Mystery snake with no history

[Crimson]

:wavey: I bought a male corn snake at a reptile show in march and I have a few stupid questions... what is his color morph? how old do you think he is - he is 4ft 4inches I don't know weight. I've been feeding him 3 hoppers every 7 days, but I think its time to move up, but what size would you recommend?

He's very tame and loves being out and handled, but when he's in the tank he is usually hiding until the lights go out. He will be moving into a 75 gallon tank once i move out of my house into a new one in october. Right now he's in a 20L which I know is to small for his size. When I got him he was sooo skinny he didnt look healthy but he looks fabulous now and sheds every 5 weeks without a problem. Should he be handled every day? I generally dont handle him for 2 days after he eats...is that ok? Now I'm rambling! so here are some photos..

Crimson sitting on a dish, i pointed to his underside because he has neat black stripes on white on all of his underside, and he also looks like his mouth is stitched shut with the little black stripes around his mouth

 

[Nanci]

He's a normal! Lots of them have that "stiching" on their mouths- I think it looks cool. The "stripes" on his belly are called checkers. I'd try him on a small mouse, and see how that goes, and if all is well, then a medium mouse the next week. It doesn't hurt to handle him every day except for his 48 hours of digestion. It's "enrichment" for him.

 

[tbtusk]

He's got incredable eyes! I've never seen that almost neon ornage ring around the pupil. He's gonna be in heaven with a 75 gallon tank!

Like Nanci said that amount of handling is absolutely fine. It's good exercise for them and helps them keep muscle tone as well.

 

[alan]

Welcome! Your Crimson is a nice looking snake. There's all kinds of tips here to set him up and keep him healthy.

 

[The_Thunderer]

Welcome! That is a handsome guy you got there! Love his "look" and his tank! Wow... just don't tell my corns about his "digs".

Anyhow, looks like your questions were answered, so I'll see you around the forum!

Fred

 

[doortech9]

Nice looking snake! I think he will be very happy with his new pad

 

[or1olesfan]

:wavey: I bought a male corn snake at a reptile show in march and I have a few stupid questions... what is his color morph?

looks like a normal, or classic. mine is also a classic, but he is only a few months old.

:wavey: how old do you think he is - he is 4ft 4inches I don't know weight.

four feet could be an adult (1 1/2- 2 years, or older). length is generally not the best measurement, and there is no exact way to know (that i know of). they reach that size at about 1 1/2 - 2 years (depending on snake, and feedings), so he could be anything above that age.

if you post his weight (mine is still small enough i can put him in a cup and way him in a postage weigher) it will be easier for the other users to tell you his age, and maybe notice if he is underweight.

:wavey: I've been feeding him 3 hoppers every 7 days, but I think its time to move up, but what size would you recommend?

this also depends on his weight. whatever you do, dont jump prey sizes too rapidly (for example, dont jump from the hoppers to adult rats/ large adult mice)

:wavey: He's very tame and loves being out and handled, but when he's in the tank he is usually hiding until the lights go out.

its normal for them to hide. in the wild, a snake that doesnt hide, is often a dead snake. im not sure how long you've had him, but they normally come out more as they get used to thier new enviornment. Make sure not to handle him untill at least 48 hours after feeding, otherwise you risk a re-gurge, which is really bad for your snake.

:wavey: He will be moving into a 75 gallon tank once i move out of my house into a new one in october. Right now he's in a 20L which I know is to small for his size. When I got him he was sooo skinny he didnt look healthy but he looks fabulous now and sheds every 5 weeks without a problem. Should he be handled every day? I generally dont handle him for 2 days after he eats...is that ok?

He will love a 75 gallon tank. a 20 L wont hurt him, and will be fine at least untill october. Im glad you beefed him up, glad he's more healthy. Im not sure who you got him from, but you might want to take Crimson to your local vet (or a herper) and have him checked for any diseases. better safe than sorry.

He can be handled everyday. It will help him build muscle tone, and get used to you better. I know i hold mine everyday (other than after feeding), just because he's so much fun to handle.

:wavey: Now I'm rambling! so here are some photos..

Crimson sitting on a dish, i pointed to his underside because he has neat black stripes on white on all of his underside, and he also looks like his mouth is stitched shut with the little black stripes around his mouth

those are some great pictures.

the balck stripes under his belly are normal, all classics have them in a similar pattern to that, and most morphs have some trace of them. Those stripes are one of the most common thieries on how they got thier name: the stripes look like maize or "indian" corn, hence the name "corn snakes"

thanks for sharing the pics of your snake, and have fun on the site. there are lots of knowledgable and reputable herpers here that are always more than willing to give thier opinions and advice

welcome, and happy herping

 

[JoshnJJ]

Nice looking snake!
Welcome to the forum!

 

[dpreston66]

Amazing snake! Welcome to the forums!

:wavey: