First time snake owner

MoshPotato · 04-13-15, 02:11 PM

Hi, I guess. Im Sean, and I'm finally the proud owner of a snake, it's something I've been looking forward to for a long time. I purchased a 2 month old Florida King snake from a local reptile store/breeder, and though I spent a couple of weeks doing my homework on colubrids (king snakes especially) I still had a couple of questions, mainly regarding behavior.
Nagini (that's what i've opted to name it) had a very stressful ride home as I live a couple of hours from the store. I allowed him some time to adjust, then carefully introduced him to his new home, a 10 gallon tank. While it does have a hide, he opted straight for borrowing in the substrate and as far as I know he hasn't come out since. Is that normal behavior? I'm used to my lizards, who typically spent days exploring their new home. I'm assuming it's because he's just nervous, being as young as he is, because he musked on me multiple times transferring him to his new home. So, is this typical behavior that I should come to expect, or will he grow out of it?
Thanks for the help, I'm a total noob at this and want to be prepared as possible.

Obsidian_Dragon · 04-14-15, 10:14 AM

My little king declared himself the leader of the Tunnel Empire for several weeks after his arrival. He grew out of it, although he still loves digging.

They're tiny, the world is scary, you're scary...

reptiledude987 · 04-14-15, 10:18 AM

Thats all typical of a new young king but give him a couple weeks to settle in and he will come around.

elkied243 · 04-14-15, 12:37 PM

Most young snakes I have purchased (if not all) have done the same exact thing. I wouldn't worry. The only concerns you should have is if he eats when you do end up feeding him and whether or not he regurges.

Snakes are weird sometimes, my ball python has complete free roam of my room when I choose to let him explore and chooses to only explore the very edges of his tank...

Albert Clark · 04-14-15, 03:38 PM

Sounds like normal juvenile kingsnake behavior. Acclimating to a new environment is also stressful for the little guy. What type of husbandry numbers do you have? Temps, hot side, cool side and humidity? Are you using a thermostat? If you have a under tank heater it needs to be regulated by a thermostat or dimmer switch. Also add a second hide to the tank. Good luck.

MoshPotato · 04-15-15, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Albert Clark

Sounds like normal juvenile kingsnake behavior. Acclimating to a new environment is also stressful for the little guy. What type of husbandry numbers do you have? Temps, hot side, cool side and humidity? Are you using a thermostat? If you have a under tank heater it needs to be regulated by a thermostat or dimmer switch. Also add a second hide to the tank. Good luck.

Thanks for the advice guys! Also Albert he has a light and a heat pad. I have the light on a cycle during the day and it keeps the warm side at ~80°F and the cool side at ~70°. I have the heat pad on at night so the warm side is 75 and cool side about 68. He also has a water dish. He hasn't bitten me yet though I am prepared for it, however he spends like 5 minutes continually musking on me but after that he calms down