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Several Beginner Questions

Demonic

Demonic

New member
1. I have held corn snakes and find them to be extremely friendly and curious. I held my future snake yesterday and have than down. What I'm not sure about is how to pick them up properly. Any directions on how to pick up a skittish hatchling?
2. I've seen people holding the pinkies above their snake. I assume the snake would not eat a pinkie just set down in the "feeding" area with it? Is this correct?
3. How do I go about thawing out a frozen pinkie. I just hope the answer has nothing to do with a microwave. Yum Yum :licklips:
4. How often can the young snake be held. I read for 5 minutes twice per day until they calm down and grow a bit. Care to verify this?
5. The two snakes I am choosing between today are what they called a "Creamsicle" and one that is colored like a Ball Python. What is that color called? I would think that "Creamsicle" is just a petstore name for the snake. Are these snakes really crossed with rat snakes?
6. What about the snake's heat needs on the way home? It is snow and ice around here. I was thinking about leaving the truck heat on high and wrapping him in my jacket walking out to the car. Is this suitable for a 20 minute ride home?


Sorry for all my questions. I want my snake to be happy and healthy and this is the best source of information I've found.
 
1. When you pick up a skittish baby, try to gently scoop under them, rather than come right at them from the sky like a hungry bird of prey

2. Yes, a snake can eat a food item if you just set in down in their tub and leave, it depends on the snake. Some people like to have some sort of feeding response, which can be achieved by holding the item in front of/above the snake.

3. Put the pinkie in a baggie (or don't, personal choice) and place it in a container of warm water until it is warm and squishy to the touch. (if you don't put it in a baggie, try not to set the cup down next to your drink...)

4. I personally don't hold my babies very much because I don't want them to stress them out a lot, but short, gentle handling sessions should be fine (except if it has just eaten, then wait at least 2 days before handling)

5. A creamsicle is a corn x rat hybrid. I can't picture the one that is ball python colored, but I am gonna assume that that may be a hybrid as well?

6. My vet recommended using a lunch box/cooler type of container, as well as a baggie of uncooked, microwaved rice. Put the rice in the cooler, then put the hatchling container in there as well.
 
That looks to be a normal (wild type). If it is with the creamsicle, there is a possibility of it being a root beer, which is the normal morph of corn x rat hybrid. I would recommend asking someone if they are from the same clutch.
 
Got the baby home. Her name is Valkyrie (Val-ker-eye). A Valkyrie is the death angel that hovers over the battlefield. I just call her Val :).

Her home. Temp is currently 85. Bedding is Reptile Aspen.
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2h6yte9&s=5


The lid my dad made. It is NICE, not to mention heavy.
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2lt6cjp&s=5

And now onto the snake...

What a climber! She is all over everything! I've already had to pull the thing out of my sleeve. lol
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=58epi&s=5


Pattern shot. So what is she?
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=105p45s&s=5


Being her insanely curious, cheeky self...
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=9tnvqd&s=5


A rest break from all the exploring
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2lbm9ea&s=5


"Her" tail. Does is look malish or femalish to you guys? haha. Compared to the other snakes, it was pretty small. That means female, right?
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=240zwwk&s=5
 
Amel means the snake has no black pigment. It's our word for 'albino'. Creamsicles have no black pigment, therefore they are amel. Breeders will probably be able to tell a bog-standard amel and a creamsicle apart very easily, but to the untrained eye it is difficult. My creamsicle, for example, is nothing like a "good" example of one.

The names of the different morphs are as much about genetics as they are about appearances (although pet stores do come up with bogus names from time to time).

Looking at the tail is rather inaccurate for sexing purposes and I've never been any good at it anyway! When she's a little older take her to an experienced person who can 'pop' or 'probe' her (or him!) and all will become clear!

Could I recommend a great book for you to read, the latest guide by Kathy & Bill Love which you can get at www.cornutopia.com - it explores everything you could want to know, including all the baffling cornsnake genetics!
 
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