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Care of Snakes

Although many people fear them, snakes are a popular pet and be quite tame with proper care. Ask questions here about the habitat, diet and behavior of pet snakes.

813 Questions

Do you need a special bulb for a corn snake?

Corn's don't really need light, they need heat more. The light is for us humans only so any type of light will work, most owners will use LED lights as they look good and don't mess with the temps from the heating source

Describe the skin of a snake?

The snake sheds. Most snakes shed their skins several times a year, and it can be a long process, sometimes over one week long. The snake starts by rubbing itself up against a rough surface such as a rock, tree, etc to make a tear in the dead skin. As the skin tears, the snake slowly wriggles its way out of the dead skin much like a person takes off dirty clothes.It is a remarkable process, and when finished, the whole snake skin can be very pretty(if albeit disgusting :) ) because in most species the skin is very detailed, so u can even see the skin that had covered the eyes and face.

What reptile license do you need to have to get a corn snake?

It depends where you are. Here in the UK there are many corn-snake owners (me included) Apparently some states in America have different laws - so you're better off checking with your local authority.

Can you get an American corn snake in Australia?

Corn snakes are a declared pest in Queensland. Fines up to $80,000 for introduction, possession or sale except if under permit.

Permits not isssued for private keeping.

Is a milk snake a good pet?

yes, as well as king snakes, they are great for begginers.

What is a smooth green snake a prey to?

Smooth green snakes prey consists of crickets, grasshoppers, and caterpillars.

Should you turn off a corn snakes heating in summer?

It depends on where it is. If you keep them indoors then you shouldn't because summer brings heat but when summer comes so does air conditioning.Outdoors it wouldn't be necessary to keep it on, but it should be in your best interest and best judgment to keep it on.

Can corn snakes eat chics?

Assuming you're talking about 'day-old chicks' - It depends on the individual snake. Some will absolutely refuse anything other than rats or mice, while others will eat a variety of food. I have corn snakes in my collection that will only eat white mice... and others that will eat anything you put in front of them !

Will a cat eat a snake?

Yes and yes. My big bruiser kitty takes down garter snakes and munches then up with abandon. A cat a friend had when I was a kid attacked and injured his small boa constrictor.

How do royal pythons reproduce?

If you look at the underside of a snake near its tail, it has a small vertical slit. This is its vent. The cloaca (vent) is a genital and anal opening. Males have hemipenes, which means they have two penises. Likewise females have two receptive areas for the hemipenes. The male inserts the hemipenes into the female's cloaca and ejaculates. Females can store sperm for over a year.

How often does the corn snake eat?

Garter snakes (there's no such thing as a 'garden snake') have high metabolisms, and eat every 2 to 3 days, when fed on a diet of invertebrates and fish.

When fed rodents, they may eat once or twice per week, once they are adults.

Do cornsnakes stink?

I would say no, the reason why is because I bathe my snake(s) frequently. They do have an odor if their cage is dirty it does pick up an odor on them and its cage. After relieving themselves(bathroom time) their cage picks up and odor too.

Can someone give you a list of pet snakes under 6 feet long please?

There's quite a few species under 6 feet long that make reasonable 'pets'. Garter snakes rarely exceed 3 feet. Corn snakes average around 5 feet in length. Even Royal Pythons are shorter than 6 feet at adult size (although in any species there areexceptions !)

How do you find snakes?

snakes don't look for there food. They smell and if they smell an animal, they would go after it and try to eat it.

Do corn snakes like to live with other corn snakes?

Nothing. Snakes are solitary animals that only come together to breed.

Forcing snakes to live together can cause several problems:

1. stress due to one snake trying to be dominate over the other snake. this snake will take most of the food and the hides it likes. the other will be very stressed and as a result have reduced immune system functionality, eat less, and not be very happy.

2. cannibalism. while not common in all species, it does in fact happen with nearly all species. all it takes is for one to mistake the other as food and eat it, and then possibly die due to the size of the meal. is it really worth the risk?

3. disease and parasite transfer between the snakes. if snakes are housed together, any parasites or diseases that one has, the other will also get. if one gets sick, then you've doubled your vet bills.

all this risk for what? it doesn't really save money, tanks and supplies are cheap.

all it saves is a few cubic feet of shelf space.

Is it safe to have poisonous snakes as pets?

Poisonous snakes cannot be kept as pets. Keeping a venomous snake with its venom sacks intact is dangerous. The venom sacks can be removed, but the snakes need to inject this venom into their prey to be able to digest it. The venom helps to break down the tissues of the snakes food. A de - vonomed snake will soon starve to death.

