Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently purchased a desert cal king (white with black bands) everything is going fine with him... no problems eating or anything. The one problem I am having is that every time I go to pick him up he starts rattling his tail. Is this normal? Why is he doing it? I have no problems picking him up other than the fact he thinks he's a rattlesnake (he hasnt made any attempts to strike at me). Once he's in my hand he stops rattling his tail and weaves himself through my fingers and rests his head on my knuckles. That and he perks up looking everywhere and flicking his tongue as if he's very eager to see whats going on around him. Is the top question like an early warning sign of him growing up to be very aggresive? Is the perking up to see whats going on a good thing. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I will be posting pictures of him within the next week or so. His colors are extrordinary. I honestly dont think i've ever seen a white with black bands one with its color being this brilliant. Maybe im crazy.

The tail rattling is a common defensive posture. From his point of view, all he sees is a big warm stinky* hand coming right for him. So it makes him quite nervous. But then when you're holding him he thinks 'what a curious tree!' and so he's not scared anymore. Most of the time kings will grow out of being so nervous, but the best thing to do right now is try to pick him up from beneath as much as possible.

*to snakes, all mammals are probably stinky.

thanks