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44 Posts |
 Posted - 23/04/2010 : 08:54:06
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Hi, im totally new to the whole reptile / snake thing - but an see how people get addicted - not got one yet and im planning a second 
Just trying to get all the info and kit so i can get my first corn - cant wait to get it all set up and finally get one rather than just planning it.
Went in the reptile shop on swan st in manchester last night to have a look at whet they have - they didnt have a lot of corns (3 to e precise) but they did seem friendly and seem to know what they were talking about (well to me anyway) anyone got any experience of them and if they are any good or not?
Thanks
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Mouse
Yearling
United Kingdom
958 Posts |
Posted - 23/04/2010 : 10:38:10
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Heya, welcome! I can't comment on the shop, as not from up there, but your best plan is to read some of Kellog's welcome posts, as they're full of awesome advice, and generally cover any starting out queries!
If you know all the following, please feel free to nod and smile :D
There are some Very important things to make sure are right before your new snakey gets into his home :D Some pet shops are good, unfortunately a lot are worse than rubbish, and give out advice that could harm said snake.
Things to check are:
Size of Viv - small snakes don't like large vivs, as it stresses them out and makes them feel unsafe. (Make sure it's secure - they're escape artists!)
Is the heat mat connected a thermostat?
Digital thermometers are a must, as the dial ones are renoened for being a bit rubbish.
Hides - one in the warm end and one in the cold end :D
(fake plats are good for giving them cover to hide under)
water.
Are you looking for colour specific, or just whichever one catches your eye?? |
 
1.0.0 - Gobo - Snow Corn (RIP)
0.1.0 - Sprockett - Normal/hypo/het snow Corn
2.0.0 Anery Hatchlings
0.1.0 Amel Hatchling
0.1.0 Normal Hatchling
*Location - Southampton, UK*
http://www.weneedcake.co.uk |
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44 Posts |
Posted - 23/04/2010 : 10:59:48
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Hi Mouse,
Yeah, i must admit I have done alot of research (some of it on the dark side i must admit - sorry )want to know what im doing before i get a snake home and sit there going aarrgghh i have no idea.
My cousins got a BCI and a royal so he gave me a basic lowdown as well.
just a question - for a baby corn would a 2ft x 2ft viv be too big? thats what they were suggesting but dont know if thats either too big for a baby or too small for an adult?
was planning on getting a rub at first - security for the little houdini's but would like a viv eventually as they look a bit nicer and then will hvae a spare rub....... which might need filling ......
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44 Posts |
Posted - 23/04/2010 : 11:05:52
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Not got anything specific in mind, although if id had the kit set up at home i saw an aney that would hvae been comming home with me last night - he was a little stunner and a really placid little thing as well
probably looking to the aney - but i kinda like snow as well - will probably end up not being able to make my mind up so will prob end up with a few different ones - they are just sooo adorable!
(not a view shared by my mum - who is totally terrified of them :-( which is why iv had to wait till now to get one - but think i might make up for it with a vengance lol) |
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DannyBrown91
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
3070 Posts |
Posted - 23/04/2010 : 11:46:32
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Its good to see you doing research before you get a corn. I think it is necesary with any animal you buy but with reptilies especially because so many pet shops have not got a clue. They very often give you questionable if not completely wrong advice.
As for the size of the viv, it depends on what size the snake is. A 2x2x? would probably be a good size for a snake which is around 2 - 4 foot long. |
0.0.1 Ghost Corn - Casper
0.0.1 Diffused Corn - Reggie
0.0.1 Amel Corn - Candy A.K.A Baby
1.0 Commom BCI - Rocky
0.1 Japanese Akita - Sasha
Location: Liverpool |
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44 Posts |
Posted - 23/04/2010 : 13:09:45
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Yeah, im not getting one till im comfortable i know what im doing - both for my and its sake!
think the viv was 2ft x 2fx xeither1/2 ft - and this was for a baby - looked to only be about 12/18 inches - suppose i could just put extra hides in - but was thinking more about getting a smaller rub and then once its outgrowing that getting slightly bigger viv - just like the idea of the really usefull boxes as rubs - security - have heard they can be little swines for getting out! dont want to get one and loose it a week later |
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Figs
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
3319 Posts |
Posted - 23/04/2010 : 13:13:02
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hello and welcome to the foru
i got my baby pictus gecko from swan st pet shop - the girl there had bred them herself. She showed me how she was keeping the babies and the adults, and told me everything about caring for them (which was actually pretty good info, none of this 'keep them just like leopard geckos' nonsense!)
