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New to Snakes

C

Cheeks

New member
Hi, I'm going to be getting my first corn snake in a few months. I'm researching about it kind of early but I would have one now if I could! (Dad is terrified of them). Anywayy, I've been reading up a lot and I'm not sure whether I should be getting a snake from a pet store (since they don't seem to care about the snakes as much as selling products) or have one shipped from a breeder, I've been leaning more toward having one shipped. I want to make sure I get a healthy corn and, if I do everything right of course, there are no problems.

I live in Florida and if you do recommend getting one shipped, does anybody have any recommendations to look at? I found a few sites, including http://www.generalexotics.com/ and I want to make sure I have a credible breeder to buy from.
 
Here is a list of cornsnakes.com members who are breeders.

In the New Members Section, and in the For Sale Section, I have posted a Sticky called What is the BOI and why do I care? Please read that.
 
Reptile show / sales are another good place to buy snakes. They are so much fun to go to. I LOVE to look at all the critters an if your Dad is willing to go with you he can talk to others about snakes.
 
Hmm, I wonder how far Palm Coast is from Nanci??? But to your question. I'd look around for Florida breeders on here. Talk to a few. You might find someone close to you. I found our breeder that way. She used to live in my neighborhood, that's how close we are.

Can't start researching too soon, IMO.
 
I have been wanting to go to a reptile show, it sounds like a lot of fun and my boyfriend pointed out that it would be a good idea to talk to breeders/experienced owners. Who knows, I might fall in love with a different critter too. :)

My dad wouldn't be willing to go, I'm not sure why he doesn't like snakes but he can't even stand having one (who is secure) in the house. I should be moving out in a few months though and I'll be able to get him/her.

I have done research on a lot of the breeders in the list that Nanci linked for me. Quite a few reputable breeders in Florida, which is awesome; I was going to message a few soon. I need to get Kathy Love's book anyway! :)
 
There are many snake breeders in FL. We were just at Repticon in TN last week, and it seemed like half the breeders there were from FL :). You may be able to find someone within a reasonable drive.

Another option is to contact local animal shelters/rescues and let them know you're interested in adopting a snake. I'm big into rescue in general, and therefore when my daughter (Allidraggy) wanted a snake, after doing the research and deciding to add a pet to our family, that was the route that we decided to take. While petfinder doesn't list many snakes, it tends to be because shelters often cannot/do not take them-not that they don't get people wanting to relinquish them, and once I was on the list as being interested in adopting a snake, it didn't take long for us to find a great addition to our family.
 
I'm trying to go to the repticon in Jacksonville on Oct. 6th and 7th actually, I'll hopefully be able to meet some great breeders.

That's a really great idea, Alli. We're also big in the rescue department. My cat was from a humane society a few months ago and was three weeks pregnant so we ended up saving four animals instead. :) I'm going to look into that and ask around. It just never crossed my mind.
 
Another vote for the reptile shows. You'll get to see - and more importantly handle - a multitude of corns thanks to all the breeders and small pet-shops that attend. Plus there are a number of walkers with various breeds always looking to sell/trade.

I understand 1st-hand about bringing a snake into a home where to the others; it is as welcome as a flea-infested rabid skunk.

Maybe you should wait until you move out as you said, just to avoid the conflict.
 
One thing to keep in mind-a lot of rentals do not allow pets at all, or have restrictions as to size/type. It might be good to avoid bringing in a snake and then, in a few months, finding out that the apartments that are in a good location and within your price range only allows aquariums/terrariums up to 5 gallons. And while reptile pets are honestly about the LEAST likely to cause problems for landlords (reptile habitats don't generally flood the floor, reptiles don't pee on the carpet or in the heating vents, they don't tend to leave dander behind that causes allergies), I've seen quite a few leases that don't allow reptiles specifically.
 
You're about 100 miles from Nanci, she is one of the nicest people, very helpful and her snakes are awesome. She keeps amazing records, something you won't get at a pet store. If you go to show take a list from BOI so you don't get sucked in with good prices and bad snakes. The BOI can be hard to navigate if you don't know what you are looking for, but you could ask a moderator on this forum. They may not be able to name names, but could help. I think it is so important to know who you are buying from,especially if you are new to cornsnakes.
 
Yes, I'm very excited to go. :) and I will not bring a snake here because it is my parents home and I respect my father, and if he found out I snuck one into the house he would make me get rid of it probably and I won't do that to a snake. :(

Yes, I've also thought about that and when we looked at apartments a few months ago I would always ask about the pet policy. I have two cats as well and there's plenty of rentals that do allow pets so one that does not is a deal breaker. A lot of the ones I looked at said that small (as in caged) critters were welcome. :)
 
I've been on the BOI a little bit and it is helpful. Nanci has amazing reviews on there and it actually is what turned me away from general exotic. I will definitely take a list from them at the show though. I mostly just type in their name/website and a lot of threads come up on most.
 
I ordered my baby king from Big Apple Pet Supply, really pleased with their service, little guy has eaten 3 times for me (in two weeks) and seems healthy as can be, doesn't mind handling either after a week to adjust.
 
I was looking at their exo terra kits the other day. They have a very nice selection of snakes to choose from as well. It's still a few months from now and I'm trying to keep track of all my choices lol

One of my co-workers told me that her friends actually breed corn snakes. I want to see how reputable they are since they live in my town. :) I forgot to ask their names or if they have a website. :x
 
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