Hey! New move, new house, new snake?

[RepLover1022]

Hey! I'm Courtney and our family just recently moved to Texas for my husbands job. I'm not new to reptiles but growing up I was never aloud a snake no matter how much begging, research, or pleading I did. Now I think is the perfect time to keep me occupied while 900 miles away from the place I always called home...anyways husband isn't new to them but wants to get an ALBINO BURMESE PYTHON....I said NO of course because I didn't want it mistaking our two yr old as lunch....and I'd be the main caregiver and not experienced with snakes (just lizards.)

Anyways I suggested a butter motley corn since the coloring reminded me of the yellows on the a.b.p. I think I have him hooked. But I have a lot of questions...most can be answered by researching though...

I know its a myth that snakes only grow to their environment so how big is your corn in relation to how old?
I want to be able to hold this snake(safely) as much as possible...does your corn like to hang out with you?
Are heating rocks still a no no?

And I know this is a corn site but if husband doesn't compromise are there any other snakes you would recommend? (No huge snakes, or things that will require me to feed to hamsters, bunnies, neighbors dog etc .)


Thanks!

 

[grankin01]

Corns usually get around 5 to 7 feet from what I have read with 7 being somewhat uncommon (not unheard of though). As for handling, take your baby out a little at a time when you first get him/her and make it progressively longer each subsequent time. This will allow the snake to learn to trust you and also allow you to trust you with the snake. I would however give him/her time to adjust to their new home. Maybe 5 to 7 days. TBH I have only given my littly guys a couple of days and haven't had any problems but each animal is different.

DO NOT use heat rocks!!!!! That is a definite no-no. They can and will burn your new baby. You can however use them as decoration just don't plug them up and/or cut the cord off of them.

Beyond that, another good snake would be a milk snake. I have an Apricot Pueblan Milk snake. I got her as an adult so she was already pretty chill. The milks can musk you as babies/until they know you and are pretty flighty but they tame easily and are really active and beautiful snakes.

 

[Hillybean]

Hello and Welcome!

I have read corns commonly being 3-5ft long. I like them because they are a slender snake, and they come in a variety of morphs. They are also a good starter snake.

It really depends on the snake. Most calm as they age, so some people recommend juveniles because they can be calmer than hatchlings. I think a breeder should be able give you an idea on the snakes personality.

I also picked a butter for my first corn, but I recommend you check out the gallery area just to be sure..there are many pretty morphs out there .

 

[RepLover1022]

Thanks you two! The milk snake u talked about is beautiful...

And ya I was just making sure. I haven't been able to stay totally up to date with the new herp technology, so didn't know of they made "safe" ones yet...

And Ty hilary...My favorites are the blizzard, and snows but I am really starting to love the yellows. Plus if it means not getting a Burmese, ill compromise. Lol. Well probably get another one in a few years anyways.

Also do u recommend any breeders? I am not happy in saying that well have to order online since I refuse to buy from petsmart....hmm. I'm determined though.

 

[TCHOP561]

Hey RepLover. I am new to corn snakes as well, but I just got my snake from Don Soderberg over at cornsnake.net. He has some beautiful snakes and he is pretty reputable. Quite a few members have gotten snakes from him and he is very helpful. Good luck with your purchase.

 

[Hillybean]

Hello,
Don Soderberg, does know his snakes and top notch care from my understanding.

Personally,
if you are going to ship..try to go with members/breeders within your state. Shipping can many times be cheaper if it is in state $25 for shipping is an example. People within your state might be willing to meet halfway or let you come visit if you are able to do so. Members Blue Apple Reptiles and Sharrod Serpents are two off the top of my head. You can look through the members (go to the advance member search and search by your state). You might also have a reptile show or expo in your state, which can also be a good local way.

Now, if those options don't pan out I can recommend many others. I have not bought from them personally, but have read their posts and seen the clutches/hatchlings in the gallery and they know their stuff.

