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New to corns

CMsmith

New member
hi everybody im new here and have been doing research for the past couple of months on corn snakes and boas but am leaning twoard a corn to build up my snake knowledge first. My dads all for it but my mom, lets just say horribly afraid of snakes is an understatment :cry: (she grew up in the south where there are tons of venemous snakes any ideas on convincing her that corn snakes are harmless and much better beginer snakes than boas.
 
Well at 12 years old, you'll be living with them for awhile yet, so you might really have your work cut out for you because even if you start with a tiny hatchling now, it'll be 4-5 feet long by the time you move out. Just try to convince them that you'll be responsible with it... I ran into a similar situation when I got mine, and I still run into it with friends that are afraid of snakes. The thing that works for me is just to get them in the same room with one, have it under control, and they'll usually see that there's nothing to be afraid of. For some reason, all the people I meet that are afraid to be around my snake seem to be under the impression that as soon as they walk through the door, I'm going to get it out and throw it at them just to freak them out. I've turned a few people onto snakes using something like what I mentioned above, so it's worth a shot.

And also, if you really are 12 years old, thank you for not talking like one. Some people on here that are much older than you don't seem to be able to type replies without using chat room slang and without abbreviating every other word. Between that and the fact that you've done research shows that you're already respectable, so keep it up and that'll get you far with this crowd here. Even if you can't get the snake, stick around and learn - there are other people that post here regularly that don't have snakes, and you can never be too prepared for when you actually do get one.
 
A cornsnake would probably be better as they don't get quite so heavy bodied as the boas, and their temperament is awesome. I think you'd be surprised at how many people come around once they've been around them and learned more. A tiny hatchling is very non-threatening and as they get older, they tend to become even calmer. I might suggest that if you're going to get one, that you try the reptile shows first where you can handle a variety of snakes and find a young snake that's calm. I've found that if they're calm when they're young, you will most likely have a calm snake already through from youngster to adult. I also, commend you on your adult attitude and mature posting. Keep it up!
 
yeah my dad and I have already been to tons of reptile shows, the largest snake I've held was an 8 feet long albino Burmese python
 
TrpnBils said:
And also, if you really are 12 years old, thank you for not talking like one. Some people on here that are much older than you don't seem to be able to type replies without using chat room slang and without abbreviating every other word. Between that and the fact that you've done research shows that you're already respectable, so keep it up and that'll get you far with this crowd here. Even if you can't get the snake, stick around and learn - there are other people that post here regularly that don't have snakes, and you can never be too prepared for when you actually do get one.

Yes, I do agree with Trpnbils. thank you for the none chat style. It help us who have a hard time reading slang.

Sounds like you doing a great job researching so far. Good luck in your quest for a corn snake.
 
now my mom is asking me don't they need large enclosers with plants etc. like in the zoos does any body have any pictures of a rubbermaid tub or something similar type suetup that will convince her that they will thrive and even breed in this type of setup
 
I house some of mine in a simple reptile aquarium, and some in large Rubbermaid containers. The only benefit of the aquarium is that it's easier to view them when they're out. The rubbermaid containers are usually only partially opaque. The aquariums aren't that expensive. I saw an entire setup complete with the heatpad and hide and water bowl for $40 at the show. I just put in a silk plant to make it look nice, and I found a piece of driftwood for him to climb on. I just washed it with bleach and hot water, rinsed well and microwaved it for a couple of minutes. You can also bake in an oven for a short period to kill any bugs. In my tubs, I used a kleenex box, and a small cardboard box with holes cut out for them to hide in. 30 X 12 X 12 is about the largest you'll ever need, and you can house young snakes in large plastic shoeboxes until they're ready for full-sized vivs.
 
MegF. said:
I house some of mine in a simple reptile aquarium, and some in large Rubbermaid containers. The only benefit of the aquarium is that it's easier to view them when they're out. The rubbermaid containers are usually only partially opaque. The aquariums aren't that expensive. I saw an entire setup complete with the heatpad and hide and water bowl for $40 at the show. I just put in a silk plant to make it look nice, and I found a piece of driftwood for him to climb on. I just washed it with bleach and hot water, rinsed well and microwaved it for a couple of minutes. You can also bake in an oven for a short period to kill any bugs. In my tubs, I used a kleenex box, and a small cardboard box with holes cut out for them to hide in. 30 X 12 X 12 is about the largest you'll ever need, and you can house young snakes in large plastic shoeboxes until they're ready for full-sized vivs.


