Went to a show yesterday and picked up a hatchling for my son, but I am really going to be the care provider - knew this going into the purchase. I have kept corn snakes and currently am focused on chondros, but I have never kept one of these. At the show, I asked if it was aggressive and was told no. The breeder even handled it and allowed my son to hold it. After getting it home and into its new enclosure, it began shaking its tail, rearing up like a cobra, and striking everytime I walk by. I do not mess with it because I prefer to let new animals settle for at least a few days but it sure seems aggressive to me. The setup is a 24x12x12 Barrs Cage. Temps are around 90 on the hot end and around 78 on the cool end. This is accomplished using an infrared heat bulb on a 12 hour timer with no artificial heat between 8pm and 8am so night time temps drop to room temperature. It has a small hide and water bowl on the cool side.
Requesting advice or opnions on the setup. I pretty much figured they have care requirements similiar to a corn. Any advice on how I get it to calm down over time? I am not one to handle my animals often but would like to take it out on occassion. Any opinions or advice would be welcomed. As far as feeding goes, I was told it is feeding on f/t pinkies and based on our conversation, I have no reason to doubt this. It ate last on the 4th and is due to eat again but I am waiting until tomorrow so it can settle a bit in its new surroundings.
Bart