They do seem pretty nice and pretty knowledgable there, but it always pays to do your own research as well as what shops tell you... just in case
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44 Posts |
Posted - 23/04/2010 : 13:23:56
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Hey Figs,
Good to know someone else has used them and they are good! they seemed pretty good to me and when i questioned what they were saying and asking about other ways to do it they seemed ok with that and explained other ways of doing things - not just about selling the kit which is a good thing
mmm - must get kit and get snakey asap - definatley have the bug now! |
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Mouse
Yearling
United Kingdom
958 Posts |
Posted - 23/04/2010 : 13:50:23
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Generally RUBs are a good plan, as they're pretty secure, and cheap, as your snake will grow fairly quickly. I have a feeling I saw a 'rule' posted on here saying that the snake should fit along one side and one front of the viv /rub.
I suppose it depends on whether you can afford all the 'upsizing'.
All mine have been glass until recently, And I'm getting a couple of wooden vivs, but I'm going to install a piece of wood down the centre to 'split' them into 4 vivs essentially, for when my snakes are big enough to go in them! (Still eggs atm!) . Maybe you could do something like that, and put a barrier in, then when it needs to 'upgrade', take the barrier out....
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1.0.0 - Gobo - Snow Corn (RIP)
0.1.0 - Sprockett - Normal/hypo/het snow Corn
2.0.0 Anery Hatchlings
0.1.0 Amel Hatchling
0.1.0 Normal Hatchling
*Location - Southampton, UK*
http://www.weneedcake.co.uk |
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DannyBrown91
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
3070 Posts |
Posted - 23/04/2010 : 13:53:08
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In regards to keeping a baby corn, you could get a large flat faunarium, they are around £12 and will last untill the snake is around 2 - 2+1/2 foot, at which point most willbe comfortable in a 3 foot vivarium with plenty of hides and cover. If not you could move from a faun into a larger rub and then into a 3 foot viv, where the snake could usually happilly live the rest of its life.
Edit - in response to mouse's post the rule is that once a snake is the same length as the length and depth of the viv it is time for a bigger viv.
For instance a 24x18x18 viv would be good for a snake that is around 3+1/2 foot, then its time to consider moving them up. Most corns average out between 4 and a half and 5 foot so are reasonably comfy in a 36x18x18 viv. Although some are a little shorter and some do get a little bigger.
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0.0.1 Ghost Corn - Casper
0.0.1 Diffused Corn - Reggie
0.0.1 Amel Corn - Candy A.K.A Baby
1.0 Commom BCI - Rocky
0.1 Japanese Akita - Sasha
Location: Liverpool |
Edited by - DannyBrown91 on 23/04/2010 13:57:47 |
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Mouse
Yearling
United Kingdom
958 Posts |
Posted - 23/04/2010 : 13:58:02
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(Sorry, pressed post before finishing!DOH!)
Anery's are lovely, and I love snows(Bias I know!). I guess when you have one colour, you end up seeing others and thinking....ooooh but they're lovely too!! :D
Your mum will come round after meeting and new snake :D they're so adorable!
Baby snakes can get out of the most securest vivs if you're not careful! (so can adults! My mates snow pushed it's way thru it's vent/mesh, and he woke up to find it curled up on his chest! his OH nearly had a heart attack upon waking up, as she wasn't so happy about snakes! hehehehe)
Once you have the bug, there is no hope but to get more snakes! ;)
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1.0.0 - Gobo - Snow Corn (RIP)
0.1.0 - Sprockett - Normal/hypo/het snow Corn
2.0.0 Anery Hatchlings
0.1.0 Amel Hatchling
0.1.0 Normal Hatchling
*Location - Southampton, UK*
http://www.weneedcake.co.uk |
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hillzi
The Lost boy.
United Kingdom
3984 Posts |
Posted - 23/04/2010 : 13:59:28
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| Hello there! |
Edited by - hillzi on 23/04/2010 13:59:54 |
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gingerpony
Queen Bee
United Kingdom
10455 Posts |
Posted - 23/04/2010 : 14:07:55
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| heya and welcome |
cornsnakes, ratsnakes, bullsnakes, boas and day geckos
Location:Leeds/York/Selby area |
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mozacchio
Sub Adult
Greece
1135 Posts |
Posted - 23/04/2010 : 14:11:25
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Hello and welcome to the forum!
