Looking for advice on a new snake

[miamamma21]

Hello, everyone! I've used this site for research before, and it was very helpful, so I thought that I would come to ask for some advice on getting a new snake. (Just a little apologetic note: I write a lot, and I know that Internet people don't always like to read big, long descriptions, so if you want to skip the background, I've put my main questions in bold ^^ )

Up until recently, I was the proud owner of a baby amelanistic corn snake. I've always loved snakes, and the opportunity to own one was a dream come true. I researched corn snake care thoroughly, and I did everything I possibly could to make her healthy and happy - I kept her temperatures and humidity constant and within the right ranges, I gave her the right amount of substrate and cleaned it monthly, I changed her water often, I gave her places to hide and climb and bask, I fed her one pinky weekly, and I left her alone during shedding periods and for two days after she ate. She did vomit up a meal once during the early days, but I followed all the recommended treatments, and she was fine for the next few months.

However, I came downstairs one day to find her dead. As far as I can tell, the only thing that I did wrong was to buy her from PetSmart. There are no breeders in my area, and while many things I read warned against buying from retail stores, there were others that assured that it would be fine, so I bought from what appeared to be a good facility. Apparently, it wasn't enough - now I know that she may have been weak or sick since the start.

I was absolutely devastated after I lost her. I would still like to try keeping a snake again, though - I just need advice on how to proceed.

I was leery about the idea of ordering a snake offline when I was looking the first time, so I didn't consider it. Now, I recognize that's how most people get their snakes, including a friend who has had hers for many years now. Do you have any suggestions on reputable websites where I could order a snake from?

Another thing that I considered was going to a reptile show. Does anyone have experience with the Hamburg Reptile Show, and would it be a good place to find a breeder or buy a snake?

I would really appreciate any advice on getting a new snake that you lovely snake experts can give me. Thank you in advance!

 

[hypnoctopus]

A reptile show can be a great place to find a snake. You should be able to find some of the more common morphs there (although I've seen a lot of mislabeled morphs at shows). I've also seen some really undersized baby corn snakes at shows, so I would recommend picking a larger one that is alert and healthy. However if you're looking for a specific morph, you may have to have one shipped to you. Wherever you decide to get one, try checking out the Board of Inquiry over on faunaclassifieds.com.

 

[Zombiegirl]

Definitely scope out the BOI before buying from anyone online. (I have spent hours reading different threads on there, mostly for entertainment value but I have looked up specific people I was intending to purchase from).

I have bought 2 snakes online and I was very nervous at first...are they going to arrive safe? Are they going to be what was described? etc and was pleased both times. There are several amazing breeders out there (and several not so amazing, thus the BOI).

I am sorry for your loss, sometimes even though we try our hardest things just don't work out the way we want them to. I had an adorable little baby butter that died shortly after I brought him home, despite my best efforts.