Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all, I'm new to this forum. I've just purchased my first snake ever! I'm a worried new mommy. I've got the cutest little amelanistic motley http://www.geocities.com/mokephoto/snake/snake1.jpg here is a lighter version of the same picture if it shows dark on your screen http://www.geocities.com/mokephoto/snake/lightsnake1.jpg.

I understand the little guy needs some time to get acclimated to his new environment. I've purchased Kathy Love's book, "The Corn Snake Manual" and she suggests giving a baby snake at least 3 days to get acclimated to his new environment but I'm just DYING to take him out and handle him. How much of an advantage is there to leaving him completely alone for three days?

Some background information: I got him two days ago. As of last night his belly was no longer distended from the pinky he ate during the feeding demonstration. So that's a good sign that he's doing well right? He seems to have a rather bold personality, yet not aggressive at all. He's only hid under the substrate once or twice, he roams around his cage quite a bit and seems cautious but not frightened by us and the cat. The store I purchased the snake from said he is about 8 weeks old.

Any other advise for a new mommy is very welcome also.
Thanks,
Molly

Congratulations! But beware, one is never enough! I have a ball python, redtail boa, Dumerils boa and a corn. The corn by far is the boldest, never, ever has bit me, eats like a garbage disposal....will literally eat right from my hand while I am holding him (which happened unintentionally once). My corn only hides right after eating and during shed. He loves to perch on his climb right out in the open at the top of the cage. Also, my corn dislikes his heater. I have to keep it turned off because the minute I turn it on he vacates that spot and goes for the cool end. I have tried several times but he just prefers it off. I do live in Sacramento where it gets really hot. I am ashamed to say that when we got him as a baby I could not resist and I held him. I think it probably is better to not hold them but each has his own personality. If he is bold then go for it! (I would never suggest the same for the other three snakes I have as they are quite shy.) Good luck and enjoy! Tracy

Even though it is most tempting,it is best to leave the little one for the three days minimun. EXPECIALLY if it just ate 2 days ago also, on the day it traveled home. Let it relax and fully digest its food. One thing you want to avoid at all costs, is causing a regurge. Once they do one it is a pain to get them back on track and can eventually cause death if the problem doesn't stop. So, definitely, positively give the guy 2 full days to digest with no handling. I can't stress that enough. Causing a regurge is something you don't want to do.

It is dificult not to pick them up and hold them and look at them for those first three days but since you've already made it through two, one more won't be too bad.

Welcome to the addictive world of snakes. Cornsnakes are the best but you may find yourself with other types down the road.

Good luck and have fun.

And that gives you another day to read Kathy's book. That was a very good investment, and will give you a great start with your new pet. Welcome to the cornsnake forum. Duffy

Alright, so despite everyone's best advise I had to gently handle him a little before the 3 days was up. I couldn't resist. He still seems to be doing well, doesn't show signs of being timid or frightened. Thanks for everyone’s input.

Molly