Feel free to ask anything..! |
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HannahB
The Corn Snake Moderator
United Kingdom
5491 Posts |
Posted - 23/04/2010 : 14:34:11
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hey and welcome  |
2.0 Normal Royal Pythons - Q and Little One
1.0 Chihauhaun Mountain Kingsnake - Simba
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n/a
deleted
44 Posts |
Posted - 23/04/2010 : 16:38:29
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Thanks Guys,
The rough guide to sizing your snake home is a good one - id been wondering how you worked out viv sizes - will bear this in mind.
yeah can see how waking up with a snake on your chest could be a shocker - think it might worry me a bit.
Yeah was hoping that if i got a baby that i could persuade my mum to get used to them from being little but no - if it comes out - she leaves and does not come back - could be kinda handy at some point in the future i suppose  but only if i want to fall out with my mum - i do beleive it was - if i cant see it and it cant get out and nobody even thinka about bringing it anywhere near me - serious phobia going on - that i have no chance of curing - cant see how she cant think theyre cute - but then im mortally afraid of spiders and would probably react in exactly hte same way |
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herriotfan
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
5853 Posts |
Posted - 23/04/2010 : 16:57:39
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Hi
Welcome to the forum. Good you're doing research. It's very difficult to choose which morph you want with so many lovely ones out there. Good luck. |
Husband....Very Understanding!!! (Phil)
Son & Daughter (Kevin & Carol)
Granddaughter (Eva)
3.4.0 Cornsnakes Amel (Sidney) Caramel Stripe (Sultan) Amber (Cleo) Carolina (Phoebe) Anery Motley Stripe (Penny) Snow (Lily) Caramel (Holmes)
1.2.0 Royal Pythons(Peeps, Pandora & Pepsi)
1.0.0 Hognose (Hudson)
2.1.0 Dogs (Dillon, Alfie, Ellie)
0.1.0 Senegal Parrot (Peanut)
1.1.0 Bearded Dragons (Bonnie & Clyde)
1.0.0 Crested Geckos (Echo)
0.2.1 Hermanns Tortoises (Ebbie, Rosie & Twiglet)
0.1.0 Guinea Pig (Dolly-Pipsqueak)
0.1.9 Tarantulas (Poppy, Gypsy, Bumble, Insey Winsey, Sonic, Cookie, Raven, Fudge, Titch & Sox)
??? Foster animals
Location: Near Saffron Walden, Essex
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gmac
The Scottish Admin
United Kingdom
5319 Posts |
Posted - 23/04/2010 : 19:17:05
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| hiya and welcome to the forum |
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Mouse
Yearling
United Kingdom
958 Posts |
Posted - 23/04/2010 : 20:30:27
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Hehehe thanks for the clarification, I knew I'd prolly get it wrong!
(I'm having a 'Moina is wrong'day today.)
quote:
Originally posted by DannyBrown91
Edit - in response to mouse's post the rule is that once a snake is the same length as the length and depth of the viv it is time for a bigger viv.
For instance a 24x18x18 viv would be good for a snake that is around 3+1/2 foot, then its time to consider moving them up. Most corns average out between 4 and a half and 5 foot so are reasonably comfy in a 36x18x18 viv. Although some are a little shorter and some do get a little bigger.
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1.0.0 - Gobo - Snow Corn (RIP)
0.1.0 - Sprockett - Normal/hypo/het snow Corn
2.0.0 Anery Hatchlings
0.1.0 Amel Hatchling
0.1.0 Normal Hatchling
*Location - Southampton, UK*
http://www.weneedcake.co.uk |
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Kellog
the nice one
United Kingdom
7308 Posts |
Posted - 24/04/2010 : 03:00:00
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Hi Baggage, it is really good that you have joined us! This is a great forum with lots of experienced owners happy to give their advice and support. You also get lots of fun and friendship . You have obviously been doing a load of research already, which is wonderful to see. I am very glad that you have apologised for venturing onto 'The Dark Side '....but, seriously, I am sure there is a load of good information there just as there is here (just not as good  !). I realise you have learnt a lot already so sorry if I am repeating information you already know...but it is better heard twice than not at all.
Am sure you have already browsed the TCS site and forum, and found that it provides great information. The best place to look is http://www.thecornsnake.co.uk/corn_snake_care_sheet.htm, it has lots of information for new snake owners. Also read this topic on 'Your 1st Snake' http://www.thecornsnake.co.uk/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4133
Once you have decided what size set-up to get it is a really good idea to get it up and running for a week before you buy your snake. That way you can make sure everything is working properly and sort out any problems that may arise before the snake moves in.
