What is the easiest reptile to care for?

How long do corn snakes live as pets?

These little guys can live up to 20 years in captivity if well cared for. 4. Corn Snake Can You hold them: Yes! Corn snakes are one of the snakes most commonly recommended to beginners.

What should I do the first few days after getting a snake?

Learn what you should do in the first few days after you get your pet snake. If you’re like most people when you get a new pet of any kind, the first thing you want to do is spend time showing it to anyone and everyone who you might meet. While this is certainly tempting, it is one of the worst things you can do with a new pet snake.

What is the best way to handle a new reptile?

But, a good rule for new owners I can see would be to follow a standard protocol of acclimation, introduction, then feed. So many different situations with a new environment for any reptile. There sometimes can be no one way to handle it.

What are the best pet snakes to get?

Peaceful and easy to care for, the rosy boa is one of the best pet snakes you can get (especially if you’re a beginner). It’s a beautiful species to boot and can become a showstopper in your collection.

How long do boa constrictors live?

1 Corn Snakes 10-15 years 2 King Snakes 10-15 years 3 Rat Snakes 10-15 years 4 Milk Snakes 10-15 years 5 Ball Pythons 25-30 years 6 Boa Constrictors 25-30 years 7 Burmese Pythons 25-30 years 8 Rosy Boa 30 years plus 9 Rubber Boa possible over 50 years 10 Garter Snakes 10-12 years

How old do corn snakes have to be to breed?

Once they reach the age of one and a half to 2 years old, corn snakes tend to be ready to breed. This is somewhat dependant on their feeding habits though. Malnourished snakes, especially when it comes to the female who needs to lay the eggs, aren’t ideal for breeding with.

Are corn snakes good pets for beginners?

Among reptile enthusiasts, the corn snake ( Pantherophis guttatus) is often touted as the perfect beginner’s serpent, an ideal pet for first-time snake-keepers. Not only are they easy to take care of, but the reptiles come in a rainbow of colors and patterns.

How many corn snake morphs are there?

In total there are over 800 corn snake morphs. Each morph has its own unique pattern or color. Morphs are selectively bred by professional breeders. Their goal is to produce a unique pattern, color or combination of both. If you are looking for a unique and fun snake to bring home then keep reading… 1. Lavender 2. Okeetee 3. Snow 4. Palmetto 5.

How long to handle a hognose snake?

Once your hognose is eating regularly, they are ready for handling. Take it slow at first, keeping initial handling sessions no longer than 5 minutes — but don’t return the snake until it is calm, which “rewards” “good behavior.” Once your hognose is calm in your hands, work up to 10 minutes, then gradually up to half an hour.

How to take care of a corn snake?

Once your corn snake is ready for handling, take it slow at first — just like any relationship. Start with brief handling sessions (no longer than 5 minutes), and don’t return the snake until it is calm. This teaches your pet how to behave during handling by using rudimentary positive reinforcement.

Should I buy a reptile from a pet shop or rescue?

While rescue is a great way to help pets in need, getting the right reptile for your family is the most important consideration, and good pet shops such as Pets At Home can be a great place to look for your new additions, depending on species! The main consideration when looking at purchasing from a pet shop is to use a reputable store.

How do you handle a reptile?

General Handling Guidelines Reptiles should be stroked (“petted”) in the direction of the scales – from head to tail, not tail to head. With some species, the scales of may be lifted, causing injury to the scales and underlying skin, when they are stroked backwards.

Why choose an older reptile as a pet?

Older reptiles – Older pets are often already socialised although, like any pet in a new environment, they will take a little time to settle in. This can speed up integrating into a new family, and may reduce the risk of accidents or loss.

How to adjust the cage and handling time of a snake?

Adjustment Time and Handling 1 Keep the cage out of high traffic areas, so the snake isn’t bothered by lots of people walking by all the time. 2 Avoid handling the snake during this time. 3 Don’t attempt to feed the snake during this time. 4 Change the water every day. 5 Spot clean any waste in the cage but don’t clean the entire cage.

How to take care of a snake as a pet?

Washing your hands also reduces the risk of harmful bacteria or parasites being transferred to your snake. Get the snake accustomed to your presence. If you recently purchased a snake as a pet, you will need to spend some time training your snake to accommodate your presence.

Should you pick up a snake with your hands?

After you pick up a snake, some species like the common Garter Snake will try to jump off your hand. You should handle it by keeping your hands about 10–12 inches (25.4–30.5 cm) apart, and rotate them so that the snake has someplace to go instead of dropping to the ground. Also, letting it run through your separated fingers is acceptable.

How do you train a snake to like being held?

If you recently purchased a snake as a pet, you will need to spend some time training your snake to accommodate your presence. Twice per day, let your hand rest inside your snake’s cage for two or three minutes. Over time, your snake will get used to your scent and learn that it is not something threatening.

How old can corn snakes breed?

If your corn snake has a deformity (i.e., spinal problems), or struggles with feeding, keep it as a pet and don’t breed it. How Old Can Corn Snakes Breed? Male corn snakes can be bred when they turn 2 and females when they turn 3 years old.

Do corn snakes need a brumation period?

It saves you money, for one, since you won’t need to buy food, supplements, and substrates for a few months (snakes don’t eat during brumation). If the snakes do not breed, then provide them a brumation period and try breeding them again. After the brumation period, corn snakes are ready to reproduce.

How do I know if my snake is ready to breed?

By pressing on it there will be white, cheesy matter that will then determine if the male is ready to breed. For females, there have been instances where they can successfully breed at about 1200 grams of weight, but most breeders recommend that your female snake be at least three years of age and weigh 1700 grams.

What are the most commonly bred snakes?

Corn snakes are one of the most common breeds used as pets, and therefore some of the most commonly bred snakes. Pack up your pinky mice and grab all the snake eggs that you can find, because we have a one-way ticket to corn snake breeding central. How Do You Breed and Sell Corn Snakes? So how do you breed and sell corn snakes?

How many snakes do you need when breeding?

There is no set amount of how many snakes you need when breeding. At most, you will need a female and a male. That simple. Or you can have more females than male, so you will have a larger amount of clutches to sell. But the maximum ratio of male to female should be 1:4.

How to breed corn snakes without brumation?

Breeding corn snakes without brumation is not recommended. Warming – Begin to warm the snakes in late February or early March. Feed them 2-3 meals a week as your snakes need to build their strength back up. Once the male has shed his skin, you’ll know that mating season is imminent.

Where to buy corn snakes?

You can find corn snakes at a local pet shop (one that sells reptiles), a corporate pet shop (such as Petco), reptile conventions and expositions, private sales, and online breeding companies. There are several places you can buy your first corn snake.

How many different corn snake morphs are there?

Many beginners love these snakes because of their beautiful patterns and earthy colors. The typical wild-type corn snake comes in a variety of reds, browns and yellows. Thanks to private breeders there are now over 800 different corn snake morphs. Each has a unique color and/or pattern that sets them apart.