How to Buy a Pet Corn Snake

Pet corn snakes make excellent pets for any snake lover. Even someone new to the care and keeping of snakes would do well to begin with one. You can buy a baby corn snake in nearly any pet store. Beautifully colored, even tempered, they make great pets for adults and children alike.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Get as much information as you can on snake care. Be certain you understand what's involved before committing to a new pet corn snake.
2. Find a reliable pet store or independent snake breeder. Look for cleanliness, knowledgeable staff and well-cared-for animals. It's important to observe the entire showroom, not just the snake cages.
3. Buy a snake set-up large enough to accommodate a fully grown specimen. Even if you buy a baby corn snake, it will quickly grow into an adult. Avoid the cost of upgrading the habitat by buying a large enough cage the first time. A 40-gallon, long aquarium with a screened, lockable top will house your new pet quite well.
4. Choose a healthy snake. Look for a snake with clear, bright eyes and a flickering tongue. Check the underside for the presence of mites, which look like grains of black pepper. Request to hold any corn snake that you're interested in buying. It should feel strong and muscular. If the snake feels weak or limp, it's not healthy.
5. Ask about the snake's eating habits. Some snakes willingly eat thawed, formerly frozen food, while others will only eat a live meal. If you're not prepared to feed live mice to your pet corn snake, be sure the pet store has adapted it to frozen food.
6. Request as much information as possible about the animal before completing the corn snake sale. Often, one person is in charge of caring for snakes in a pet store. That person can tell you about the snake's temperament, when it last ate, and any feeding, shedding or handling issues it might have.
7. Remember to buy food if your new pet corn snake is due for a meal. Take your new friend home and enjoy.