Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey all,
So my little brother got his corn snake. Its so cool that i am thinking about getting one myself. I had a question about feeding. We got the snake home and the pet shop owner suggested putting the pinkie (live) in the hiding spot so that when the snake crawld over to it, he will find the food. He is is the hiding spot now but has not eaten the pinkie yet. Is this just new home jitters? what should my brother do with the pinkie if the snake does not eat it tonight? are there any other tricks i can do to get the snake to eat the mouse?

Thanks alot,
Jeff

The snake needs 4 or 5 days to adjust to its new surroundings. It was unwise for the pet shop worker to suggest that the snake would eat on the same day you brought it home. The pinky will die of starvation. You may want to kill it and freeze it. Simply tapping the pinky on the back of the head with your finger will knock it out. You can defrost the pinky and see if the snake will eat it later in the week.

Young snakes are usually more likely to eat in the evening. Your best bet would be to leave the food item in with the snake overnight. The snake should not be disturbed when its trying to eat its first meal in a new environment.

Tim

Third Eye

Thanks, I passed along the info to my brother. I had another question.

I have read that sand should not be used for cornsnakes because of the risk of digestion problems caused by eating it. However, is calcium sand (the stuff that is digestable by herps) ok?

Thanks,
Jeff

I have read/heard/been told many times that calcium sand is just as bad for snakes as regular sand. I would suggest aspen shavings or newspaper. If you use aspen or decide to go with sand DON'T FEED IN THE CAGE! The shavings/sand could be swallowed along with the mouse and your corn could die! I feed my hatchlings in a deli cup, like the ones you get potato salad in at the grocery store. This way they are in close contact with the pinkie and more likely to eat. Don't feed till about 3 days after you get the corn, then don't handle it for 2 days after it ate. As a hatchling it can eat one pinkie every 5-7 days. Good luck and share some pics please!
-----
15 new babies!
1.0 Anery Corn-Astro
0.1 Normal Corn-Cheyenne
0.1 Amel Striped Corn-Becky
1.0 Creamsicle-Diablo
0.1 Hypo Corn-Echo
1.0 Snow Corn-Frosty
1.0 Dachshund-Sandy
0.1 Beagle-Josie
0.1 Tabby-Nicki
2.7 Rats