jan 19 12:03:24 2012