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Newbie Seeks Help

M

maximusrus

Our dog Jenkins is King
Hello all,

Our family impulsively purchased a corn snake today! While we are experienced and responsible pet owners (cats, dogs, fish, even hermit crabs once..), the world of snakes is completely new to us.

Our new snake, Maximus, is a male, 16 months old, and about 3.5 feet long. He came from a nice family who bought him from a local pet store as a hatchling, but who can no longer keep him. He came fully equipped with tank and many accessories.

We have just started to learn the basics about feeding, housing, and care. Although I know we still have a lot to learn in the those areas, after what I've read so far, I'm not too worried (ignorance is bliss?) about our abilities to take care of Maximus. But, after hanging out with him a few times today, I'm now more interested in knowing how to make him happy and comfortable.

He seems calmest when I hold him my children (ages 13, 10, and 10) are still learning how. When he stretches and flexes is he stressed, or just doing what comes naturally? How do snakes like best to be held, or does is vary snake by snake (like dogs). So far I've been keeping a pretty firm hand behind his head, is this always necessary? Do corn snakes ever bite? Under what circumstances? Do they like to be stroked?

I know experience is the best teacher, but any advice as to handling and hanging out with Maximus would be appreciated. I'm sure you guys have pointers about stuff that hasn't occurred to us yet.

Thanks in advance!
 
maximusrus said:
He seems calmest when I hold him my children (ages 13, 10, and 10) are still learning how. When he stretches and flexes is he stressed, or just doing what comes naturally? How do snakes like best to be held, or does is vary snake by snake (like dogs). So far I've been keeping a pretty firm hand behind his head, is this always necessary? Do corn snakes ever bite? Under what circumstances? Do they like to be stroked?
Click to expand...

Stretching and flexing is normal. Snakes just need support, not too restrictive or firm. Do not hold behind it's neck. Just hold the snake with two hands and let it crawl through your hands. Yes, corn snakes bite. They bite when irriated, threatened or when they mistake your hand for food. They normally do not like to be stroked.

maximusrus said:
I know experience is the best teacher, but any advice as to handling and hanging out with Maximus would be appreciated. I'm sure you guys have pointers about stuff that hasn't occurred to us yet.

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

Basically if you just got the snake, you'd want to leave it alone for a few days to let it settle in.

I created a few FAQ's for the board with a lot of help from other members, you might want to check that out.

Welcome!
 
Congratulations! And welcome to the addiction :D They are like potato chips...you can't have just one!

Joe's already answered your questions, so I just thought I'd say "welcome."
 
socializing

I'm VERY new to corns and therefore my insight might be discarded where info is concerned, but I've dealt with animals for 30 yrs. which gives me some credit, imo.

Less is MORE sometimes. Let your snake alone for several days- at least. You will have lots of time later to determine his/her personality. Take it really slow, and give them a chance to acclimate. I only have 2, but there are distinct differences/oppositions of character that I've concluded. It's up to us to determine their preferences that lead to their comfort. Heat levels, handling tolerance, feeding schedules/ amounts, disturbance tolerance etc. They are all individuals. They're so cool, though. I just like to leave mine alone mostly and appreciate their being there. They are older and both handle well, so that is NOT an issue.
Hope this adds to the discussion.
 
I have a couple snakes that love to be skritched (my word for scratching). They arch against my fingers and circle back to get more. I even skritch one under the chin. Some like the contact, others don't.
 
Thanks for the input

Thanks for the feedback people. I've been reading many of these forums and learning a lot! I've always loved cute, furry mammals, but have never had much contact with reptiles. We got Maximus for the kids, but so far I think I may like him best. I am trying to leave him alone to settle in, but it's hard because I find sitting with him and having him work his way around my arms very soothing and satisfying. I'm sure we'll be posting other questions soon - so thanks in advance!
 
maximusrus said:
Thanks for the feedback people. I've been reading many of these forums and learning a lot! I've always loved cute, furry mammals, but have never had much contact with reptiles. We got Maximus for the kids, but so far I think I may like him best. I am trying to leave him alone to settle in, but it's hard because I find sitting with him and having him work his way around my arms very soothing and satisfying. I'm sure we'll be posting other questions soon - so thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

Settling in to his new home would be your house. He is using the same viv, hide, water bowl etc etc from what I'm guessing. So I think up to six days of no/little handling should do. Do not handle for two days after feeding. He could regurge his food. But just keep on reading all the basic stuff here as posted above and your be find.
Funny you said you got the snake for the kids. So did I and now I'm more into it than they are. I feed it clean the viv. I do it all . And I don't mind a bit.
Good Luck :cheers:
 
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