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2 Posts |
 Posted - 03/04/2009 : 22:50:31
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| Hi, can anybody help. I am thinking of buying a Corn snake from a friend, having never owned a snake before I am a little apprehensive. Having looked on the Internet I cannot seem to find the information I require, for example how and what should they be fed ( I have heard so many ways but would like an experts opinion) also should my children aged 5 and 7 be part of this. The snake I am wanting does not get handled very much, not neglected, but the owners have just had twins and don't seem to the time anymore hence the sale. DO THEY BITE and if so will it hurt(LOL). Is there anything I can do to prevent this, like wearing gloves until it gets used to me. I also have a dog (Staffie) 2 cats and a cold water aquarium so I am capable of looking after animals but I am wanting to know how to lovingly look after this pet not just keep it warm fed and watered. any help will be very welcome. Thankyou for your time. Rachael. |
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Kehhlyr
ǝʞɐɔ sǝʌoן
United Kingdom
8173 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2009 : 23:07:15
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I am thinking of buying a Corn snake from a friend, having never owned a snake before I am a little apprehensive.
A lot of people who haven't owned one are
Having looked on the Internet I cannot seem to find the information I require, for example how and what should they be fed ( I have heard so many ways but would like an experts opinion) also should my children aged 5 and 7 be part of this.
They'd be fed mice, frozen/thawed ones, the size of the ouse depnds on the snake. The children could be a part of the snake feeding process, but only as observers, kids LOVE watching them feed.
The snake I am wanting does not get handled very much, not neglected, but the owners have just had twins and don't seem to the time anymore hence the sale. DO THEY BITE and if so will it hurt(LOL).
They can bite, yes. however it wouldn't hurt any more than having a jab (at the worst).
Is there anything I can do to prevent this, like wearing gloves until it gets used to me. Paulusworm, another member on this forum wore gloves with his snake until it started getting used to being handled again, purely as a precauition
I also have a dog (Staffie) 2 cats and a cold water aquarium so I am capable of looking after animals but I am wanting to know how to lovingly look after this pet not just keep it warm fed and watered.
any help will be very welcome. Thankyou for your time. Rachael.
Any other questions, just ask. And welome to the forum.
What size is the snake as well, roughly? and what size viv has it got? |
-=Kehhlyr - The Resident Loon
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hillzi
The Lost boy.
United Kingdom
3984 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2009 : 23:07:22
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Well first things first, you need a tank 
And I can't exactly remember the rule for dimensions of the tank, someone will.
In the tank you need;
1 heat mat on 1/3 of the floor space on the viv.
Controll the heatmat with a thermostat on about 27 degrees and the cooler end without the heatmat about 22 degrees.
need 2 thermos one at each end
a hide at each end
A SECURE LID/DOOR
waterbowl
about 1.5 - 2 inches of Aspen substrate on the floor leveled out.
logs, fake plants whatever snakey furniture you fancy but cram it out if its a big viv.
handling wise. when you get him let him settle in about 4-5 days let him roam etc. then feed him a pinkie every 5 days when you have him tame. I would not feed him in the viv in case he swallows the aspen!
Feed him with some tweezers and wave the pinkie around in front of him for a strike and constrict if he's willing no need to worry if he isn't
When they bite it does not hurt as its very quick, as theyr'e small theyr'e fangs wouldnt break your skin but to avoid him going off you if he's annoyed I would back off when he goes into the infamous S and hisses.
Anything else, everyone on here will do there best to help you.
and welcome! |
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2 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2009 : 23:14:37
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| Hi again. Thankyou,very helpful.I feel a little better now,you hear of so many people getting animals that they know nothing about and end up passing them on because they dont know what they are doing, I think this will be the last pet I get as my house is slowly turning into a zoo. I will let you know how I get on, and thanks again. Rachael. |
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14 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2009 : 23:43:21
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Hi Rach
My only advice is to stick around and read this forum for a while, theres a wealth of experiance and knoledge here, (omitting me lol)
Just ask for help anytime and i dont have a single doubt youll get very friendly and intelligent advice.
Russ |
0.0.1 Amel (1 1/2 ft)(Lestat de Lioncourt)
0.0.1 Carolina (1 ft)
0.0.1 Goliath (spidey)(Curly)
0.0.1 Chilli Rose(spidey)(Boris)
0.0.4 Imperial Scorpions |
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22 Posts |
Posted - 04/04/2009 : 00:07:50
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Hi Rachael
You've started at the right place coming here! I wish I'd found this forum earlier to share experiences and get advice. I'm lucky that we have a specialist shop in our town and I visited several times, bought a few books, etc before getting our Spud. However, I'm now learning there is still a lot to learn...lol.
I think the kids will love the snake, mine are older but love being involved although I tend to do most of the cleaning and feeding (what mum's are for eh!). My son will happily tend his spider but won't handle the crickets so I have to visit his room twice a week - that's an adventure in itself! And it's true that kids are absolutely fascinated by the feeding process.
My only observation would be to watch the cats around the snake. One of my cats is fascinated to the point of wanting to devour poor Spud  so he is kept in my bedroom where the cats have no access. Once he is in a heavier glass vivarium I may try him in a shared area but his plastic baby tank is too easy to knock over. Yours may not even notice him, like I say it's just one of mine that is obsessed. |
<:3O~~Sue~~
“Be civil to all;
sociable to many;
familiar with few;
friend to one;
enemy to none.
Benjamin Franklin”
0.0.1 Amel Motley Corn - Spud
1.0.0 Jack Russell Terrier - Jack
0.1.0 Chihuahua - Bijou
0.0.1 Chilean Rose Tarantula - Fang
2.6.0 LaPerm cats - Ichs, Grey, Sabi, Jonti, Emily, Nariko, Bubbles, Patches
0.1.0 Moggie cat - Kai |
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matty18714
The Count of Corniness
United Kingdom
4428 Posts |
Posted - 04/04/2009 : 08:58:09
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Also read the care sheet on the home page, its very clear  |
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Ell
Sub Adult
United Kingdom
1640 Posts |
Posted - 04/04/2009 : 19:40:54
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| Welcome to the forum ^^ |
 
1.0.0 Normal corn snake - Dusk
0.1.0 Strawberry Snow Stripe corn snake - Dawn
0.1.0 Harlequin Crested Gecko - Stickles
1.0.0 Sable Syrian Hamster - CoCo
0.1.0 Hognose snake - Truffles |
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dantheman2944
Hatchling
United Kingdom
325 Posts |
Posted - 04/04/2009 : 20:52:22
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| hey an welcome!! |
thanks to solid for the sig
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lee2308
The Corn Snake Moderator
United Kingdom
3348 Posts |
Posted - 04/04/2009 : 21:35:19
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| hi and welcome |
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gingerpony
Queen Bee
United Kingdom
10455 Posts |
Posted - 05/04/2009 : 07:20:30
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| heya and welcome |
cornsnakes, ratsnakes, bullsnakes, boas and day geckos
Location:Leeds/York/Selby area |
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