New snake fan tips

[Tarantino]

Hey,

I’m totally new to corn snakes but am really interested in getting one. I’ve loved snakes since an early age and can’t wait to look after one of my own. I’ve read that they are a relative docile pet and I really want one in the house. Personally I really like the look of the blood reds!

I’ve been doing research into how to look after them – what they eat and so forth, and am now at the stage where I am looking into how best to care for them.

I’ve been looking into vivariums for sale online and had a few questions about the requirements and about the snakes themselves. I hope you guys can help:

What size vivarium is suitable for this type of snake?
What other equipment should I be considering for the welfare of the snake?
What signs should I look for in buying a healthy snake?

Thanks for any answers!

 

[Giga]

Hello and welcome! Bloodreds are gorgeous aren't they? Red is my favourite colour, so I definitely think so XD

I will be happy to answer your questions to the best of my abilities

• What size vivarium is suitable for this type of snake? For an adult I personally would recommend a vivarium that is 48" long, 18" high and 18" deep or larger, as this will allow most adult corns to stretch out almost completely. There's not really such a thing as 'too large' (despite what some care sheets say) as long as you have plenty of hides, fake foliage and such in there as cover. Many people also use 36" vivs and their snakes are perfectly fine, so that's something to consider if you're short on space.
• What other equipment should I be considering for the welfare of the snake? For each corn snake you will need, along with the enclosure itself, a heat source (I use a heat mat), a thermostat to control said heat mat, a thermometer, either with a probe to place in the viv or a 'temp gun' (NOT the little dial things that stick on the side, these are basically useless), substrate (aspen shavings work well but there are other options), a water bowel large enough for bathing and a bare minimum of two hides, with plenty of other bits of 'cage decoration' for cover.
• What signs should I look for in buying a healthy snake? Assuming you are going to be looking for an adult corn, the most important thing to check is the shape of the animal's body in cross section. Ideally the body should be shaped like a loaf of bread, with a flat belly, flat sides and a roughly rounded top - the snake in the photo you used is a good example. You'll usually also see a groove down the snake's back, along its spine, as this is where the muscle blocks of its sides meet. A snake with a more triangular cross-section and protruding spine is too thin, while one with a completely circular cross-section is too fat. Avoid both. Other things to look for include a clean mouth and nostrils with no sign of discharge/mucous, silent breathing (wheezing is a very bad sign), clean, clear eyes (although if the snake is in shed its eyes will appear cloudy) frequent tongue-flicking, no sign of mites (visible as tiny black dots, especially around the snake's mouth), controlled movements (no wobbling or 'stargazing') and, ideally, active exploratory crawling activity when held. Avoid a snake that is twitching or wobbling, is very lethargic and still (although this can be brought on by an imminent shed) or is holding its mouth open. If viewing a snake that is currently 'in blue' it might be a good idea to view it again after its shed, as the shedding process can make a normally brightly coloured and active snake seem dull and lethargic. Make sure to ask the seller whether the snake is a reliable eater, and don't purchase one that isn't.

Hope that helps! Sorry if I rambled on a bit there XD

 

[Giga]

Forgot to mention, if you are getting a normal vivarium with sliding glass doors get a viv lock! Snakes are sneaky and can open the doors themselves if they aren't fastened shut in some manner.

 

[axis1]

. . . Snakes are sneaky and can open the doors themselves if they aren't fastened shut in some manner.. . .

That's putting it MILDLY!! Snakes are actually the reptile reincarnation of Houdini HIMSELF!! If there MIGHT be a way out, a snake will FIND it!

You can correctly state that it's a snake's PRIMARY JOB to find a security breach! Remember: a chain is only is strong as its weakest link!! If I put MORE of a conscious effort into this aspect of caring for them, I wouldn't have lost HALF as many as I have throughout my lifetime!!

Just sayin'.

(GREAT instructions on corn snake care, BTW!!)

 

[Dragonling]

Personally I really like the look of the blood reds!

Everyone else (along with stickies in several forums) should be able to answer your questions, but I wanted to point out that the snake in this photo is not a bloodred but a fire, which is blood + amel. This one in particular is a cayenne fire, an exceptionally red line mostly produced by Don Soderberg at South Mountain Reptiles. John Finsterwald at Pike's Peak Reptiles also has cayennes every year, and a few other breeders carry them as well. Most cayennes are super red factors, but even single carriers are exceptionally red. Here is my yearling: http://i.imgur.com/N4O57oth.jpg

Also keep in mind that not all "bloodreds" are equal, and most are nowhere near the color associated with the name these days. Back in the day, it was thought to be a single gene morph, but it was later discovered that true bloodreds were a combination of two to three genes (diffused + masque, often with red coat or red factor) and selective breeding. Here you can see just how varied "bloodred" can be now that many use it interchangeably with diffused: http://iansvivarium.com/morphs/?m=bloodred

If you decide to get a blood (or any color morph really) from a breeder, be sure to ask for photos of the parents or adult examples from the same line to ensure you're getting the look you're after.

 

[axis1]

Excellent info on bloodred morphs & genetics Dragonling!!

Thanx for sharing!!!


How ya been?

 

[Tarantino]

Hey,

I’m totally new to corn snakes but am really interested in getting one. I’ve loved snakes since an early age and can’t wait to look after one of my own. I’ve read that they are a relative docile pet and I really want one in the house. Personally I really like the look of the blood reds!

I’ve been doing research into how to look after them – what they eat and so forth, and am now at the stage where I am looking into how best to care for them.

I’ve been looking into vivariums for sale online and had a few questions about the requirements and about the snakes themselves. I hope you guys can help:

What size vivarium is suitable for this type of snake?
What other equipment should I be considering for the welfare of the snake?
What signs should I look for in buying a healthy snake?

Thanks for any answers!

Your responses have all been amazing! Thanks so much everyone, Good to know what to look for in the blood reds too.

 

[DollysMom]

I'm must be getting really tired. I read the title to mean that you were writing to give new tips for fans, as in air movers, for snakes. I couldn't figure that out, since we don't use fans for snakes.

Me --> :dunce:

I can't add more to the wonderful advice already given, so hello, welcome and best wishes on finding your perfect snake!

 

[axis1]

I'm must be getting really tired. I read the title to mean that you were writing to give new tips for fans, as in air movers, for snakes. I couldn't figure that out, since we don't use fans for snakes.

Me --> :dunce:

I can't add more to the wonderful advice already given, so hello, welcome and best wishes on finding your perfect snake!

S'OK! Happens to the best of us! I once thought that Tupac Shakur was a Jewish holiday!! And that Hamburger Helper came with another PERSON!! :santa:

oke: