Reptile & Amphibian Forums

First, thank you to everyone who responded to my plea for advise! My previously "aggressive" corn, Apollo, has calmed down quite a bit. He's very confident with his enclosure, and we're both happy now.

I believe it was a combination of his newfound confidence/curiosity with the possibilty of mild hunger. He hasn't bullied for the past few days, and lets me pick him up without trying to escape or retaliate. Still a bit skittish with the handling, but I'm sure that'll stop with time (and handling!) as he grows to trust me.

Both of us would like to thank the people who suggested feeding him 2 instead of 1 pre-fuzzy. Boy, I just offered the second and he scarfed it down! Hopefully this'll help him calm down even more, too, because his stomach will be content.

I'm ecstatic and grateful for the speedy responses I recieved. I know now that if I ever have any future problems, I will come to you guys with my questions!

That's great! Keep up the good work and share the passion.

Thanks for taking the time to update us.

Have a great day!
Mike
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It is said that 1 out of every 4 people are mentally unbalanced. Think of your 3 closest friends, if they're normal, then it's you.

Good job!! Yes the people here are great!! I have learned a lot from everyone here over the past year as well. And now that the "bug" has hit you I think we all aught to take bets as to how long it will be until your collections grows....

Heheh, well, I'm still in college and my dorm only allows non-predatory fish. In fact, I almost named my corn "Fish" so I could say I only had a pet Fish. I've been able to keep him a secret, but a second snake would be too risky.

Until I'm in a living situation that allows pets, I'll be limited to one scaley-friend. I really wish I could foster a ball python for awhile to see how I like them, though. When I took Apollo in, it was originally going to be temporary until my friend convinced her parents a snake would be a great pet (we still go home for summer). Once that was done, I was going to get a ball for my own personal pet.

But.. now I'm getting attached to Apollo. I'm not sure if I'd prefer a ball python over a corn or vice versa.
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DeviantART Gallery

I have both and they are very different. Corns are easy but balls can be a little challenging to your patience but are well worth it!!

Is it mainly feeding and maintenance that is more challenging? I'd ultimately like something I could have and lounge happily without having to worry too much about escape attempts. I've read and heard that corns are more active, but do they have the potential to later sit contently draped on you or in a sweatshirt hood/pocket once older and more trusting? I know personality is a factor, but I'm just wondering if most corns will want to move-move-move when handled.

I guess my main goal would be to have a pet that doesn't mind relaxing/interacting with me. Your opinions would be great, as I've really only had experience with a younger corn right now.
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DeviantART Gallery

I ment the balls can be more challenging. They go off feed occassionally for seemingly no reason, but will "lounge" more readily if acclimated well. My corns are pretty active even when held. They are not flighty, they just like to crawl around a lot. Another cool snake if you just want a pet is a black rat snake. They are nippy as hatchlings but calm down real well. The one I have is 5 months old and went from striking in her first month to being the most mellow snake I have now. She crawls around slowly checking everything out and eats like a pig. They also get larger than the corns. All in all you get out of them what you put into them. They have all made great pets for me!!

Right, sorry. I knew you meant ball pythons were more challenging, and was referring to them in the first sentence, but now I see how my post didn't clarify that.

Thanks!
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DeviantART Gallery

Ball Pythons are slower moving than corns, which can make them easier to hold & relax with, but still, that can vary from snake to snake, in both corns & ball pythons.

There's not a particular species that will just sit still & relax while being held. I've had & seen some of several different species that at one point or another will do so, but not for the most part.

Based on your "aggressive corn" posts/comments, I feel that you'd do fine with a ball python. While they are two different snakes, you seem to have the basic understanding & desire to learn that will make you successful with a ball python.

The two really can't be compared, but, feeding, handling, and even caging techniques/requirements are basically the same. (Basically)

You wouldn't regret getting a BP, but it won't, and can't, take the place of a corn. Snake per snake, they're a world a part. Within about a month of getting a BP you'll see what I mean.

Hope this helps!

Take care!
Mike
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It is said that 1 out of every 4 people are mentally unbalanced. Think of your 3 closest friends, if they're normal, then it's you.

>>
well, now that the snake won't bite I will have to agree with the others.....The Bug Will Bite...lol
Even in your situation it will be hard to keep from getting more corns.
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Corn snakes and rat snakes..No one can have just one.
"Resistance is futile"
Jimmy Johnson
(Draybar)
Draybars Snakes

_____

I know! I keep seeing so many pretty colors and patterns, then find myself thinking "Ooo.. I want one of those!"

My boyfriend even offered to buy another for me for an upcoming Christmas/birthday present. It's so tempting.
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DeviantART Gallery

Well, draybar had a sharp looking cinnamon listed on his website the other day.

No, I don't get a sales percentage from him. I don't know him and we've never even talked to each other on the forum or any other means. He seems to carry himself well & I was impressed by his website, that's all.

I like natural corns best, cinnamons are next.

Mike
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It is said that 1 out of every 4 people are mentally unbalanced. Think of your 3 closest friends, if they're normal, then it's you.