I know this is early advice but we always suggest you follow the one-week rule (it is more of a guide than a rule but worth adhering too!)...no handling or feeding for the first week to allow your snake to get over the stress of the move and for it to get used to the new smells and its new surroundings. This means just putting your hand in to change the water daily and straighten the substrate, so it can get used to your smell and not be threatened by you. You mustnt worry about your corn not feeding for that week, corns are a lot hardier than we realise and going for a week without food will not do them any harm, no matter how small they are. You are rarely advised this in a lot of pet shops  but it is an important way of getting your snake to de-stress and feel safe with you. It is a hard week, very frustrating, but worth it for the snake's sake.
You will have found that there is a large amount of conflicting information out there about corn keeping – on the internet, in books, etc. Even on here you will find that people have different opinions.....but at least you have a place to ask what you need to know and get the answers from experienced owners. Then you can decide what to do with what you are told.
You are lucky as it sounds as though you have a pretty good pet shop near you. Unfortunately many pet shops cannot be trusted with what they are telling you  . I know that I double check anything I am told on here. Remember that no question is regarded as a silly question  .....it is much better asked and answered, you will probably find others who want the info too! First place to look is in the top right hand corner of the screen where there is a search button...type in what you are worried about and see if you can find an answer. I know you can get swamped with different topics including what you are searching for, so it is a bit daunting but worth a look. If you cant find the answer you are looking for then dont hesitate to ask!
When you get your snake I hope you get as much info about it as possible....shedding history, feeding history etc. I keep my own 'Snake Diaries', noting things like weight, length, feeding dates and what you feed, shedding dates, health problems. I know it seems a bit over the top but it is actually really helpful keeping track of your snake's health - I even note when Kellog and Silvesta poo !!
I am glad you are not totally set on a particular morph - sometimes it is easy to get 'tunnel vision' and you find yourself ignoring some really beauties just because they are not the morph you want....and that happens a lot with aneries (to which I am very biased ) so I am glad that you have already seen how stunning they can be. The one positive thing about looking at different morphs is being able to see what the hatchling will grow to look like, as often it can be totally different to what you see when you buy it. Iansvivarium is a good site to look at to see pics of the different morphs as hatchlings and as adults (a dangerous place to go as well cos you come away with a wish list of all the different morphs you would love to own !)
For some reason I get the feeling that it wont be long before you get your own corn so I had better tell you about the unwritten forum rule - pics as soon as possible! This link will help - http://www.thecornsnake.co.uk/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=14
You have already realised how addictive corn snakes are and you havent even got one yet! And yes, the majority of us have stood up, said "hello my name is ****, I am addicted to corns........! And I am proud of it!" You have just started down that corn path so be warned!!
It is tough when you are dealing with someone who has a real phobia, like my mum. My best friend used to be so scared of snakes that she had to leave the room if they came on tv! I remember going to a zoo with her (she is my daughter's god-mother) and a snake was brought round for people to stroke....I was so proud of her for the way she hid her fear from my daughter and actually touched the snake. She remembers ever detail of that experience 13yrs on! When she heard we were getting a snake she wasnt surprised as she knew we loved them and she said she would be fine as long as the viv was covered when she came round. She now has to little kids of her own and she doesnt want them to grow up with her fear so we have moved on from having the vivs covered, to uncovering them and her sitting at the far end of the room, to me getting Kellog out and showing him to her kids while she encouraged them from a distance....to her actually sitting next to me when I have him out. That is a long way to come in a year and one day she may even go so far as to touch him as she has seen her kids do without fear. Just be patient and understanding with your mum....she may still come round in her own time.
I look forward to getting to know you better.
xxx
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DannyBrown91
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
3070 Posts |
Posted - 24/04/2010 : 10:33:10
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quote:
Originally posted by Mouse
Hehehe thanks for the clarification, I knew I'd prolly get it wrong!
(I'm having a 'Moina is wrong'day today.)
Ahh you were close. |
0.0.1 Ghost Corn - Casper
0.0.1 Diffused Corn - Reggie
0.0.1 Amel Corn - Candy A.K.A Baby
1.0 Commom BCI - Rocky
0.1 Japanese Akita - Sasha
Location: Liverpool |
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Hello from Manchester
