Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well I recently got a lavender milksnake at a reptile expo 3 weeks ago. He's almost 2 months old. I know that they can take up to a year to settle down since I already have 2....but this one is constantly rattling his tail (like a rattlesnake) and striking the tank/musking everytime I even go by it. Is that normal? He's eating fine...a small pinkie every 4 days. thanks

merlin

I'm pretty sure that's normal. After all, you did get it only three weeks ago and it might not be used to you, and if it's that young it has a pretty aggressive defense. Just keep holding it every day for a few minutes, and that will make it get used to you a little more and in the future when it's full grown it will be even nicer. Good luck! Don't be discouraged.
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~Banana~

>>striking the tank/musking everytime I even go by it. Is that normal?

you might also tape some black construction paper over the front of the tank so the snake can't see you when you walk past it...its behavior is pretty normal--suddenly there's a person looming big outside the snake's tank, so it exhibits a defensive response. You don't want it hitting the glass constantly with its nose, so shielding it from sudden visual surprises might help it calm down, and will at least protect it for a while.

good luck, and enjoy.
terry

i like em' like that! shows heart
it will calm down sooner that later