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Hello

bldravn19

New member
Hello, just thought I would say hello. I don't have a snake yet, but hopefully in the next month or so. I think all the corns are beautiful but I would love to get an Amelanistic Stripe. I think it is that kind (stripes going length of body). I am just learning all these things so please excuse my lack of knowledge. I also have a question... My wife is a little concerned that a snake could potentially be dangerous to our 3 and 1/2 year old. As far as I understand it, corn snakes are fairly easy going, is this correct? Any other facts, tidbits, etc to ease her mind would be great. Thanks. ~Matt
 
Hi Matt, and welcome.
First, corn snakes are docile and easy going (with the exception of a few). They are easy to manage at adult size, they don't get enormous like pythons and boas. I mean that if an adult corn snake got out in my house, it could not harm my children. I won't own a snake big enough to swallow my 2 year old, or our pet rabbit. Corn snakes in captivity will usually not go beyond 4 feet long. I understand your wife's concerns, but a corn snake is really safe. I have two daughters, 4 1/2 and 2 years old. Our biggest corn actually lives in a 20 gal long in our daughters bedroom. I just always make them wash their hands after handling the snakes due to possible salmonella.
None of my snakes have ever bitten or tried to bite. That's even when I have to dig through aspen to find one and pull it out to handle. The key is to pick them up gently, but with confidence. Don't let your hand dangle over it's head because your nervous.
I can personally assure your wife that corn snakes are no danger to your child. However, your 3 year old can hurt the snake if not taught how to properly handle it. Hope this helps. Keep lingering around in the husbandry and basic care section and do some research before getting the snake. Also, there are lots of great breeders here who could hook you up with a nice amel stripe! Some have their own forum when you scroll down on the main page. Good luck.
 
Thanks for the info. I have bought a couple of books online as well. Just waiting to receive them. I am also thinking about going to a reptile show up near Chicago instead of trying to get a corn from a pet store. I have read quite a few posts recommending a show or breeder instead of the pet stores.
 
Hello, and welcome. You can reassure your wife that corns are completely NONVEvNOMOUS. Some people thinks that means "poisonous, but not deadly." It actually means that they have NO venom at all. They don't have any fangs, either. They do have a lot a small teeth, but rarely bite. You can do a search on the forum for bite photos. On the rare occasions when one bites, it's really not a big deal. I've had far more damage done by a Chihuahua puppy or a kitten.

Your kids will enjoy your snake when you get one, and there's no reason to worry about their safety. As previously stated, just be sure they wash their hands after handling, as with any pet. It's also a good idea to have them wash before handling the snake, in case they have a scent of food on their hands. Bites - though rare, don't forget - are often related to the snake confusing a hand for prey based upon smell.

Congratulations on asking questions before purchase, and best of luck!
 
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