Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all,

My 10 year old son has wanted a snake for over 3 years and his father has finally said "YES"!!! I've been reading thru this forum and looking at care sheets etc. but of course I have a couple of questions.

1. We have a 10 gallon and a 20 gallon (long) aquarium. Which would be the better one to start a snake out in? I know some of it will depend on the size of the snake.

2. Can anyone point me to some corn snake breeders in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area?

Thanks in advance!

Jennifer

I would start a hatchling out in the 10 gal. That should last him/her for about a year, depending on the rate of growth. An adult corn can live in a 20 gal long its whole life. Make sure you have a hide on the warm and the cool side of the viv, and I usually put my water bowl in between the two.

As far as a GREAT breeder in the Texas area, I would recommend Don at South Mountain Reptiles. He has some of the most gorgeous snakes and he is a SUPER guy to deal with. His link is at the top of the page.

Someone else may have some other ideas for you, this is just my 2 cents. Good Luck!!!!!
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SpardaWolf
Corn Snake Addict
"Always Learning"

I agree, call Don at South Mountain Reptile. I don't know what part but he is in Texas. He says he will answer his phone 24/7. I have bought several snakes from him and found him great to deal with.
South Mountain Reptiles

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Wade's Weptiles & Wodents

np

I am a big fan of Don as well. I have six corns from him and I recomend his motley sunglows. They are fantastic!
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0.1 BCI
1.1 Okeetee
2.0 Motley Sunglow, Bloodred
0.2 Motley Sunglow, Ghost

Corn snakes are the easiest snakes to start with. :0) I bought my first corn at a local Petco after ALOT of reading and homework.I now have 2 corns, a milk and a jungle carpet python. I started my corns out in a 10 gallon when they were babies. Babies like small enclosures or they feel 'lost' and afraid. Be sure to have its enclosure all ready before you bring it home. I have an UTH (under the tank heater) on one side of the tank, (mine are big enough and are in 20 gallon longs)with light on the same side. You want a warm side and a cool side. I have my light on a timer to give them a day/night cycle.It also helps heat the enclosure. The UTH stays on 24/7. There is also a couple hiding places for them. Babies love paper towel rolls and they are free, once you use up your paper towels.
I keep a water bowl full all the time. I've seen mine drink quite a lot sometimes.
THE MOST IMPORTANT thing is a secure lid! You don't want to have to hunt for a baby snake. They can hide anywhere in the house.
If you want a good book about corns check out Kathy Love's 'The Corn Snake Manuel'. It has all you need to know.
This is my experiences and it has worked for me. Enjoy!

I agree with what has been posted so far about your questions.
Don at South Mt.has some of the nicest cornsnakes.Someone else who might be of some help is Stan Grumbeck of The Snake Room,I believe he lives in arlington.You might(if you havent already)
want to get reading info for your son.The cornsnake manual by Bill and Kathy Love is a very good book.starting off right with a first snake for a young child will save alot of problems in the long run.this book will help alot.Good luck,Randy

I agree Don at SMR is a super person to deal with. I believe he is located near San Antonio. Check out texasreptile.com. They host reptile shows reguarly in Arlington. I've bought several at this show. I don't think they have the 2004 shows posted yet, but you can get on a mailing list and they will notify you when shows are coming up. It's kind of the off season right now. In the summer there is a show about once a month. If you want you can email me and I can give you a few names of dealers in this area, I'm at work right now and don't have all the info with me. I hope this helps.
Jim

I just reread this post,and it might sound like I was steering you away from South Mountain reptiles. That is definatly not the case. I have two of Don's snakes. They are both healthy beautiful snakes. His service is outstanding and I highly recommend you check him out.