I have had boa's, pythons, and some wild caught snakes when I was young. I had a young retic for awhile & she bit me every time I handled her. I am getting into corns as a project that interests my 2 older grand children. They are so excited! They are also a little worried about getting bitten. My question, when buying young is there any way to predict a snakes temperament? Thanks!
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temperament
- Thread starter ernie55
- Start date
Ares2010
Ex Snakephobian
Well, this is my first time owning snakes and I have two corn snakes. Neither one has ever bitten me.
It's widely known that corn snakes are more docile (mostly) than other snakes so that's why people go with a corn snake as their first snake.
It's hard to know exactly what a snake's temperament will be but watch out for those that seem to startle easily and bow up a lot when approached.
Perhaps look for snakes that have been handled before so they are used to it.
Best of luck with your snakes.
It's widely known that corn snakes are more docile (mostly) than other snakes so that's why people go with a corn snake as their first snake.
It's hard to know exactly what a snake's temperament will be but watch out for those that seem to startle easily and bow up a lot when approached.
Perhaps look for snakes that have been handled before so they are used to it.
Best of luck with your snakes.
bitsy
Owned by Corns since 1991
I'd say if you're going for something very young, then no, there's no way of predicting that. Most Corns end up calm and easy to handle, but odd ones never grow out of the hatchling "jitters" about humans (these are very much the exception though).
In your place I'd probably go for an adult or sub-adult. Hatchlings and younger ones are naturally quite flighty and fidgetty and take a while to settle down - you don't usually see their long-term character for a while.
With an older Corn you can ask to see it being handled (if the owner puts on gloves or is worried by the idea, that's not a good sign!). You can also ask to handle it as part of your decision on whether to buy. It will still take a while to settle into its new home and be more nervous in the first few weeks, but if it was calm on "home turf" then you should see it return to that state once it feels comfortable with you.
Chip
ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒ&
Yeah, what bitsy said. A yearling is almost always a better choice. It has eaten well enough to make it to that mark, and you know the temperament going in. That said, even w/c corns usually settle in captivity after some handling. I've produced a few that were just plain evil, but that is very unusual.
hippiebrian
New member
I had snakes back in the late 70's and early 80's when most were wild caught, and most were nippy! It's amazing to me now to see the captive bred snakes generations later where most (not all) have had the nippiness bred out! Corns are amazing for this!
Like others have said, however, individuals can vary, so I too suggest getting a yearling or older that has been handled regularly. I am also new again to the hobby, so started with an adult and she's amazingly friendly! I really think she enjoys the handling, and hasn't shown the slightest hostility!
Like others have said, however, individuals can vary, so I too suggest getting a yearling or older that has been handled regularly. I am also new again to the hobby, so started with an adult and she's amazingly friendly! I really think she enjoys the handling, and hasn't shown the slightest hostility!
Pal-O-Mine
New member
Other than what has already been said, I would add that from observation you can tell a fair bit about a snake. One hatchling I have is very active all the time. But the upside to this is she is around to be viewed and always wants out to be handled. Downside she can be a handful for someone young as she is always on the move when out. Another one I have is shy and hides a lot. When he comes out to play is actually calm, but sometimes he is more interested in going back into his home than staying out.
But you can tall with a little bit of observation and handling kind of what their personalities are like.
Another one is a striker. Walk by him and he will strike. Open his home he tries to bite. Move while holding him and he tries to tag you. He is just a very cranky snake who doesn't like people or really anything for that matter. As he will strike at another snake if he sees them. And no sign of calming down. (he is an exception BTW) I think someone tried to eat him when he was younger and it soured his disposition. lol
But you can tall with a little bit of observation and handling kind of what their personalities are like.
Another one is a striker. Walk by him and he will strike. Open his home he tries to bite. Move while holding him and he tries to tag you. He is just a very cranky snake who doesn't like people or really anything for that matter. As he will strike at another snake if he sees them. And no sign of calming down. (he is an exception BTW) I think someone tried to eat him when he was younger and it soured his disposition. lol