Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey everyone, I've been a lurker in these forums for quite a while now and I finally have some questions. I already have a general idea of what the answers will be, but I just want solid confirmation from people who actually own corns....I've done a lot of research but some of the info varies widely from source to source. But anyways, here's my questions:

-How amiable/docile are corn snakes? Do they need to be acclimated to handling before they start settling down, or are they generally laid-back from when they are young? From what I've read, corns sound very docile...I'd really like a snake that's easy to handle; I already own a kingsnake, but he really doesnt like being handled (musks, bluffs) and I am looking for a more laid back snake now. [As a side note, I am very gentle/careful when handling my snake, so I'm not roughing him up or anything that is provocative]

-Secondly, I'm not entirely clear on the average size of corns. I've heard from between 4 ft, to over 8ft. Is there a more defined length, or is it really that widespread of possible total length?

-And lastly, I just need a simple confirmation on this: Adult corns eat rats right?

Ok, sorry for all the noobish questions but I'd really like answers/opinions from people who have personal experience with corns Thank you in advance for helping me out!

-C.A.R.

Ok, C.A.R. I'm gonna take a shot at these...

>>-How amiable/docile are corn snakes?

General consensus is that they are among the most docile of snakes. Babies may be a bit snippy at first but most soon calm down. Of course, temperment varys from individual to individual and according to the individual snake's mood, temperature, comfort level, hunger, etc.

>>-Do they need to be acclimated to handling before they start settling down...?

Acclimation helps and usually goes quickly.

>>-From what I've read, corns sound very docile...

Its true, they are.

>>-...I already own a kingsnake, but he really doesnt like being handled (musks, bluffs)...?

I've got one like that - she's a Psycho Splendida. Not much you can do about it except keep working with him, make sure he's comfortable and secure.

>>-Secondly, I'm not entirely clear on the average size of corns. I've heard from between 4 ft, to over 8ft...?

An 8 ft Cornsnake would be outrageous. There are very few native north american sankes that exceed 8 ft. The wild caught record for the Cornsnake is 72 inches (6 ft). I had a 16 year old male (Mr.T - RIP) that was 5 ft 2 inches - thats huge. Adult lenghts of from 30 to 48 inches are the norm.

>>-And lastly, I just need a simple confirmation on this: Adult corns eat rats right?

Yes, adult corns will eat rats and mice, as well as chicks. My big male had no trouble eating med rats.

>>Ok, sorry for all the noobish questions but I'd really like answers/opinions from people who have personal experience with corns Thank you in advance for helping me out!

No sweat, your very welcome, and you've come to the right place.

There are no stupid questions!

Regards:

John D

Here's Mr. T and his widow, Yolanda:

-----
I am so not lesdysxic!

0.1 Creamsicle Cornsake "Yolanda"
1.0 Bairds Ratsnake "Steely Dan"
0.1 Desert Kingsnake "FATTY"

Wow, thank you so much! That was very helpful ^-^ And beautiful snakes!
-----
-----------------------------------
Snakes:
0.0.1.- Mexican Black Kingsnake

Aww only one snake! ;_;

i have 4 corns and they are all docile with handling. my butter motley is a bit flighty however. they are as babies but calm down with handling. they are generally good eaters although my ghost corn is being a problem child. refusing to eat right now.

i have read of some corns that are mean but they are few and far between. just handle them as babies and they should be ok. when you do get one let it settle in for like a week. they are probably the easiest snakes to start out with. that is what i started with...a corn snake. i now have 7 snakes, 4 of them corns, a 7 foot jungle carpet pythong, a milk that hides 24/7 and a solomon island boa. i got hooked on snake and would have more if i had room.

ya i think the average is like 5 foot for a corn. my longest is around 4. i don't think he can eat rats yet though. mine all eat f/t mice. enjoy...

*nods* Thank you so much for the info and replying
-----
-----------------------------------
Snakes:
0.0.1.- Mexican Black Kingsnake

Aww only one snake! ;_;