Cornsnake Question...

[Kisha_Llewellyn]

Sorry if this is the incorrect place to put this question, but I wasnt sure which area would be most appropriate. I just got a baby cornsnake, and was wondering if it is normal that she doesnt come out of her hiding place. I can take her out of the aquarim and play with her and she has shown no signs of agression or even uncomfort, but she just doesnt seem to like to go around in her home. I also read that you need to put a body of water in their tank so that they can immerse themselves in it which helps with shedding.....can she drown? It may sound like a stupid question but I would rather ask it than find out the hard way. I didnt make it very deep, since I dont know how deep to make it. She doesnt seem to interested in it though. Any advice would be appreciated thanks!

[Ptindy]

Kisha, if you just got the cornsnake give her time to get used to her new home. Wait about a week before you hold her (unless you already have). If you have already then wait a couple of days before you do so again. Cornsnakes are mainly active during night. You may see yours cruising his tank during the day because it's hungry. I have an adult cornsnake that will cruise around during the day about 2 days before feeding time. I sometimes wait these two days and sometimes don't. Snakes don't have to be fed every 7th day. Yes it is normal for her not come out of her hiding place. I have 2 snakes that stay in there all day and come out at night. If they just ate a day ago they usually wont come out at night still cause they have to digest their food. Wait AT LEAST a day before you hold her after she eats. As for the water, make it as deep as the thickest part of her body. It's a baby so that would only be about a centimeter deep. So snakes will soak more then others. Mine tend to soak only before shedding and they drink from it right after they eat. Otherwise I usually don't see them in their water bowl. Don't worry about your snake Kisha, she's fine.

Mike

[Linds]

Originally posted by Kisha_Llewellyn
I also read that you need to put a body of water in their tank so that they can immerse themselves in it which helps with shedding.....can she drown?

It's not necessary to have a bowl for your snake to soak, but your snake does need to have access to drinking water. As long as you aren't throwing her in to something she cannot get out of, then she will be fine. Snakes do not commonly drown unless they are trapped under the water for an extended period of time (they can hold their breath for over an hour). No need to be too shy with the amount of water, if you only use 1cm of water, then you will likely be having to refill it constantly because it evaporates. Little ramikans work well for small snakes, and can be purchased at the dollar store.

[Kisha_Llewellyn]

I guess from the sounds of it Ive been doing things quite incorrectly, but its good that I found this out now as apposed to later. I have been handling her every day since I got her, since I thought it would be good for her to be handled to make her more socialized. I also handled her the day after she ate...oops. Ah well, I will know now. She can easily get out of the water bowl I got for her, so she should be fine in that respect. Thanks for all the info! Any info is always appreciated :)

[vanderkm]

The forum here is great for getting answers. Much of what you describe with your corn is normal corn attitude - they are quite nocturnal so tend to be out cruising during late evening rather than during the day, especially younger ones. Most of ours cruise around only when getting close to feeding day.

Handling is fine for making sure that they stay 'socialized' but can be stressful after eating - most corns are pretty tolerant.

Our corns almost never soak in their waterdish - in fact if I see on soaking I get concerned that the temp might be too high or there may be a health problem. They shed fine when humidity is between 30-60% (which is about the range we have here) and we just watch to make sure the eyecaps and tail tip have shed off every time.

If you don't have The Cornsnake Manual by Kathy Love yet, it is really a worthwhile booklet - best thing you can buy from a pet store - tons of information and great pictures.

Look forward to seeing pics of your corn if you can post some,

mary v.