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Cornsnake As Good 'Starter' Snake / Lizard?

O

OysterBoy

New member
Well, I have wanted a Gecko for a while, but I recently did some reading on Cornsnakes and I like what I see / read. Are they good for people just starting? One main concern I have is with the feeding; I understand they eat Pinkies, but what I don't quite get (Yes, I am a nub) is whether or not the pinkies are live when fed. I won't mind either way, but if I have a pinkie thats too big for my snake I'll be a little squemish about the 'remove pinkies head' part (If they eat live Pinkies).

Do I have to worry about Impaction with cornsnakes, or can I just use washed playsand with a hatchling? Are they very hardy (Will I stress them by picking them up) ? Lastly; how well do drippers work in a Cornsnake terrarium? I'd rather have one or two big days where I replenish the water and feed (2 times a week, yes?).


Oh, and also, I'd really apreciate if people could not only post info, but maybe pics of theirs too .

Thanks.

EDIT:
Just thought I should add; we have a frequent marijuana user in our house (Medicinal; my grandmother has Glaucoma [sp?]) and I will admit, every now and then I like to take a break from reality; will the scent irritate a cornsnake? I know, I know, very strange / obscure question, but I wanted to make sure before I buy. Thanks
 
Hi OysterBoy. I'm new to corn snakes myself but I will give what advice I can. I bought my corn as a hatchling. He didn't have any problems taking live or frozen/thawed pinkies. Now he's about 20"-24" long (haven't measured him lately) and is eating fuzzy mice. I don't think there would ever be a need to remove the mouses head. As for substrate, I wouldn't use sand. Impaction is probably possible (same goes for geckos BTW) for young ones. I've used paper towels, news paper, and aspen bedding. All have worked great for me and are easy to clean. There's really no need for a water dripper. I doubt that it would even work. Use a water bowl that is big enough for the snake to submerge. Don't forget to put a hide box or two in with him. I don't know about the effects of ganja on your scaly friend. I can't imagine it would be too good for him though. It's really not too good for people but that's a whole other thread. ;)
 
Cornsnakes are excellent for beginners. The prefered food item by most is F/T...less expensive, can buy in bulk, almost always available, no need to feel quilty about it's death or removal of body parts, safer for snake when mouse size increases to match your snake's growth.

Avoid sand. Paper towels, newspaper, aspen bedding or other commercially available reptile substrates are all good. Always feed in a seperate container with a non-ingestable substrate or no substrate at all.

You can handle your snake as long as you DON'T handle it for a few days after it eats. A hatchling may be a little more stressed than an older snake at first and the amount of time handled, and the frequency, should be minimal at first and then gradually increased. Cornsnakes are generally very hardy, but there are always the exception to the rule. You run into a slightly greater risk with potential problems in a young hatchling versus an older, already established snake. You should buy from a reputable breeder that guarantees their snakes versus buying one from a pet store. Yes, it will probably be more expensive, but the losses and horror stories that are posted here almost daily from people who bought from a pet store should convince you that the extra cost is well worth it.

No drippers, water bowl like mentioned by David. And hides, as also mentioned by David.

As for your grandmother's medicine, as long as your snake is housed in a seperate room from where grandma smokes, you keep the door closed and perhaps a window open (weather permitting) while grandma smokes, your snake will probably be okay.
 
What could happen? To be honest, I 'partake' quite often , although my window is always open. The smoke honestly shouldn't reach the cage. I know for a fact that Bearded Dragons can live in 'smoke' rooms without any danger (Not mine, but I know a breeder who's main room (along with all of his other rooms) has a 'healthy' layer of smoke). Also, what do you mean when you say 'F/T' ? Frozen / Thawed?

Thanks again all, if anyone knows of any Canadian (Ontario) breeder who are reputable, I'd apreciate a link or something.
 
The only thing I'd say about the snake being in the "smoke" room is this. It's probably not going to kill the snake immediately. Heck, I know people who have smoked for decades and they're still alive. Problem is, it's killing their lungs. Considering a snake has only one (functional) lung I can't see a snake living to an old age being exposed to smoke of any kind. If you feel comfortable putting your snake and other animals in a position they can't get away from that's up to you. I personally don't do it. Like many people do with their children, I smoke in a different room or outside, weather permitting.

Yes, F/T means frozen/thawed.

Good luck with whatever animal you decide to get. Just be conscious of any ill effects the things you do may have on your animal.
 
I'm sure I can control where I 'toke', no big deal really. Just makes it a longer stumble to the bed ;).

If anyone knows of a Canadian breeder in Ontario (Hamilton area prefferably), please let me know. Thanks.
 
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