Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm trying to convince my parents to let me get a corn, and if they let me get it really soon, there are a few in a store here that i'm looking at.
The first is a small albino. My friend that works in the store isn't sure if it's feeding on pink mice or rosy reds. If it's feeding on rosy reds, should I rule this one out? I'd say it's about as wide as my finger. I believe the price on this snake will be $65.
The second is medium sized. I believe it's 2-2 1/2 feet. I think it's normal, or at least wasn't being sold as anything special. It is feeding well on fresh killed mice. The only problem with it is that it is rather shy, or at least my friend said it was. She claims that it strikes when they walk by, but it didn't strike at me when I stood in front of the cage in the store. This snake is the same price.
The third is a 3 1/2 -4 ft. It was dropped off in the store by the former owner who said it was too big. It is slightly head shy, but otherwise a very nice snake. I think it was orange base color with red saddles, and if the saddles where lined with black I didn't notice it. The under side is white with a little bit of orange at the tips of the scales. It feeds well on fresh killed mice. Price will be $80.
I know the bigger two snakes are fed on Saturday, but i'm not sure about the small one. If my parents will agree to it by then, I am going to try to get a chance to go in and see them eat. If not,I would at least like to see whatever I get eat before I take it home.
Now, I could order something online, however, I would prefer not to. I had a crappy experience the first and only time I ordered, as I got an animal who was not in as good shape as he should have been.

I would pick the normal b/c they look cool. I dont like albinos. They freak me out. The orange might be a good pick too. Hope u get one they are really good pets.

Chuck

Personally, I think getting an adult wouldn't be wise for a couple of reasons. First, you never know how well it was taken care of. The guy who brought it back obviously was in over his head or he would have known through very simple research that corns can grow to over 5 feet. To bring it back because it got too big shows neglect...so, not a good choice. The one that is middle in age you said seemed a touch aggressive, or jumpy... maybe not a good first choice for someone new to owning snakes. Finally, the youngest one, I would find out the age of it. From there you can ask people on teh forum what the snake "should" be eating for that age.
Finally, you really must do research before buying. I assume you have read countless care sheets or you wouldn't be considering a snake. I would find out for certain the morphs of the snakes you are considering. There is a great difference in price between morps in corn snakes. Remember, you can usually get a great deal (good price and great snake) at a reptile show or from a reputable dealer. I'm sure no matter where you live, someone here can point you in the right direction. Good luck, and hope that helps...
cheers,
MIKE
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1.0 Reverse Okeetee, 0.1 Albino Snow, 1.0 Irian Jaya Carpet Python

I really liked the adult, as it was very nice. Though I do also think that there may be another reason why it's been left at the store. If the person was a more responsible owner, they would have found a better place for it. I'm a little nervous about the really tiny one. It just seems so fragile. I also think it could be improperly labeled as albino. It is white base color with alternating red and orange saddles. The medium one didn't strike at me at all, and if I did go with one from this store, I would certainly ask to see that one before I made my final decision. I also need to make sure that they have a guarantee on them. If they don't that would end the possibility.
Another store around here usually has corns, but they have no guarantee. They also go from periods of taking great care of the animals, to doing terribly. I've also been told by the reptile guy in the store that they are a horrible rip off. Yes, he actually did say it to me.
Another option I have is to go in to a store in Philadelphia, and see what he has. It's going to be difficult for me to get to any shows within the next couple of months because I work weekends and I'm going to have to request off on 2 other days.
I'm not 100% against ordering online, but i'd need to see a lot of good comments about the breeder first.
Lastly, my dad said he wouldn't completely rule it out, which usually means in a few weeks i'll be able to. They didn't want me having dragons at first, and now I have 4, so I think i'll be allowed to. I've been reading about corns for about a year. When I got my rankins dragon I was really debating a corn, but I fell in love with the little dragon. I've got a few screws left to put on my big dragon cage and then i've got all the supplies I need.

Ok, I went and looked at some pictures. The big one is either Okeetee or Amelanistic I think. I honestly can't remember whether or not it had the black banding, but I want to say that it didn't.

I would go in and hold them all to see which one takes to you the best. Because of potential feeding problems, I wouldn't get the tiny one...the medium sized one would probably be best since it's already eating well.