Reptile & Amphibian Forums

just wondering how often i should feed my baby corn? i have almost had him for 2 weeks and i fed him on thursday. he ate the pinky within 5 minutes, is one pinky a week enough or should i feed him more often? also what is the easiest way to pick up a baby corn out of his cage? seems like im disturbing him every time i go to grab him then end up having to chase him in the cage.. i dont like to do that because i dont want him to fear me in any way. any suggestions? thank you in advance

I got my corn back in November. He was about 12 inches long. I fed him one pinkie every 4 days. About mid December, I went to 2 pinkies. Then at the beginning of February I went to 1 fuzzy, still every 4 days. Mid April he started on 2 fuzzies every 4 days. The end of May he got 1 fuzzy and 1 crawler every 4 days. Mid June he was getting 1 hopper but only for 2 feedings and then he went to 2 hoppers. Mid July he got 1 hopper and 1 weanling. this is when i changed to every 5 days. I think the hopper and weanling together were a little much for him. I offered him an adult at the end of July and he took it. You want to move up in size as soon as you can, not just give him 2 or 3 of the same size. He turned a year old on 7/22/05, and I just went to feeding him an adult mouse every 6 days. I don't think you should feed them weekly until thier second year. You really just have to see how he goes. If a snake can't get a prey item down, he just won't eat it. I know I ramble a bit but that's what I did with my snake. Also, don't handle him after you feed him. Let him be for 2 days after he eats. His lump should be mostly gone after 24 to 36 hours.

1.0 Corn Snake "Motega"

About handling him, always wash your hands using the same soap before you handle him. He will come to recognize the scent. Try to come from the side, not down on top of him. Move slowly and steadily. If he freaks and slithers away quickly, let him go. After he comes to a stop try again. Don't chase him around though. He should get used to you after a while. Just be consistent about the hand washing before and after handling him.

1.0 Corn Snake "Motega"

remember corns snakes are calm creatures.
they only freak when young, to pick one up when young try surrounding your hands around it for a few seconds before trying to touch it. it should chill a little when you go to actually pick it up. best to try and allow it to raise its head on to your hand and then it will climb on