New at this...

[Ricky_S]

Ok, so I have a corn (not sure of the type... it's got dark red splotches, with light orange in between. It's juvenile, about 12" long, maybe slightly more. I have a latge plastic Geo Flat tank, 18.4"x12"x6.9"
I have a heat mat under about 3/4 of the tank, on the outside. The thermometer reads, currently 80f. Theres a large log for climbing, hiding, and a water bowl. I'm currently using fir bark as a substrate.
I bought Bob (aka Silent Bob, of Kevin Smith fame.. although that name seems inappropriate now) on Saturday, after reading up on how to care for a snake for a couple weeks, just on the Internet.
I read that you are to handle the snake often, to let it get used to being touched, etc. I got him (not sure yet if he IS he, but hey) out yesterday, and he was fine, little too inquisitive maybe, but he seemed perfectly happy.
I tried again today, and he struck at me, while making that rattle sound with his tail, and retreated under his hide.
I was told to let him become aquainted with being in a new place, but he was fine yesterday, and I need to handle him because he was fed last tuesday, so will need feeding again soon.
Just like to know if this is normal behaviour, I've been told it is, but I'd like to know for sure.
Finally, one last thing.
Articles I have read, and posts here, suggest that shredded newpaper is a better substrate than pine/fir bark, because theres no way it can harm the snake, and it's easier to clean. I want to change to paper, but if he's going to strike at me, and get stressed, I don't want to really stress him out by moving him while I change the substrate. But the fir right now is really dry and rough, not almost damp the way it was when i first put it in. If I leave him to get settled, is the dry fir going to harm him at all?
Whew!
There's a lot I need to learn, I know... have ordered the Corn Snake Manual as I was typing this

 

[whiffin]

Welcome to the forums - they're ace, but addictive

After buying your snake, you should try not to handle him for a while (I was recommended 4-7 days). It's very hard to do, but will help your snake "settle in". Apparently it also helps prevent them associating the stress of moving with you.

Obviously if you have to feed him you'll have to pick him up, but other than (and changing water) that I'd leave him alone. (If you have a fir bark substrate remember not to feed him on it, take him out of the enclosure or somewhere where he can't swallow things).

When you pick him up try and be direct, not prod him, just pick him up like you've done it before. It feels strange at first, but otherwise he may think that you are a predator "checking him out". Also, if you can, try and pick him up from the side, not the top. This isn't as scary for them.

After he's settled pick him up little and often, as much as you, and he, feel comfortable. Try and pick him up when he's already awake, this way you wont wake him in the middle of the day (his night) when he's grumpy. With Suzy I put an off cut of my worn clothing in the vivarium. This enabled him to get used to my scent and know it wouldn't hurt him. It seemed to make a difference.

So don't worry, it's normal behavour. He's probably petrified, and although all snakes are different, it should pass. Although I only have one snake, you can see a piece on my web site about how long it took Suzy to "settle".

Everyone has different ideas about substrates for snakes, Aspen is a very popular choice as it's easy to spot clean, newspaper is similar and is cheap, astroturf can be washed - the list is endless. I'd personally stick with the bark at least until you are handling him (or when he's due a clean anyway). So long as there are no nasties in there, and you don't feed him on the bark he should be fine. Some people advise that you use plain newspaper rather than printed newspaper - others say it makes no difference.

I'm assuming you got the bark from a pet store or breeder, I'm trying to think why it was wet? Unless you know what you're doing I wouldn't go out and use bark that you find ...

The corn snake manual is an excellent reference, and I'm glad you've ordered it. This forum is, in my opinion, even better.

HTH

 

[Ricky_S]

OK, thanks. But should I try moving him to feed, or is it ok to let him get settled for a few days first, even if it means not feeding him?

 

[whiffin]

I'd go out on a limb here and say feed him ... but appreciate that this is just my opinion as I've only had one snake and am not that experienced

Anyone ?

 

[noe]

I would give him a week to get settled before you try feeding-he'll be less stressed and more likely to feed sucessfully without regurgitating. Don't worry, it won't bother him; they can go for months without food.

 

[Missymonkey]

pink plate special

If you feel like you really want to feed him, a good way to feed in tanks with loose substrate is to put the pinkie on a plate. That way he won't accidently ingest any bark. There's really no problem with feeding a snake in their tank.

 

[Iris]

Yup that usually works, but if you have a dragger (a snake who likes to drag the mouse around all over the place, then finally eat it) that won't work. I use chopsticks to hold the mouse in front of the snake and i hold on to the tip of it until the snake has swallowed almost all of the mouse. THen I let go and the snake safely and happily finishes its meal.