Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i got a cal king hatchling about two weeks ago, since then he has not eaten and puts himself in the strike position every time i go near him.
i'm worried that he may get ill because he's not eating and/or be even more aggressive when he's older.
What can i do to calm him down? i do have other snakes but they are corn snakes and really gentle. this is my first kingsnake.
help!

*charlie_tc*

It's very common to find young kings that are "defensive"...The good news is that they normaly outgrow it. Personaly I like a baby with spunk as they seem to be better feeders. If you haven't, give the little guy a hide box. it will help him adapt better when he has a secure hideout.
Frank

I know how you feel! I have a kingsnake about 4 months old and he used to be that way also when I got him a couple months ago. I heard hatchlings prefer only live food, but you can ease them into eating frozen which is safer for them. Also, I know this sounds like not the greatest idea, you have to hold the snake every day for a few minutes. Let your snake trust you. Don't be discouraged, and if it musks you or bites you, don't put it back until it's calm. I haven't been bitten yet, and I wish you the same luck. What I do is pick up my snake with a colored pencil then lay it on my arm so I know it won't bite me til it's used to me. Good luck!
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~Banana~

hey thanks for the info, i'll see how it goes with the "holding every day" thing.