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A snake owner to be...

S

some1dorky

New member
Hi!
i just joined the forums and posted a thread in the Introduction category, but have some additional questions. I do not own a corn snake yet and am working on warming the parents up to the idea of me having one... But i have some questions...
First off, I need to buy a snake.. well... being only 15, buying one online ould have to be a last resort... I visited the local Petco, and the only corsnake the had was so small and thin.. it looked like an oversized worm... and there were crickets in his tank as if he was being fed them... So i decided to visit Petsmart and was faced with the same results.. Are these little guys old nough or healthy enough to buy? I do have another option, There is a small family-owned reptile shop in the area that takes great care of ther animals.. Every past visit i have seen several corns available... but they are all usually overpriced... So what would be the best route... Im guessing better safe than sorry.. but i want some opinions.. thanks!
ryan
 
If you are in one of the major metropolitan areas of Texas, one of your local reptile shows would be the least expensive venues to find a healthy pet. You would also get to meet the breeder who would be a resource for future questions.
 
If your only options are those pet stores, better overpriced than sickly. I'm sure there are some great reptile shows in your area, though. Are you anywhere near Arlington, Texas? There's going to be a huge reptile show there (NARBC) soon. I don't remember the date, but it was in the Reptiles magazine. Reptile shows are the way to go unless you can order online; then I'd order from Kathy Love. She produces some of the best corns around.
 
I would strongly recommend against purchasing corn snakes that have been eating crickets. They simply cannot and will not survive on crickets.

I would recommend the over priced but well-cared-for snakes at the mom-and-pop shop, or, as others have said, go to the next reptile show in your area.
 
When we were first looking for a corn snake, we saw some very teeny ones at Petco. The guy told me that they were feeding frozen/thawed pinky mice to the snakes, but that they also threw in some crickets which the snakes could eat in case they got hungry.

Yeah, weird.

Anyway, I know that there are a lot of people on this forum who have snakes they bought at Petco or Petsmart, and they are very happy with their snakes. However, you're going to be buying a very teeny one at Petco, most likely, and you really don't have any sense of whether they are good eaters. (Check out all of the "My snake's not eating!" threads.) So for the most part, the more knowledgable snake folks are online. Or at shows. Except for the ones online or at shows which aren't that knowlegable. Great, huh?

Sorry, that was a bit of a joke.

Hang around a bit here, see if you can get your questions answered, and then with a little more knowledge you can go see if Petco has a snake that looks OK. Or maybe you can visit a herp show. Or maybe you can get one online. There are tons of people here--surely one can steer you towards a local pet shop or breeder or show.

SaulsMom
 
Thanks for all the help so far...

oh and...
Jason, yes, i live in fort worth rite outside of arlington... do you know when the show is going to be or can you tell me how to find out... i would love to go! i have always wanted to but didnt think that there were any in my area..
ryan
 
I am one of those who has bought very healthy snakes from PetCo. However, for a first time owner, I wouldn't recommend you risk it. Also remember, some PetCos are better than others. I happen to have a good one nearby.

I'd suggest the herp expo first. If you dont' find what you want, you can order online from a reputable breeder. Go to their websites and compare their prices. Even with shipping, they may be competitive with a mom and pop store.
 
BeckyG that is the best advice...I would do the same if I were planning on being a new owner!
Ryan
~Valley Pets~
 
American Consnake Registry

http://www.herpregistry.com/acr/map.php

When my son( he is 7) decided he wanted a snake and wanted to use his own money for the snake - I didn't think the shipping costs - which would be more than the snake was a good idea either - I used the ACR to find a local breeder - there are a few in the North Texas area according to this map - one is in Lewisville - but it depends on the breeder and how they work - the one I found in the Houston area from this web site is great to work with - he even delivered the snake to us for free. So you may try finding a breeder there if the herp shows don't happen when you are looking for a snake.
 
I got my snake from PetCo, and yes he was really small. The conditions at that Petco were pretty bad but so far he is as healthy as can be. If you do buy from Petco just give the snake a through checkover, look for mites, and try and see if he has trouble breathing or sounds raspy. Having a hatchling that is so small can be a pain but its not all bad, the main thing is just worrying about feeding problems but if he eats then your in pretty good shape. Anyway good luck in your search ;)
 
I wouldn't get any reptile from a store that doesn't take care of them properly, it's just more trouble than it's worth. Go to a reptile show, or contact a breeder in your area.
 
I would also suggest the show in Arlington. My husband Bill will be there running the photo contest and selling posters, books, etc. He will be flying and I am low on stock, so I won't be sending any live animals with him. But there will likely be other corn breeders there. I would suggest looking online to see who will be there and check them out ahead of time to see who is reputable. If you are not sure, check them out on the Board of Inquiry at faunaclassifieds.com (there is a link from this forum).

Don Soderberg (SMR) is very reputable and is located not too far from San Antonio. I don't know if he will be doing that show, but if so, you will likely very pleased if you buy from him.

Good luck!
 
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