Reptile & Amphibian Forums

ok i recently got a corn snake and i have been looking at alot of info on them and it says they need at the very least a 20 gallon tank...i got a 20gallon tank for it bcuz the dude at the store said it would be good for the rest of its life...now is this going to stop if from growing to its full size? i would like my snake to get as big as possible...another thing i was wondering about is what is considered "over feeding" cuz my snake will eat 2 pinkys on the weekend when it was scheduled at the store but still seems hungry and has eaten a third pinky in the middle of the week is that going to harm it? because it is my first snake and i jus want the best for it...the last question is do they get used to being handled? because mine seems a bit jumpy right now when i handle her...another thing about the over feeding, if the snake eats it on its own will like when i put a pinky in the cage the snake comes out flicking its tongue..anyway like i said thank you to anyone who replys to this i would appreciate it cuz i am just trying to learn as much as i can so i can make it the best for the snake...

A 20 gallon tank is plenty for one snake. Snakes are not like fish in the fact that they will only get as big at the tank will permit. Snake will grow as big as they are allowed by amount of food given and genetics.

I feed my babies a pinkie every 3-4 days. This is normal. You will hear different opinions on this topic and they all work, but I chose to feed more often than to give two at a time until they get older. Then I feed two a couple of times and then move up to larger food. Don't worry about overfeeding at this age. The snake will let you know when it is overfed by throwing up.

If you have any other questions let me know.

tom

xtremeherps@yahoo.com

I agree that the 20 gallon tank will be fine.

I'm a little worried about advise that says that it's ok if you over feed because they will throw up the extra. If a snake regurgatates, that can become a real problem. If your snake reguratates, you should suspend feeding for 7 to 10 days and them resume with small meals while the snake rebuilds the flora in it's gut.

You can tell if your snake is eating the right amount if the meal makes a slight hump or bulge in the snakes belly. The bulge should go away within a day or two. Feeding every 3 ot 4 days for a young snake is fine. I like the idea of a large meal on the weekend and a smaller meal mid week.

That fact that your snake is a little hyper is very normal for a young corn snake. As you handle it and as it gets older, it will settle down and become very doscile.

Your asking good questions. Hope you enjoy your snake.
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Wade's Weptiles & Wodents

Wade is totally correct. I reread my post and it was worded poorly. I meant that it would not kill a snake if you happened to overfeed once in a great while. It will if you do it to often.

The lump should last 48-72 hours, if it is gone in 24 you might try slightly bigger food, if it is still there is 4 days you should probably try smaller food.

sorry for the poor wording.

tom

Well, I see you have gotten some 'expert' opinions but I wanted to give you my 2cents worth. :0)
I'm no expert but have 2 corns, a milk and a jungle carpet python. So watch out!!! Snakes are addicting.
I keep my corns in 20 gallon long tanks. They have a UTH (under the tank heater) on one side with light on the same side for a natural day/night cycle and a heat gradient (one side warmer then the other). Also a couple hiding places and water all the time.
I feed frozen/thawed. Make sure to thaw completely if your feeding them these. My male ghost is eating a fuzzy weekly and my female amel is eating pinks.I tried her on fuzzies but she barfed up the remains so I went back to pinks. She seemed hungry after she ate, too, so I was feeding her like every 4 days. She eats 3 pinks now about once a week. I'm going to try her on fuzzies again.
As far as handling...they calm down. Mine were wiggly at first but now are real calm. I can hold them loosely in my hand without holding on to them for dear life. Just don't handle them for at least 24-48 hours after feeding them, they will barf up their meal.
I don't know how long mine will get. I've read the average is 4-5 feet. Right now my ghost is arms length, my amel is a bit shorter then that.
Wait till yours sheds for the first time! It's real neat. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I enjoy mine. :0)