Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey everyone!

Most of you probably don't remember me, as I posted on here a LONG time ago with basic questions about caring for corns. Well, I finally got mine, a Creamsicle from Kathy Love. I've only had him for a week or so, but he accepted his first meal (a f/t pinkie) extremely readily a week ago and will be getting fed again today. He's digesting properly and his temps are perfect, as well as the humidity. I'm so happy with him, he's beautful and has a wonderful temperment.

I have been trying not to handle him very much right now, as I don't want to stress him out. However, I did have to move him so that I could take out his water bowl and replace the water the other day. When I picked him up, he made a weird clicking noise, sort of like the clicks in a metronome. I've searched through the Corn Snake Manual but it says nothing about this, and it did not sound like a wheezing associated with a respiratory infection. I'm a little bit concerned, though. I don't want him to be sick. Does anyone know what this could be? Is it possible that he could have a respiratory infection, or was he just trying to scare me off and I'm being neurotic? He's my first snake and I want to make sure he's fine.

Thanks so much guys, and sorry this message was a bit long. I'll post pics of him as soon as I get the chance to take pictures

~ Lura

My advice: ignore for now and hope for the best.
Your description doesn't give me much to go on. The click could come from a tail shaking nervously against a plastic box -- fairly common in newbies but usually more like a rattle than a click, or it could be a sign that the young guy will shed soon. Sorry I can't give a definitive answer but I wanted to let you relax a bit. I'm sure it's nothing.

Hmm... they make that sound when they're going to shed soon? If so, that may be what's going on, as his colors are dulled and his eyes seem to be clouding over (although he ate well today). Thanks!

~ Lura

>>Hmm... they make that sound when they're going to shed soon? If so, that may be what's going on, as his colors are dulled and his eyes seem to be clouding over (although he ate well today). Thanks!
>>
>>~ Lura

I think the previous post was probably right. It was most likely rattling it's tail. It would seem even more likely considering you haven't been handling it and it is in shed.
After it sheds try handling it more often. The only way to keep it from getting stressed when being handled is to handle it more often.
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Remember, my posts are MY opinion only.
Jimmy (draybar)
My Snakes

Yup, I know... it's just that I haven't wanted to stress him out, and give him a good amount of time to settle in.

Thank you so much for your replies!

~ Laura

corns don't really make clicking noises. I am inclined to agree that it must be caused by either tail rattling or the snake moving against something in the cage. I have found it to be very rare for corns to get respiratory problems, although it does happen. Usually, if there is a serious problem, the snake won't feed. So just keep feeding him a few more meals and let him digest without too much stress. After he is acclimated to his new home, you can really up the amount of handling (when he is not full of food) to get him used to contact with you. Sounds like he is doing well so far. If you get past the first month or so without problems, it usually goes smoothly after that in most cases.

Good luck!