baby cal king snake

[snakewrangler89]

My baby california kingsnake had mites. I treated him for them and laid down papertowels just so i could see the mites if they got on him. He gets under the paper towels and he wont move unless i try to hold him. The he moves out from under the paper towels. Looks at my hand like food shakes his tails and opens his mouth at me. Hes not hissing i dont think because you cant hear a sound but he is just like gaping at me. WHAT COULD BE THE PROBLEM?

[marisa]

Baby Cal kings are aggresive. Aggresion is not a problem, it's something you'll have to accept and slowly work him out of.

As for mites how did you treat? NIX is highly recommended, simple and effective.

Marisa

[snakewrangler89]

I used Mite-off its the only thing they had at the petstore. The mites are gone. I was just wondering if its normal for them to open thier mouths at you..lol

[marisa]

HAHA yes. I have a few baby california kingsnakes....as they age they normally calm down with handling. Mine bite, musk, pee, whip around, hiss, etc.

I usually only handle the babies for cleaning for the first six months. During that time they are hard to hold and so whippy and angry, and by the time they are 6 months + they are calming down anyway because of age, its easier to handle them and they accept more handling more often.

Good luck and it just takes time!

Marisa

[gonesnakee]

It is common behaviour for a baby CK, don't worry it is their natural defensive instinct to do so. The fact that it is just getting over a parasite infestation probably just added to its frustration. If you are 100% sure the mites are all gone it should be fine & over time with gentle handling it will realize that you are not a threat & will start to calm down. Mark