A few questions about my new corn

[shiningfate]

I ended up getting my corn hatchling locally after personally holding a few. I think it's a normal one, they had some other types but they were too nervous/bitey for me. And yes, I'll post pictures as soon as it feels more comfy in it's new home. But I have a few questions...

First off, I have no idea what the sex is, I got it at a pet store and they weren't sure...though the general consensus seems to be that it is male. I'm too afraid of hurting it if I do it myself, but I don't know who else I could get to do it. I'm not sure if the vets around here deal with snakes, the only ones that might would be in another city. Would they do it? The only other thing I could think of would be a friend of mine who owns snakes, but they are pythons, so I dunno how helpful he could be...

Second, how long should I wait until feeding it? I brought it home and it seemed freaked out by it's new home, and burrowed into the aspen on the cool side and pretty much stayed there. They said it was due for feeding, so I was just curious.

Third, how long until I start holding it regularly? It seemed to like people holding it until I put it in its enclosure, then it just wanted to be left alone.

Thanks for all your help, guys!

 

[susang]

It is very unreliable to sex a snake visually, popping can be done but it takes a little experience. Some vets will do it, but can be expensive. Unless you plan on breeding, it shouldn't make a difference.
Handling you should leave the baby alone in the viv for 4-5 days to get used to the surroundings, only giving fresh water. Then you can take it out briefly and feed it (seperate tub). The snake should not be handled for 48 hours after feeding, except to put back in viv. So for now the handling is usually minimal maybe just a few minutes a day.
Just one other thing if you get another hatchling the bitey hatchling usually (not always) have a great feeding response. They are nervous when handle because they really don't like it and you are so big compared to them. good luck, susan

 

[shiningfate]

Hmmm, okay. The only reason I wanted to know the sex, for now at least, is so I could choose an appropriate name. But I won't worry about it. I'll probably go with something that could be used for either. Maybe after I've had it for a while I might be interested in breeding, but definitely not for some time.

As for a feeding area, would something small do, like a plastic Rubbermaid food keeper? Or should I use something else?

Thanks for the advice though, I'll leave him be for the most part for a couple days.

 

[susang]

Yup a rubbermaid tub will work, should be pretty small, or if you can talk the clerks at local grocery store out of a deli cup. Either will work, put some small holes in it. good luck, susan

 

[Tinycritters]

about where are you located in kentucky? there may be a reptile show near you. The people there are usually pretty nice and will help you sex your snakey.

 

[shiningfate]

Richmond. I never thought about that though, that would be a pretty good idea. I'll see if can Google some if you don't know of any offhand around Lexington and stuff.

 

[Tinycritters]

the eastern ky show looks like about an 1 1/2 drive from you. Its on Sept. 23 in Morehead Ky. here's a link to their site http://www.ekreptileshow.com/ekrs/index.htm I havn't been to that one yet, but might be there. who knows.

 

[shiningfate]

Nifty. I'll have to see if I can make that one. I also heard that there's one in Shelbyville as well that I might go to. Thanks for you help, maybe I'll see you at one soon.

 

[Tinycritters]

lol yeah, the shelbyville one was yesterday. I just didn't feel like driving that far, its a far drive for me. Plus i'd just know i'd bring back something else i dont really need lol. i do think they do it once a month tho, you could check into it and find out.