That is not normal for the ones that I have seen. Does the snake do it every time you pick him up? Do it respond in a "limp" state when you put him down (stop holding him)?

All the Eastern Rat Snakes would first stiffen up when you came apon it. Then they would strike. If you then picked the animal up it would constrict and musk.

It would be great to see if it came around faster if you put him down and left the room vs put him down and stayed. (This might tell you if it is a defensize act, or the snake has fainted in fear.)

I would like to know what you find.

Thanks for telling us about it.