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New member, not new to snakes, but I do have a question!

S

Syralei

New member
Hello everyone!

I am actually a Veterinary Technician, I have worked in exotic practices and have owned snakes since I was 13 (I'm now 28). I love snakes. I've owned and rescued and rehomed snakes for many a friend who couldn't keep their own.

My very first snake, my baby, is a female corn snake I have had since I was 13. She is 16 now. Still in good health, still gorgeous, still comes with me for use as a demo reptile when I go to schools to teach people about reptiles.

My question is this:

What can I expect as she ages further? Has anyone here owned a corn snake who has died of old age? Is there anything I should look out for? My 16 year old girl has had a couple of respiratory issues over the past 5 years, just mild RIs that cleared with increased temperatures, but I worry about how she'll fair as she reaches old age. Snakes down generally show many signs of discomfort or pain, other than potentially slowing down or refusing to eat.

If anyone on the forum has any insight as to what to expect as a snake ages and reaches the end of it's natural life, I would greatly appreciate it. I know that in captivity, corn snakes have lived as long as 23 years. I just want to make sure she's as comfortable as possible for the amount of time she has left.

Thanks
 
Welcome! I am no expert in elderly snakes but from what I have read here and in books is that, like any other creature, will slow down, skip meals, and just have a general "elderly" attitude.

Perhaps supplementing vitamins to her meals might be a suggestion, hopefully someone can comment on that.

Here's to another 7 happy, healthy years! :cheers:
 
Hi!
I have no experience with aging snakes, as of yet, but I had to ask, are you an actual RVT/LVT?
I'm in school for it right now.
Welcome to the forum, it's great!
 
Thanks for the welcome, Smigon.

Yes Kate, am an RVT, I graduated in 2010; and have actually gone back to school. I'm graduating this year from university with a bachelors in biology (Honours) and I'm applying to vet school next year. I've worked in small animal (cat and dog) clinics, exotics, and wildlife rescues. If you have any questions at all about the profession, let me know (Though I do live in Canada, so I'm not sure if practices would be similar where you are).
 
How awesome!
That's my plan you're just several years ahead of me!

Congrats on your upcoming graduation!

I want to specialize in reptiles & run a mixed practice someday. I will take you up on your offer if I think of any good questions!
 
I just lost one of my cornsnakes last month. I am estimating his age was 16-17, based on the previous owner's information, and how long I had him.

I noticed about 6 months ago that he didn't want to eat every week, so I cut him back to every 14 days. He seemed fine for a few months, then would only feed every 3-4 weeks after that. He still had good weight, was fairly active, and was shedding, although the interval was longer between sheds. I didn't notice any other drastic changes, other than the decreased appetite. No RIs, or signs that he may have been in pain.

Then one morning, I found him dead when I checked on everybody. He was such a cool snake - very friendly, and loved to come out and explore. He was my go-to snake for those people hesitant to hold a snake for the first time.

I hope your girl has many more years with you!


RIP, my Popsicle


Kathy
 
Thanks so much everyone for your replies!

Kate - It's hard work, but it's worth it. Just remember, it's not about getting from point A to point B, it's the adventure in the middle that counts! Don't get discouraged and never give up if it's what you really want. Don't forget to breathe and have fun along the way!

Tavia - Thanks for directing me to that thread, it was super helpful! So many older corns here! I've looked through every herp textbook I own, but everything I read is very vague on aging processes in snakes.

Insomniac101 - I've very sorry to hear of your snake's passing - It's never easy losing something or someone who has been with you that long.

My girl is a Normal, her name is Rosie. She still eats every week, and up until last year she's laid infertile eggs (I don't breed her). This year she hasn't so far, and she hasn't fasted like she has before egg laying in previous years. She's still very active when handled, still spends most of her time hiding in one of her hollow rocks, and seems like a normal snake. No weight changes or eye issues. When she fasts or doesn't want food, if I dip the item in raw egg, she'll usually go for it. Seems to be her favorite!
 
insomniac101 said:
I just lost one of my cornsnakes last month. I am estimating his age was 16-17, based on the previous owner's information, and how long I had him.

I noticed about 6 months ago that he didn't want to eat every week, so I cut him back to every 14 days. He seemed fine for a few months, then would only feed every 3-4 weeks after that. He still had good weight, was fairly active, and was shedding, although the interval was longer between sheds. I didn't notice any other drastic changes, other than the decreased appetite. No RIs, or signs that he may have been in pain.

Then one morning, I found him dead when I checked on everybody. He was such a cool snake - very friendly, and loved to come out and explore. He was my go-to snake for those people hesitant to hold a snake for the first time.

I hope your girl has many more years with you!


RIP, my Popsicle


Kathy
Click to expand...

so sorry to hear about your loss... he was a beautiful corn.. I recently lost two boa's and while they may not be like a dog or cat they are still part of our lives and I loved them as much as any other pet.
Popsicle was lucky to have found you as his owner and I can tell you loved him and gave him a great life....
 
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