Members: Susan, Carol, Carly, Nanci, Walter Smith, many others. I would start in the classified area if your open to shipping from anywhere. Most members that have been here a while know their stuff, so you really can't go wrong.

Also make sure you look for pictures of what the hatchlings look like when they are older. Some can really change in looks .
An awesome resource link : http://iansvivarium.com/morphs/species/elaphe_guttata/

I hope that helps!

 

[Allalaskan]

Welcome to the forum and this addicting hobby I got my first snake (corn snake) last December, after doing loads of research my wife decided to surprise me with one for a christmas gift. I was getting the last things I needed and she pulled me over to the reptiles and wanted to "Look" at them. Well there was one "okeetee" (Turned out to be a Normal haha, o well) that I really liked and was not aggressive at all when they let me handle him which was also my first time ever holding a snake at all. Well I was hooked but do to it being christmas I planned on not getting one till later but my wife told me "Merry Christmas, thats my gift to you" soooooooooo I got him. Well a couple months later I got a ball python, and then another ball python haha. Point being, one is never enough

I think a Corn snake is a good first choice, and I know the feeling on the burm. I actually would love to get a burm but I do not feel comfortable having such a big snake in the house having 3 little kids not to mention I dont feel im ready for a snake that big lol. I think the both of you will be happy with a corn......for now hehehe. I think you will find that there are quite a few good breeders on this site, how ever I would check into who you are buying from as some may be newer to the breeding game then others and some have had problems with others, im not naming names so dont ask just do some research on a breeder before you buy from them. Good luck on your new future pet,or pets (I know I already have plans to get more lol) since one never seems to be enough lol.

 

[K. Rene]

Hi there and welcome. I agree with you about not wanting a huge python, I really don't think it would eat your baby but I have heard of them crawling into a child's bed and suffocating them because they are so heavy.

Anyway, the largest corn I have held was a 8+ yr old male about 5-6ft long and weighed like 800grams (which I think converts to like 2lbs) so about as round as a toilet paper roll. He's the daddy of the first two girls I got, is totally chill, fun to hold and a beautiful snake. It just takes a while for them to grow that big the babies I hatched this year were about 8grams lol.

In addition to corns, we have a female Mexican Black King snake who is gorgeous, she's just a yearling so she might musk/poo on us when we pick her up sometimes but other than that is a great eater and has never been aggressive to either of us. I also have a female jungle corn (king snake X corn snake hybrid) who is a character (she's my secret favorite) and now we are looking into full blooded king snakes to add to the group. Really Ball Pythons and Sand boas are neat but I've heard they can be kinda finicky eaters as far as preferring live vs. frozen/thawed prey items go. It all depends on what your willing to do, with just one it's a bit easier to get the type of prey item you need when you need it, because I have over a dozen I keep bulk feeders in my freezer, and feeding live isn't an option. So I will stick to corn and kings because they do eat F/T without any issues.

As far as breeders of corn snakes, there are tons on here, most are able to ship a critter right to you, so you have lots to choose from.

Also I highly recommend you get a book reference for whatever snake you decide to get. If your going with a corn get Kathy and Billy Loves "Comprehensive Owners Guide to Corn Snakes" it's the only one I have and so far it's all I've needed. http://www.amazon.com/Corn-Snakes-C...0706/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1313498504&sr=8-1

Good luck deciding. Be sure to post pics of whatever you get, we love pics here

 

[RepLover1022]

Thanks for the breeder recommendation.

Hilary- I will defiantly check out those two. We're in a smaller town so Idk if there's any breeders nearby. Petsmart is 30 minutes away. Haha. I'm half tempted to go "rescue" one from there... I researched the expos and the nearest one to me is about 5 hours away in Arlington. :/ Which isn't that bad...I just know hubby will try to walk away with a Burmese. LOL. I don't think he realizes the get 15+ grrr long. That's longer than the depth of the local swimming pool. LOL. Anyways, thank u so much for the link as well. I didn't realize there were just that many...since most breeders pages I've skimmed have been 4 or 5 variations at the most. This will be a huge help since their patterns and colors change so much throughout their life span.

