Frequently Asked Questions

These are the questions that are most often topics of my emails.  I hope that having the answers here will help you get the information you need faster than waiting for me to respond.

• Where do I get a corn snake?
• Where do I buy mice?
• What do I need to keep a corn snake happy and healthy as a pet?
• My snake is not eating! What do I do?
• My corn snake has escaped! What do I do?
• How do I keep my corn snake from getting out?
• What color corn snake should I get?
• How do I convince my parents to let me get a corn snake?

Where do I get a corn snake?
There are many good corn snake suppliers out there.  Some of the best are:
- http://www.serpenco.com
- http://www.corn-utopia.com
- http://www.cornsnakes.net
» There are others on the Links page.

Where do I buy mice?
You can buy mice from most local pet stores, but it is most cost effective to buy from an online supplier of frozen mice.  Some that I recommend are:
- http://www.miceonice.com
» You may find other retailers on the Links page.

What do I need to keep a corn snake happy and healthy as a pet?
- 20 gallon enclosure
- Paper towel, Astroturf, aspen shavings, newspaper, or as carpet bedding (there are some things you NEVER use)
- Water dish, with clean water
- Constant temperature of around 75 to 80 degrees
- Hide area
- Mice once a week
» For much more in-depth information about each of those, consult the Care Sheet.

My snake is not eating! What do I do?
Remember:
- If your snake is very young, it may still be living off of its yolk and will not eat for a week or so.
- Do not try to feed your snake until a day or so after it has been moved in.
- If you have a yearling, your snake may be sensing temperature change (if it is fall or winter) and may be preparing for hibernation, and will not eat for a few months.
» If these factors do not seem to explain why your snake is not eating, there are more solutions on the Feeding Problems page.

My corn snake has escaped! What do I do?
» Consult the Escaped Snakes page for full details.

How do I keep my corn snake from getting out?
You should find some way to secure the lid.  The weight of the lid alone is usually not enough to keep a curious snake contained.
- Have lid clips
- Keep something heavy on the lid
- Tape the lid down

What color corn snake should I get?
This is totally up to you.  You should get a color that reflects your personality. My favorites are the Anerythristic A and B variations.
» To see a complete list of the colors available, check out the Morphs and Variations pages.

How do I convince my parents to let me get a corn snake?
Usually parents have the last say in what pets are allowed in the house.  But some parents might not know what it takes to keep a corn snake, and that they are very easy pets.
» To help you inform your parents about corn snakes, go to the Top Ten Reasons to Own a Corn Snake page, print it out, and show them!