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Hello from Northern VA

H

Hartman3216

New member
Hello,

I've been interested in owning a snake for most of my life but was never able to get anything besides a lizard. Well now that I'm on my own my desire has been growing. I've been doing my research and settled on the Corn Snake as my first snake, but the exact color has been whats kept me from getting one. With so many variations to choose I don't know where to begin. Not sure if this is the area to ask or not but whats easier going to a big pet shop like petsmart or buying from an on-line/local dealer? I've been looking around the internet and can't seem to find much in Virginia besides local big pet shops. Any help would be great!
 
Hello! If you do a search for Virginia pet expos, I see one coming up for October the 13th in Manassas, No clue how close that is to you but here's a link: http://www.mdreptilefarm.com/shows/va/nva.asp
There are tons of breeders at the various shows, I'd definitely encourage you to look for a local breeder and to stay away from the big box stores. The breeder animals by and large are in much better condition and better cared for. Plus the breeders I've met seem to have lots of knowledge that they will share with you.
 
I would say to stay away from the bigger pet stores and try to get a snake from a breeder. Look around on here and maybe even find one you like and have shipped to you if possible.
 
We also have a reptile rescue here: VA Reptile Rescue. My albino male came from them. Their online list of animals isn't up-to-date, the boss of the rescue is on vacation. I'd send an email and ask about corns, if you're interested in adopting one.

And second going to a reptile expo. I'd avoid the big box stores myself.
 
Welcome! While you can get some nice corns from the big box pet stores sometimes, I'd strongly recommend getting one from a breeder at a show or from one of them here (I've got some great ones from breeders on this site and great to deal with.) Do use the BOI to check on the breeder before buying as like in any hobby, there are pains and duds you might want to avoid. Local or driving distance is best, as shipping can be the price of a common morph.

Keep reading, searching here and if you can't find the answer, ask. Books, Kathy Love's book and there is one other I can't recall right now, are the ones recommended the most here.

Enjoy and again, Welcome!
 
Forgot color/morph - the colors can change greatly between a hatchling and an adult, so find an adult color you like, then find the hatchling, if you want to start with a small one and watch it grow. And really if you are doing this, I'd buy from some one here. You can trust most of them, again use the BOI, to steer you to the right one. Cost too. Some of the morphs which happen due to multiple genes will cost more than some of the ones with just one or two genes to make the morph.
 
Welcome! I used to live in Winchester! I am in New Mexico now and I love it so much, but miss VA/MD/WDC sometimes! I agree, big box pet stores are hit and miss. We have a Petco here with a really great snake guy who really takes care of the snakes. But I would not ever buy one from our local PetSmart! I would for sure try someone from here like Pugsly suggested, checking the BOI.

But I also have to speak up for the rescue idea!!! My 3 year old Rosy Rat (Keys Corn) was a rescue of sorts from Craigslist - he used to be on display at the Santa Fe Children's museum. But he was such a hider - would never come out of his hides - that they had to replace him and find him a new home. That's how I got him. He was great when there were docents there to handle him so the kids could see him and stuff, but they were not there a lot of the time. So I lucked out because he is an AWESOME snake! My daughter also got a 3 year old Creamsicle off of Craigslist from a couple that had to make an emergency move to help a sick relative and could not take Flame with them. He is 2 and absolutely awesome also. So, rescue from either an agency or someone trying to find a good home for a snake in need is a good way to go, too. It just happened to save us money, too. Ember came with his viv, screen, heat lamp, log, and a really nice hide for $60. I made him a 2nd hide. Flame came with his viv, screen, lamp and a Tupperwear water bowl for $100. We got him a proper water bowl and 2 hides - a lava log and a basket - he loves them both. His previous owners just had a lot of aspen in there and he burrowed, but he really prefers his hides. We put extra aspen in there with his new hides in case he didn't like them, but he never burrowed again! So, unless you have your heart set on a hatchling, consider opening your home and heart to a snake in need of a home! :) OK, off my soap box now! ;)
 
Welcome! I live a bit south of you in Fauquier Co. The Manassass show is kinda small but it's where I got my first corn. Let me know if you need help with anything!
 
Thanks for all the info everyone! I've been reading around on the BOI and found VMS Sherp, which has a wide range of Corn Snakes and do a lot of reptile shipping (can't find many local places). I'm thinking of going with them unless anyone has had terrible experiences. But again thanks for all the help!
 
There are so many great breeders you can buy from if you are willing to have them shipped but yes, VMSHerp is a great one too. I bought my two Phantom corns from them and was very pleased with the transaction. They were also my first shipped snakes, so I was very nervous about it.
 
Repticon is coming up at the end of the month also, if you don't want to pay for shipping, I plan on going. What kind of corn are you looking for?
 
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