Allaskan ...I left u a message in your page. Thank u. And I know....I love snakes and so does he...I just want a simple one to start out with since were in an apt right now and I will be taking care of it 90% of the time. (Can u imagine a 5foot 3 lil girl trying to feed a 15 foot Burmese? Not smart...) But well figure it out when the time comes to get another one.

K Rene...yeah probably...vt

 

[RepLover1022]

Oh sorry I'm on my phone and accidently hit send...

K rene...yeah probably but I'm one of those people who rather be safe than sorry. Plus, I can replace a snake, can't replace my kid.

And that'd be perfectly for me...not to thick, not to heavy, but still long. 5-6 feet doesn't seem that long until I remember how tall I am. LOL. And yeah I remember that now about the python, my roommate had a ball and had to feed it live AND in the tank or else it refused. Was still the nicest thing, even for being so young...thank u for the book reference, I remember when I had my lizard I bought one and referring back to it constantly.

And oh yes....there will be pictures..I love to take photos so don't worry you'll know when I get one.

 

[grankin01]

Thanks you two! The milk snake u talked about is beautiful...

No problem and thanks.

Milkshake loves to soak in her water dish and watch TV with us. She also loves to be a turd and jam herself into the lip around her lid. Which makes it really hard to get her out of her tank without (possibly) hurting her. :O

As far as Pet Smart goes, my corn and my BP are both from pet smart and the corn has never refused feedings. The BP refused one but I think she was just being a BP as she has fed like clockwork every time after. I would however go with a breeder as they will keep better records and be able to tell you exactly what you are getting and it's age. My boa was bought from a breeder as will all my future purchases.

 

[grankin01]

Another thing, If your hubby is set on a bigger snake (not specifically a burm) you could look into the Colombian RTB's. They are the BCI variety and don't get as larger as some of the BCC's. They average 6 to 10 feet long and up to 60lbs. They aren't picky eaters and have a super chill attitude. The Albino's are a little pricy but I got my hypo girl for 60 (was marked 75 ). She will still be a powerful snake but just won't get as long or as heavy as the burm. I got her as an intro into the "world of the giants" so to speak.

Whatever the two of you decide, have fun with your new friends!

 

[Kaminoke]

Wow, I just moved to Texas myself.. for my fiance's new job. Small world, eh?

Which part of Texas are you in? I'd be more than happy to help you find a good pet snake. There are some good breeders around here, and even if you want to get one from someone you don't know I can help make sure you get a healthy, happy snake.

Corn snakes make excellent pets. Every snake is an individual, so not all of them are easy-going, but in general they are a very calm, handleable snake.

 

[RepLover1022]

Wow, I just moved to Texas myself.. for my fiance's new job. Small world, eh?

Which part of Texas are you in? I'd be more than happy to help you find a good pet snake. There are some good breeders around here, and even if you want to get one from someone you don't know I can help make sure you get a healthy, happy snake.

Corn snakes make excellent pets. Every snake is an individual, so not all of them are easy-going, but in general they are a very calm, handleable snake.

Ahh that's so crazy!!!! But makes me happy bc I don't know anybody down here besides my neighbors and hubbys dad. I'm in big spring, east of midland. I mapquested and it said there were two denton tx. One in denton county and one in callahan county. Which one are u in?? And thank u. I will gladly accept your help. I think hubbys going to let this first snake be my choice then whenever we get another hell pick his.

 

[Kaminoke]

I'm in Denton County, in the north DFW area. Quite a few hours away, but if you're in for a long road trip I was planning on driving down to the Austin Reptile Expo in September.

It is weird knowing no one! All of my friends and family are still in Memphis.