in all honesty you don't need to buy any hides...I use paper towel tubes, empty ziploc boxes, tissue boxes etc... for a hatchling it is easy to aquire a water dish of good size...Although I had the same problem as you, mom was terrified, I ended up waiting for college to get one. However I didn' have dad to back me up... GOOD LUCK
 
TrpnBils said:
Well at 12 years old, you'll be living with them for awhile yet, so you might really have your work cut out for you because even if you start with a tiny hatchling now, it'll be 4-5 feet long by the time you move out. Just try to convince them that you'll be responsible with it... I ran into a similar situation when I got mine, and I still run into it with friends that are afraid of snakes. The thing that works for me is just to get them in the same room with one, have it under control, and they'll usually see that there's nothing to be afraid of. For some reason, all the people I meet that are afraid to be around my snake seem to be under the impression that as soon as they walk through the door, I'm going to get it out and throw it at them just to freak them out. I've turned a few people onto snakes using something like what I mentioned above, so it's worth a shot.

And also, if you really are 12 years old, thank you for not talking like one. Some people on here that are much older than you don't seem to be able to type replies without using chat room slang and without abbreviating every other word. Between that and the fact that you've done research shows that you're already respectable, so keep it up and that'll get you far with this crowd here. Even if you can't get the snake, stick around and learn - there are other people that post here regularly that don't have snakes, and you can never be too prepared for when you actually do get one.



well i dont think it really matters if they use abbreviations for word..people do that al the time..but yes you do seem very responsable
 
stormi said:
well i dont think it really matters if they use abbreviations for word..people do that al the time..but yes you do seem very responsable

I'm not saying I don't understand it.

I'm saying that it's really annoying.
 
ok now im geeting ready to spill out all my facts to my mom trying to convince her i am responsible enoug to take care of a corn snake(s)
I already have a dog whole familys, fish my dads, cats my siters and I take care of them, and a cockatiel he's mine. I feel kind of like the kid in that article about cornsnakes that Cathy Love wrote for reptiles usa.
 
CMsmith said:
ok now im geeting ready to spill out all my facts to my mom trying to convince her i am responsible enoug to take care of a corn snake(s)
I already have a dog whole familys, fish my dads, cats my siters and I take care of them, and a cockatiel he's mine. I feel kind of like the kid in that article about cornsnakes that Cathy Love wrote for reptiles usa.


Don't give your hopes up. If your mom is genuinly scared I wouldn't force her. I have a fear of clowns and I would not like it if I was being pressured into having a picture or doll in my house... but try and good luck
 
Since your Dad is ok with the idea, maybe the two of you could assure your Mom she won't have to have anything to do with it. Keep it in your room, or somewhere she doesn't frequent. Let her decide when she wants to see it, eventually she will. I think most people eventually come around once they realize the fear is unfounded.She may never really like it. Or then again how many people on here started because a spouse, child, friend got one? Might be worth a try.
 
When i get my first corn my mom was really scared of snakes (i live in the uk you dont just get them roaming around there street's here, so she had never seen one up close)

i had it for about 1week, i got him out to show my mom, she didnt want to go near it but in the end i convinced her to just feel how it felt!

she was shocked because she expected it to be really slimy like every one else does, and now she dont mind hold any of my snakes or my brother's snakes.

But there is one thing i dont understand she will hold the snakes that are 3 - 4' long but she wouldnt hold my beardies that are about 11" long. lol

Your mom will soon come round, as soon as she touches one and feel's how soft they are she will like them everyone does!!!!
 
well everybody i asked my mom and basicaly she said no not now not ever plus a few other choice words i will not post. oh well
 
Don't give up. The entire time I lived with my parents (well seperately, they are divorced) neither one liked pets. I had to really work hard. Finally, my mom got to the point where she didn't care what I got, as long as it stayed in my bedroom, lol. Try to compromise, it worked for me. It helps too if you have a good relationship with your parents. I always did so I was reasonable (at first anyways, when I had to be, lol). I just moved out on my own a month ago, since I am attending college 3 hrs away. I am sure she will give in, especially if your dad is on board. I find the most important thing is that you are well-researched. As for the cheap housing, go with the Rubbermaid if you must, $9.99 at Home Depot ;)

Nick
 
new

hi, im new i dont have a corn snake but i have been interested in getting a corn for awhile ive done a little research but not that much. i do have a ball python and a bearded dragon so im not new to reptiles.
 
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