Getting one...

[CornSnake25]

Hi everybody, I am new here and I want to get a corn snake for the first time... The one I might be getting is 3 years old, is that bad? Should I get a baby one?

And also, I have the little problem that I might move out of the country in one year, but if I get the corn snake I would not like to leave it here, I'd like to take it with me, has anyone ever taken a snake out of the country? Is that possible? (I mean by plane to another continent)

Thanks!

 

[Topazfyre]

Don't know about the moving, but I know that it's fine to get an older snake. I'm actually looking for an older snake to get specifically. This is a very general statement, but hatchlings tend to be a bit riskier when it comes to things like refusing food and acclimating to a new home. Many would probably say otherwise, but in my opinion a snake that's a bit older should be a better starter starter, actually.

 

[Ginafish]

Getting an already established snake as compared to a neonate would include several benefits; namely those of already being a feeder, adjusting a bit more easily to a move and new home, and being a bit more mellowed out whereas handling is concerned. This isn't to say a hatchling would be a bad idea in comparison, it's just that they don't give you quite as much leeway in care aspects if you happen to slip up every once in a while. Also, they might not be readily eating for you, and they tend to take a bit more handling to 'tame down'. Not to say taming a corn is considered difficult, hehe. ^_^ On a final note, you might not get the same satisfaction in choosing an adult corn over a baby, since you wouldn't get to see it grow up. Just think, you can always get the adult now, and the baby later on, or vice versa! :crazy02:

As far as moving your future snakey with you out of the country, I'd say definitely check with the airline/shipping and their (and the country's) policy regarding corn snakes. If the animal isn't native to the place you're moving to you might have some trouble. At least, with Australia non-native reptiles are illegal to bring over. But definitely check that out.

Good luck getting your new corn!

 

[kathylove]

Even if the country you are moving to will allow the snake, I don't know of any airline that will allow you to bring it along as they might allow a cat or dog. You might have to get it shipped by a shipper (somebody who imports / exports) and is a known shipper on that particular airline. It is doable, but very expensive.

It just depends on the country though. Many European countries will allow it, but Australia and some other countries would not. What country are you going to?

 

[CornSnake25]

What country are you going to?

I have no idea, but it will be either Europe or South America...

 

[Thoth]

I haven't been out of the country in over 20 years, and I've never had to take an animal with me (unless you count my brother). But I'm pretty sure most countries have quarantine rules established to make sure tourists and immigrants don't bring in sick livestock. You'll probably have to leave your baby with whatever gov't agency deals with that for at least a month or so.

 

[kathylove]

Actually, MOST (not all) of the European countries are fairly easy to deal with when you have non CITES herps such as corns. Some require vet health certificates, some don't. I don't know of any that require quarantine of reptiles. But other countries, such as South Africa, do require quarantine. So until you know which country it is, you can't make any plans. They all require a certain amount of government red tape and inspections that will cost extra money. And it is easier to pay a broker to do the paperwork if you are not familiar, which also costs. That is why it is so expensive.