Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My 3 month old cal king (i've had him for a few weeks) will not stop shooting out of my hands whenever i try to pick him up. In his cage he hisses and strikes along with rattling his tail. I can't even pick him up to try to tame him because he won't stop shooting out of my hands.
Thanks to anyone with any answers.

I think you just need to give it time. Remember, it is very small, and you are very big, so it might think it is about to become a larger predator's dinner!

I have had the same problems with some of my snakes. They do calm down. Make sure he has plenty of hides, at both the cool end and the warm end of his cage. Feed him well, and don't give up. If he bites, it won't be significant, since he is so little.
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Kent

Young snakes need a little time to settle into their new homes when you first get them. Its usually a good idea to leave them alone and not handle them for the first few days or week you bring them home, that way they feel more secure and comfortable with their surroundings.

Did you let the baby snake settle in for a few days before trying to handle him? If not, give him some time to get acclimated and feel comfortable and secure, then try to gently handle him.

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

I also partake to a BUNCH of what you just mentioned too. Constantly handling a very young king or milk is definitely not the the right route. As you said, later on when they get some size under their belt, thing's usually become much better.

Taming is DEFINITELY not the first thing to be addressed regarding a young snake, security and feeding are. As a matter of fact, that is the ONLY important issue at that young age.

anyway, well said!

~Doug
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"Better to be silent and thought a fool, than to open mouth and remove any doubt!"

Well gosh darn it Doug thank you very much. I agree, the 1st goal with a new young snake is to relieve its stress, not cause it.
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Mark

Thanks I like the advice about not handling it as much because it didn't make sense to me that if the snake is squirming around it would become tame. So i will try leaving it alone for a while.

Good choice. The time will come when the snake gets a bit less crazy, then work with it. You'll all be happier.
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Mark