Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

[Matjoss]

Hi all

I am extremely new to snakes and am trying to find out as much as possible from the internet etc. I have ordered a couple of books from Amazon but I cant wait for them to come to get the answers.

First of all from what I have read I think a corn snake is what I am after as they stay quite small and have a good temperament. My first question is.

1 - Is a corn snake the same as a rat snake or are they quite different (temperament, size and beginner in mind) is there any other type of snake that would be better for a first snake?

My next question.

2 - When you see snakes in a shop the are usually in a viverium with bark chippings and twigs etc. This is how I imagined my viverium would look like but looking at the pictures on this forum people here seem to have there snakes in plastic containers. Is this the general way of keeping a snake? Is the snake not to bothered about its surroundings as long as it has a hideaway?

3 - I know all snakes are probably different but how often should you handle a snake to try and give it a good temperament without doing its head in, for example 30mins a day/week or as often as possible?

I know these are probably silly questions but when you read the care sheets for corn snakes they don't really answer these questions.

4 - I live near Manchester, UK. does anybody know of a good snake shop in this area?

Thanks for any help and advice.

Matt.

[lol93]

1 - Is a corn snake the same as a rat snake or are they quite different (temperament, size and beginner in mind) is there any other type of snake that would be better for a first snake?

A corn is a type of rat snake. Rat snakes vary a lot in size and temperament, as well as care requirements, but corns are a good choice for a first snake.

2 - When you see snakes in a shop the are usually in a viverium with bark chippings and twigs etc. This is how I imagined my viverium would look like but looking at the pictures on this forum people here seem to have there snakes in plastic containers. Is this the general way of keeping a snake? Is the snake not to bothered about its surroundings as long as it has a hideaway?

It's up to you whether you want a 'natural' looking vivarium or a tub with newspaper. As long as the snake has food, water and a hide you will have met its needs.

3 - I know all snakes are probably different but how often should you handle a snake to try and give it a good temperament without doing its head in, for example 30mins a day/week or as often as possible?

Again, it varies. Snakes will have days where they want to be left alone (a bit like us!) and other times when they're fine. The only time you shouldn't handle them is when they go blue coming up for a shed.

Don't live near Manchester, so haven't experienced any of the shops down there. Snakes 'N' Adders in Leeds is excellent, though, and they give great care tips.

[Scott W]

1 - Is a corn snake the same as a rat snake or are they quite different (temperament, size and beginner in mind) is there any other type of snake that would be better for a first snake?

As Louise says above, they are a type of rat snake and make an excellent first snake

2 - When you see snakes in a shop the are usually in a viverium with bark chippings and twigs etc. This is how I imagined my viverium would look like but looking at the pictures on this forum people here seem to have there snakes in plastic containers. Is this the general way of keeping a snake? Is the snake not to bothered about its surroundings as long as it has a hideaway?

Again, Natural in a viv with bark etc or in a tub with newspaper, so long as you have the correct temps, humidity, hides etc the snake won't mind. I always think it's nice if you just have one or two snakes to have them set up in a nice natural viv.




3 - I know all snakes are probably different but how often should you handle a snake to try and give it a good temperament without doing its head in, for example 30mins a day/week or as often as possible?

Don't handle for a day or two after feeding, & as Louise says when they are shedding (eyes clouded over), other than that you can handle pretty much as you want, just ensure that they don't get too cold (ie walk around the streets etc)



4 - I live near Manchester, UK. does anybody know of a good snake shop in this area?

sorry can't help with that one. Ask in the Breeders / Suppliers section for a good recommendation
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Please DO NOT pm orders for reptiles, send email instead scott@captivebred.co.uk

[JStroud]

I think Urmston Aquatics is in Manchester and has a good reputation
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Regards James Stroud

[mike h]

try
http://www.viperandvine.com/

406 Bury New Road, Prestwich, Manchester M25 1BD. five minutes from the M62 and five minutes from the centre of the city.

Matthew Todd BA(Hons), the creator of Snakes'n'Adders (now owned and run by Mr. Charles Thompson)

I have bought stuff with no probs. Fantastic shop with loads of great snakes.

Make sure corn is CB and feeding well and does not try to bite when held. Some corns if biters when young dont calm down.

mike

[new-b]

hey Matt. I'm a new snake owner as well i have a Californian King and a Corn. The Corn is such a pleasure to care for, i keep her in a plastic tub with the sides covered and i use kitchen roll as a substrate and i handle her everyday apart from when she has just fed or i think she is ready to shed, the only thing you really have to get used to is how quick they can move it took me a little while to get ajusted, my little one could be sitting perfectly still then the next minute take off! With my little knowledge of snakes i reckon that Corns make great beginner snake, I've had no problems with my little one. Good luck with finding your snake.

Hannah

[Matjoss]

WOW!!!!

Thanks for all your speedy replies.

And all the useful info.

I saw some great snakes at http://www.crystalpalacereptiles.com/ in croyden but when I asked a simple question "Can you get snakes that stay quite small" the man who I think was the manager just said NO in quite rude way as if it was a stupid question. So I thought it wasnt worth asking him any more questions.

So im so glad I can ask questions here and get useful answers.

I might nip to Urmston Aquatics at the weekend. Is there anything special I should look for in a corn? I know its best to get a feeder. Is there anything else I should check for?

Is there any odds in getting a male or female besides the obviouse?

Thanks a lot.

Matt.

[Matjoss]

Hi all

a lot of sites mention heat from lighting. But if the snake is kept in a plastic tub how is the light fitted or is it not necesary to have the light?

Also how do you keep the humidity up?

Thanks

Matt.

[peaches]

Hi matt welcome to the site.

If a snake is kept in a plastic tub then heating is done with a mat on a thermostsat.

Can I just ask if it's definately a hatchling your after? Yes hatchlings are quick can be a bit nippy (doesn't hurt mind) sometimes I think it can be best chosing an adult because at least that way their personality is formed and you can find out if your getting a calm snake .....anyway just a thought.

At least buying an adult to start you can set up an adult vivarium although it is nice to watch a baby grow and develop.
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www.ratsnakefoundation.org

[Matjoss]

Hi Peaches

Im thinking of making a vivarium about 24"x12"x12" out of melomine with a glass front. Would I put the heat mat under a peice of hardboard or is it safe to put under newspaper? Are the heat mats isulated enough for the snakes to touch.

I know I can have a bulb in a vivarium but you cant control the temps. Does this matter much ( that you cant control the temps)? As I will probebly need some light in thee anyway.

Do you think it would be safe for the snake if I used silicon to seal the bottom edges of the viverium incase of water spillage etc.?

Do you think this size of vivarium would be ok for 2 snakes in the future?

Thanks.

Matt.