- aye captain:
- I'm thinking of getting a corn snake, or maybe a chameleon. Can anyone give me their share of an opinion on either?
On the corn snake question - they're relatively easy to keep by comparison to larger snakes.
Just like all pets, there's a sizeable initial outlay for set up, but corns don't need specific light requirements - simply provide a 24 hour day and night cycle(9-12 hours simulated daylight, or real daylight.) This reduces cost in electricity by around half.
Vivaria cost around £70-100($100-150) see "exoterra" and "pro-rep" for some of the best option in these, though most pet stores will now stock suitable vivaria.
(Reptiles should not live in 'aquariums' as oxygen does not flow properly and air can stagnate. This is unpleasant for the reptile and can be harmful.)
They are poikilothermic, meaning they can't create their own heat from food ect. And must have a hot and cold area in their vivarium. The cold area should contain a small dish of water(ceramic is best as it does not move easily and wears well) while the hot area should have a hide -a small half coconut shell or other dark den space is suitable.
Heat can be provided by a heat mat, or dark spot lighting. Be sure to have a thermometer in the hot area and record daily the temperature to prevent any irregularities and as a means of monitoring health.
Aspen bedding is the most common substrate in use where I am (the UK.) Avoid newspaper or untextured papers as the snake may slip and damage itself.
Bedding will be around £10 or a little more (around $15?) and can be bought in bulk packs which save money.(Just store it in a secure tub or bag in a cool, dry place.)
They will eat frozen mice, mostly, and should never be fed any mouse they could not feasibly swallow whole. You should consult the staff at the store you get it from or your breeder about what food size to give initially and when they estimate a graduation to a new weight of food. (If staff or breeder can't give advice on food, go elsewhere!)
Previous carers should be able to provide a feeding record for the past two months or from hatch, containing information on when and how well the snake has fed. (If you're taking on a corn from a private owner, don't expect this but do make sure to find out what and when it's been eating!) Most young snakes feed once a week from around ten weeks, hatchings will eat more, and adult less often. Always feed on the same day, and never handle a young snake on right after feeding - they will usually strike! (let me tell you, not fun!)
Food prices can vary, so shop around to find the best quality at the best price. Most larger stores will offer a "4 for $___" option, or similar, and prices are usually lower in large chainstores. Most food comes in around £3/£5.
All food must be kept frozen until needed then fully defrosted(takes about a day, just like frozen meat) before feeding. Throw away any food which has already been defrosted - never re-freeze. And do not allow frozen snake food to make contact with human food, as contamination may occur.
Feeding cold or still frozen mice can seriously harm your snake! Ensure that all food is fully defrosted throughout before feeding. Feeding and food are the biggest hassle with snakes in general, as they become grumpy when hungry very often, and remain so after feeding for around day.
-As a quick warning, never feed live food (unless your snake is an insectivorous species) as the live food will more than likely try to fight back, and if set loose in the vivarium, can seriously harm your snake!
In all, snakes are relatively easy to keep, and make excellent pets if cared for properly. The most costly thing you will buy for them is a vivarium, which if properly sourced and managed can be suitable for the life of the animal.
If you do decide to get yourself a corn snake, good luck and enjoy, they are amazing creatures with great personalities!
(Also, please excuse me if any of that sounds obvious, or patronising, I work in a pet shop and sometimes reptile info dump happens once I get going. Sorry.)
Good luck!