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Im new to snakes!

A

AllisonWalter

New member
Hey I am Allison,
I was just given a baby corn snake as a gift. I don't know what I am doing but I am eager to learn! The person who gave me the snake said something about it being a reverse albino corn snake. Is that a thing?
I have only had him (I do not know the sex yet and until it is old enough for someone to figure it out I am calling it a him) a few days and I am already falling in love <3 I have named him Walter.
Any first timers advice?
Also a quick introduction to the short forms used on here would be very help full.
Thanks in advance! Walter.jpg
 
Research!!! Look up tons of things! Humidty, temps, diseases that are common, etc multiple times. One of the things I never read during my 2 years of research before I got my boy was learn your snake! My corn doesn't mind being out and is friendly to anyone who holds him (other than small kids). On the other hand, my ball python is a grump with anyone but me haha. So carefully learn how fast you can move, how long you can have them out, and how to tell when they are done. My guy will squeeze my hand twice when he seriously done. Be prepared, it may be biting!!

I can't help you will the morph question though, sorry! Best of luck!!! :) He's beautiful.
 
Well to start your snakie is an Amel or Amelanistic. Reverse Okeetee is a kind of Amel. There are over 350 morphs combinations of Corns that I love looking at. Other people might be able to help you further than just Amel... I'm still trying to pinpoint my accuracy
 
 
Research Research Research. Lots of valuable information here that will set you off on a great start to raising your little guy/gal. Also, welcome to the community. Groovy bunch of cats here.
 
Yes, research! I hope that whoever gave you the snake had a bit of a background with them :p but if not... well, I hope you like to read ;)

The thing that will create and keep a healthy (and happy) snake is a proper environment - which means proper temps (a heat gradient within the vivarium/vive/tank/enclosure), access to clean water, plenty of hiding places and privacy.

Good luck, and congrats! "Welcome to the addiction", as they say :)
 
I am totally jealous - I am still looking to buy a corn snake. I was told not to buy through PetSmart or a pet store. Anyone know why?
 
cknicholls said:
I am totally jealous - I am still looking to buy a corn snake. I was told not to buy through PetSmart or a pet store. Anyone know why?
Click to expand...

Never, ever buy a corn snake from petsmart or petco unless you are prepared for the huge amount of health issues you'll probably encounter. It's much better to buy one from a local breeder, or from a trusted source like the breeders here that can ship them to you. You'll know your snake is healthy, the dates it last shed and ate, all it's back ground information, everything.

I bought a corn snake from petco once because he was unique.. He had a terrible mite infestation, regurgitated meals constantly, and had to be medicated for rergurges for six months before he finally started to thrive. There is a reason why his nickname was "the regurge king" when he was little.
 
Gosh, thanks, that is really good to know! I was looking at your site and I am interested in ordering one from you.
 
Congratulations and welcome, looks like everyone has given you all the info you need to get started. I'll just add don't be afraid to ask questions no matter how silly. There's always someone here that can help. Also search the forum topics if you have questions, a ton of things have probably already been asked by someone else and it's more than likely somewhere in the forum threads.
Nice looking boy ya have. He should grow to be quite a stunning snake.
 
Welcome to the wonderful world of reptiles !!
As Buzzard posted, great links to start your research. Don't overload on info though. There is a lot a misinformation too. Top 2 in the corn snake world ( in my opinion ) is Don at SMR and the Love's. Both have books out too.


cknicholls said:
I am totally jealous - I am still looking to buy a corn snake. I was told not to buy through PetSmart or a pet store. Anyone know why?
Click to expand...

I'm not defending chain stores but don't rule out all stores because there is a few bad ones. My local Petco actually does a good job with their reptiles and they promote and educate them. You have to be observant of conditions and ask a lot of questions. That go's for shopping on these sites also. There is great breeders and not good ones. Check the BOI and get a reference too.
 
Hello and welcome! Pretty little Amel you have there! I agree with everyone on research. There's a lot of great information that has been listed.
 
I'm new but I'd like to add my 2 cents.

I went to visit my old college town and checked out the new Petco they just built. It just so happened to be Reptile Day. The workers there were very informative. I did go in with my own research so I wasn't impulse buying. No problems yet. She just had her first perfect shed with me last Friday. Then again, I wouldn't buy anything live from the Petco near my house. I've had fish that died within a week from that place but this was several years ago.

I've heard the horror stories about Petco as well. I don't condone what these stores did either. However if I let the thought of shopping at a store scare me, I wouldn't have my new friend. All of these stories, including mine, are just anecdotal evidence. I think it really depends on the franchise and who runs that store.

I get what people say about buying from breeders. Knowledge is power and the more you know, the less likely you're going to get ripped off. I just wouldn't rule out stores either. Chain stores may be risky for some but use your eyes as a guide: when inspecting the animal but the store as well. Like if you see fish in their tanks and several of them are sickly or dead, don't buy anything from that location.

TL;DR: Educate yourself. Look at all your options from stores and breeders and then go from there.
 
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