Curious..

[Nook]

Firstly, 'ello from Indiana. =) I don't own one of these gorgeous creatures just yet, filling the space left in my little brain with as much information as possible before doing so. This forum has been -awesome- for doing so and helping clarify certain questions I've had.

Secondly, I used the search function and tried about 20 different combinations of wordings to try and find an answer to this, but I found nothing. Forgive me if I happened to search incorrectly and repeat a question.

I had a question regarding buying my first cornsnake. I'm curious if there's any difference buying from a hobby breeder verses going to a reptile show and buying one from there. I've never been to a reptile show and plan to head to the one that come to our fairgrounds sometime this year, so I don't really know what to expect to see.

I was wondering if anyone had any input/personal experience on buying from a reptile show verses buying from a hobbyist breeder, or if there's any difference? If so, please elaborate?

Thanks for looking, now off to fill more empty brain space again!

-Kristen

 

[K. Rene]

Hey there Kristen, welcome from Oregon glad to have you aboard. I got my first two corns from a local breeder. She doesn't do it to make money and she tries to create neat looking morphs. So she considers it a hobby. She also goes to shows to sell her baby corns, which are healthy and strong. At the last show her babies were the biggest for their age and she was selling them 2 for $30 I think it was. So I guess that breeders at shows can be hobby breeders. I did purchase some corns from a bigger breeder and they are kinda small for their age but they eat wonderful and are getting used to being held. Just so long as a breeder knows what they are doing and has given the little critter the proper care you should be good. Reptile shows are so much fun!!! And the variety is great.
I highly recomend Kathy & Billy Love's Book "Corn Snakes a Comprehensive Owners Guide"

http://www.amazon.com/Corn-Snakes-C...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1265908021&sr=1-1

it's the best book out there for learning about corns and how to keep them. Learning what morphs (colors) you like will be helpful for when you are selecting your first corn. Feel free to check out my pics on my profile. Hope this helped.

 

[Nook]

Yup! Already looked into several books and such for general care, housing, feeding, etc etc. I'll be getting some copies of a few here shortly. Personally, I've always found that if you get from a breeder who knows what they're doing, knows their animals and such, you can't go wrong.

Currently I'm more interested in the Motley and Charcoal types. All are gorgeous, however.

Thanks for the feedback! Anymore is greatly appreciated, after all everyone has their own opinion.

 

[carnivorouszoo]

Hi! Let's see. . . I got my 08 Amel from a person on Craigslist, so I have no real background info as they wouldn't tell me about the breeder they supposedly got her from. I would NOT get hatchlings or juviniles of CL again. I got my Anery (I think he is really a charcoal but only breeding will tell) from a Petco and regretted it only because I was supporting a chain shop but he was so awesome looking! I got my Sanzabar from a local breeder in exchange for a bunch of feeders I had raised and all that, I had also gotten his sister but she died of unknown causes after a brief escape. The breeder offered me a snow het stripe to replace her, but I have the genetics for those (unless the anery is a charcoal, lol) so I told him that was ok. I got my Normal Mot het Stripe and Jungle Corn from a mom and pop shop who get their snakes from shows. I won't go back after I argued over the fact that the KING she sold me was a Jungle Corn. She told me whoever said it was not a King was stupid (thanks cs.com, lol). I got my Diffused and 05 amel at a shop that had snakes for sale and owner release adoption. Both were owner release adoptions. They spoke with my for at least 20 minutes making sure I knew what I was doing and was prepared for the fact that the Amel might lay eggs. I was so happy to be grilled like that (a first I assure you!). Then I got my Amel mot het caramel stripe from JMKsnakes who is a member here. Awesome guy, even explained his shorthand on the history he gave me. Was very patient about me getting money together, no he did not hold any snakes be neither did he tell me to take a flying leap the first time I had to postpone! Great guy, will deffinitely go back to him in the future if I want to add other colors to my lines.

No clue if that helps, oh and I have yet to go to a show or expo although I hope to go to the one in the next 2 or 3 months (have to check the site).

 

[kadaysa]

The vast majority of my corn snakes have actually come from members here off of CS. I spent quite a bit of time lurking around and reading the posts and learning about corn snakes and the members who sell them here before the insanity started, LOL. Two of them came from SMR, one came from a reptile show, two came from a sellers off of Fauna and then if my memory serves me correctly the rest came from members here, so as you can see that is most of them. I personally wasn't interested in the morphs that my local petsmart and petco have carried and the two speciality pet stores I have local to me imo are just to overpriced, nice morphs just over priced. The reptile show I have here in Michigan is quite small so I think that is why I have done most of my purchases off of members here. I feel like I know the sellers better, I have seen pictures of their snakes, read their posts, etc and for me the experience has just felt more comfortable if that makes sense. No matter which route you go, please ask as many questions as you need from the seller and look for a healthy snake and have fun.

 

[Nook]

Yeah, I took a gander at the breeder list from here. A lot have some very nice corns. =) The reptile show I was planning on visiting is the Midwest Reptile Show that takes place here in Indianapolis, looks like it could be quite interesting, as I love going to conventions of sorts, even if it's just to walk around.

For the record, I wouldn't ever buy a pet from a petstore.. I've seen things that 'go on behind closed doors' from too many places and I'm not at all pleased. It makes me not even want to step foot in them sometimes. I'd much prefer a hobby breeder when it comes down to it. Quality over quantity has always been my rule of thumb on looking for such.

