Corn snake are one of the best snake for a beginner. BUT...you need to do research before you get one. Asking questions is a start and there is some great advice on these forums but don't rely on just these forums.



Adult corns can live comfy in a 20 gallon long glass tank. Babies, however, need to feel secure so start them in something small. I started mine out in a 10 gallon tank.



You want to make a temperature gradiant...cooler side...warmer side. I use under the tank heaters (UTH). They only cover about a third of the bottom. This allows the snake to regulate its body temp by chooseing if it wants to be cool or warm. I also have incandesant lights on each tank on the same side as the UTH. These are on timer so the snakes can have a natural day/night cycle.



Baby corns will be eating pinkies (baby mice). Rats are much to big for a corn. Some adults may get large enough to eat rats but for most they eat mice. Frozen/thawed is the prefered food. Live is dangerous for the snake and can carry parasites which can be passed to the snake.



Paper towel is the recommended substrate for babies. I use reptile bark for mine since they are well over a year and a half old and 3 foot long. Water bowl and a couple hiding places is all a baby will need at first. Paper towel rolls make great hides or bandaid boxes.



Limit handling at first to let the baby get used to its new home. Average is 3-5 days. Just put him in his new home and leave him/her alone. Then you can start to gently handle him for a few minutes a day. No handling after feeding though for 48 hours.



If there are any reptile shoes/expos in your area. Go to one. You can talk to breaders and ask lots of questions. "The Corn Snake Manuel" is an excellent book for corn snake owners.

Enjoy your new baby!

[ Hide Replies ]

• beginner purchases? - amayon, Sun Aug 15 16:29:24 2004
• RE: beginner purchases? - janome, Sun Aug 15 22:22:37 2004
• Don't forget the MOST important thing... - phflame, Mon Aug 16 11:52:41 2004
• RE: beginner purchases? - amayon, Mon Aug 16 16:18:18 2004
• RE: yes and no - janome, Mon Aug 16 22:09:04 2004
• RE: yes and no - amayon, Tue Aug 17 17:54:41 2004