Choosing a Healthy Corn Snake

Video Transcript

"Hi I’m Debbie McCanna on behalf of Expert Village.com. In this clip we are talking about the care and maintenance of corn snakes. Specifically today, with regard to choosing a healthy specimen. Whether you choose a juvenile or an adult such as this one here that I am handling, there are several things to look for when considering the health of your pet. You want to look for clear eyes, free of any discharge or cloudiness except when the snake is preparing to shed. You want to look for healthy breathing with no signs of labored breathing and no discharge coming from the nostrils. You want a snake that has a rounded and full body as well as it is active and alert to its environment and can move freely. A snake with blisters on the skin, raised scales indicating mites or other signs of illness rather than a smooth and supple skin are signs of ill health. The ventral opening should almost be indistinguishable on the underside and there should be no discharge coming from the anus. The snake should be readily using its tongue for smell and search its environment. You should feel a sense of strength in its body. You should have the ability to move freely in all directions. "