Refer to Wikipedia for more information.

EDITED: Actually, venomous snakes can be kept in captivity by an experienced keeper. They are most certainly not "pets" in the sense of something like a dog or cat, they are more like specimens in a collection.

Snakes that have had their venom sacks removed are called "venomoid", and they can still live perfectly healthy lives. The myth that they need their venom to digest their food is false. However, the practice of venomoiding snakes is seldom done correctly, the only place that does it legally and correctly is Venomoid Inc. Venomoids should still be treated as fully venomous snakes, as if the procedure is done even a tiny bit incorrectly, the snake can still produce venom or in some cases regenerate their venom glands to some extent.

How long is a red belly black snake?

The red belly black snake can grow up to 3 metres.

Is a corn snake good for little kids?

Snakes typically make great pets for kids, compared to other reptiles they're inexpensive and they're low maintainence. Although a neglectful situation should always be avoided Snakes tolerate minor neglect such as missed feedings better than other pets. A Ball has a very calm nature, but for a first time snake owner I would recommend a Corn Snake for numerous reasons. Ball Pythons adult size is roughly 5 ft, however they have proven to be girthy snakes and will require a slightly larger enclosure than a Corn, which as an adult can be maintained in a standard 20 gallon LONG terrarium. Ball Pythons, some times require up to two weeks to acclimate and during this time need to be left completely alone, no handling, feeding or constant observing. My personal Python only took about 5 days before she was venturing out searching for food, where as my corn was exploring minutes after being put away in his new home. As far as feeding, once acclimated Balls eat consistently but if the acclimation never occurs the snake never eats. Corn Snakes although secretive themselves tend to be a little more active, but every snake is different my ball dances around her tank sometimes and sometimes its days before I see the Corn. So in general Ball Pythons are great first time pets but they require a little more patience and when full grown a larger enclosure than Corn snakes. The Python itself is usually pricier, a basic Python usually runs here about $50.00 but some morphs in the specialty shop reach up to $800.00 and even rarer varieties of the Ball Python can cost up to Five-Thousand Dollars. Where as Corns tend to display a wider variety of colors and more reasonable prices. The average ball Python lifespan is 20-25 years, with some specimens living well into the 50's. Corn Snakes can be expected to live around 15 years and sometimes early twenties. So base your decision on the kid, a snake is a long-term companion and they recognize different people but establishing the "Pet-to-Owner" bond won't happen. Ball Python's require a little more investment and patience and if the kid can handle that fine. If you think a basic Corn being hardy and more easily maintained then go with the Corn. Before purchasing any pet though, understand that it is a long term commitment and if the kid loses interest there should be a responsible adult to step in and care for the Snake. I have to stress locking or sliding screen lids to prevent escaping, you'll need locks designed to prevent it, a full grown snake can push heavy books off the top of the tank with ease and losing a snake is heartbreaking. Most importantly, before purchasing any snake, request to see it eat. A good dealer with nothing to hide will not deny this request, many people cut corners with snakes and its disasterous. Do not be surprised if the guarantee on the snake of whatever kind if as little as 3 days. Confirming the snake eats will save you from being stuck with a specimen that at all costs wont eat (it does happen), I got all 4 of my snakes from the same shop and still would request a feeding demo. A full belly makes acclimation easier for the snake, and because they should'nt be handled for 24-48 hours after eating, it makes a nice excuse to use during acclimation for a very excited kid. Good Luck, Snakes make great pets but not for everyone, they're very unique and educating. However, I ask that you please do a little reading, ask plenty of questions, and consider alternatives if you feel you can't meet the minimal but appropiate needs of the snake.

What wood is safe for a corn snake to have in its tank?

I would use a store bought artificial log. Try not to use a real log, or one that you find.. Artificial logs are the best as they are clean. If you use a log that you find, your snake can get parasites and other bad stuff. Corn snakes generally do not need a log. It would be pretty rare to see him/her actually using it, but, a log looks good and if they do end up using it, it'll provide them a way to get exercise.

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If you want bedding for your corn use aspen, do not use anything with cedar or pine in it, (including hides) this affects their respiratory and can cause death.

Aspen is not always the best type of bedding to use.. It clumps together and doesn't hold humidity as well as other substrates.. Shredded coconut can be a bit pricey if you have a collection of snakes, but it is pretty good. Newspaper, although plain, is very sanitary and easy to clean.. (lots of substrates require vacuuming your floor after..)

What is the average life span of the Californian king snake?

King snakes typically reach an adult length of around 60 inches - sometimes more.