Biting kingsnake

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Hi,
I just took in an unwanted California kingsnake. My friend who brought him to me said he never bit her, but when I tried to hold him for the first time, he bit my finger and wouldn't let go. Is it just because he is nervous about being in a new place, and I should wait a couple of days before handling him? Or maybe did he smell something on my hands? Also, my cat was in the room. Could she have spooked him? What techniques should I use in the future to prevent him from being scared/stressed so that I can hold him?
Thank you!

[Johnny Utah]

What does his setup look like? Are the temps right? Does he have appropriate hide(s)?

I would wait about a week before handling him so that he can get adjusted to his new environment.

I had a Cali King and he was a biter at first, but he mellowed out over time.

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Ok, I will wait a week.
He has a really nice place to hide, but he is probably too cold. The previous owners said he came with everything he needs, but when they brought him over, there was no heat source! I have an extra heat lamp, but I didn't use it with his aquarium because the top of the aquarium is glass as well as all the sides. I suppose I should get an undertank heater tomorrow.

[X-Factor]

Heat lamps are fine with acquariums, just make sure you are using a thermostat and guages. I definitely agree with what Johnny said. Post some pics and let us know what the temps are and DEFINITELY wait a while before trying to handle it. How big is the King? What size acquarium?

[mpgt]

I think it's a king snake trait. I've never kept one, but I've seen a lot of pics of them actually trying to swallow fingers. Don't they eat other snakes in the wild...alive? It could be hazardous if you were a king snake, and started eating another snake, then let go. Once they start something they try really hard to finish the job.

[X-Factor]

Originally Posted by mpgt

I think it's a king snake trait. I've never kept one, but I've seen a lot of pics of them actually trying to swallow fingers. Don't they eat other snakes in the wild...alive? It could be hazardous if you were a king snake, and started eating another snake, then let go. Once they start something they try really hard to finish the job.

I can personally attest to this....I've broken up Kings trying to eat each other and mine is psycho when he gets food. Some can be nippy, but just keep handling it and you will be fine.

[Stargazer]

Originally Posted by mpgt

I think it's a king snake trait. I've never kept one, but I've seen a lot of pics of them actually trying to swallow fingers. Don't they eat other snakes in the wild...alive? It could be hazardous if you were a king snake, and started eating another snake, then let go. Once they start something they try really hard to finish the job.

Speaking of, where are the pics?

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The snake is about 4 feet long. The aquarium is about 3' by 2' by 3' (just my estimates). Also, I was trying to say the top of the aquarium is not screen--it is more glass and has almost no air holes--that's why I am afraid of heating it up. It seems too humid in there, just judging by the way it feels, there is no gauge or thermometer. Do you think it is still ok to use the heat lamp? I think I might wait until I get a thermometer and a screen top tomorrow. Does that sound like a good plan? Just want to make sure!
Well, I got this snake for free, because the people didn't want him anymore, so I shouldn't be surprised that I need a lot more equipment. It was still a very good deal because they gave me the aquarium for free also.
I will post pics once I figure out how, haha.

[X-Factor]

Ok. Yeah I personally wouldn't use the heat lamp unless you have a screen top. What you will need:

-10" dome clamp lamp (to set the heat source up off of the screen top a little)
-150w ceramic heat emitter OR normal heat bulb
-THERMOSTAT (the best you can find)
-AT LEAST two temp guages (digital is fine, they cost $10 at PetCo)
-one or more humidity guages
-at LEAST two hides (warm side, cool side)
-water bowl (I use two)
-couple of things for climbing on

That should get you started.

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Awesome! I will be able to do that tomorrow. Thank you for giving me a good list so I don't leave anything out. I think my snake is going to be a lot happier here.