Anyway, I can totally agree with the part about where it makes you feel comfortable buying from someone off of here. These forums have given me quite a lot of information and entertainment the past days I've been up till 3am browsing. Especially from Wade.. his new way of euthanasia proved to be quite the side splitter.

Thanks again for the info! Anyone else? =)

 

[Tavia]

Hello & welcome from Idaho! I don't think there is really that much difference between a small time hobbyist or a big time breeder or between getting one from a show or having one shipped to you. There are going to be pros & cons for all of your options, it just depends on what you decide are the more important pros or cons. I've had all but two of my snakes shipped to me, (the other two are from pet stores) two corn snakes & two garter snakes. The corns were from a bigger breeder, VMS Herp & the two garters were from a smaller hobbyist. Everything went well with the corns, I'm completely happy with everything about them. I had a problem with one of the garters, the female got an infection in her eye, that I noticed two days after she arrived, though I don't think that was really the breeders fault, just one of those things that happen. I don't really have any particular complaints with the garter breeder, but at the same time, I'm not sure I'd buy from that person again. Those are just the experiences I've had.

 

[Nook]

I've considered the pros/cons of each, but I still always have that badgering "Well.." in the back of my mind. Thanks for the info, though, personal experiences help! =)

 

[Caryl]

Welcome, fellow Hoosier! I've been relocated to the Mississippi Gulf Coast for 12 years, but I'm still a Hoosier at heart.

Yes, do pick up Kathy & Bill Love's book. You don't need to go to Amazon for it though; you can get it straight from their website, www.cornutopia.com. Don Soderburg of South Mountain Reptiles also wrote one that's good to have called "Cornsnakes in Captivity."

On the issue of buying; I've purchased all my corns online from breeders except for the first one, who was purchased for me at a Petsmart. (No problems at all, despite the reputation.) I haven't had to good fortune to get to an expo, but I know that you can get some great deals at expos. I've also read of some terrible experiences involving sick snakes and disreputable or inhuman vendors. I wouldn't personally advise a newcomer to plan to shop at an expo unless s/he's well aware of what to look for health-wise.

Part of your decision about where to buy ought to be your plans down the road. Are you planning to have a snake or three just for pets? Do you expect to breed snakes? If the former, choose what you like from a responsible individual, buy and enjoy!

If the latter, you'll need to consider additional points. What is your goal?
What niche would you like to fill in breeding corns? What look would you like to develop or perfect? You'll need to buy with an eye toward genes that contribute to your goal, and buying online or on person from breeders is more likely to get you there. The best hatchlings don't usually get sold at expos.

Again, welcome! Best of luck in this fascinating hobby.

 

[Nook]

I generally always look for hobby breeders if I'm at all interested in something and do inquire about a bit of information before making my decision. I've already looked in to getting the books mentioned, as well as a couple others that have to do with genetics.

Mostly, I'm just looking to have one to keep as a pet in the beginning, seeing how that goes before I decide if I'd want another in the future. If/When I feel comfortable with it, I'll consider looking into and doing major research on the breeding part.

I used to breed cockatiels (way off subject, I know. Lol.) and was always excited when I saw my hens laying eggs, couldn't wait to find out what would come out of them. I was just a small hobby breeder, the ones I bred started off as pets with no intention of breeding.. then my male sweet-talked my two hens and ta-da! Had quite a few people lined up for the chicks I produced, even before they were born.

Anyway, back on subject.. Thanks again for the info, I think I'm still set on buying from a breeder, and possibly one off of here since you guys are so awesome. =)

 

[Caryl]

I generally always look for hobby breeders if I'm at all interested in something and do inquire about a bit of information before making my decision. I've already looked in to getting the books mentioned, as well as a couple others that have to do with genetics.

Mostly, I'm just looking to have one to keep as a pet in the beginning, seeing how that goes before I decide if I'd want another in the future. If/When I feel comfortable with it, I'll consider looking into and doing major research on the breeding part.

I used to breed cockatiels (way off subject, I know. Lol.) and was always excited when I saw my hens laying eggs, couldn't wait to find out what would come out of them. I was just a small hobby breeder, the ones I bred started off as pets with no intention of breeding.. then my male sweet-talked my two hens and ta-da! Had quite a few people lined up for the chicks I produced, even before they were born.

Anyway, back on subject.. Thanks again for the info, I think I'm still set on buying from a breeder, and possibly one off of here since you guys are so awesome. =)

It sounds like you're going to be a very well-prepared and thoughtful keeper when you get your first corn snake. (WARNING: They're seriously addictive!) Your excitement about cockatiel breeding and wondering what will hatch is exactly the way most of us feel about our corns. I know that says it well for me!

When you get to the point where you're shopping for your first snake, be sure to check out photos of adults of whatever variety you're interested in. One of the fascinating things about corns is the way their colors (and patterns in some cases) shift and change as they grow. This is also one of the frustrating things! While no two are exactly alike, looking at photos of several adults will give you an idea of what you can expect.

Let us know when you decide to take the leap. We're a bunch of enablers!

 

[Nook]

Yes, yes you guys are! I think I've made my decision on the type I'm aiming for : Sunglow Motley - so if anyone here is expecting some of those lovely morphs, give me a shout. I'm still waiting on it to warm up here so I don't think I'll be adding a new adding juuuust yet as I don't want the little bugger to freeze on his way here, but this early summer is another story.

I'll definitely let everyone know when I happen to get one, I'm sure it'll be all I'll talk about. Heheh. =P