Cornsnakes (Pantherophis guttatus) are enjoyed around the world by numerous peoples of all ages. Once you are introduced to your first corn snake, any misconceptions and fears about snakes will vanish.
Corn snakes make wonderful pets. I should know since I have had one.
By their very nature, they are calm and easy to handle. Like any pet, they take a little time to get used to you, but with handling and just being around you, they quickly fit into your life.
Don’t be misled by the skiddishness of a baby cornsnake. These hatchlings, come genetically disposed for self protection. So, even though they hide and try to get away when handled, and even sometimes nip at you, this is just the baby instinct in them that helps to keep them alive in the wild.
For the most part they are very nice and gentle animals once they get used to you. So have some patiences.
Corn snakes are not venomous, and the nip of a baby cornsnake doesn’t even hurt. As they get older, they naturally become more tame and more docile. All of my adult snakes are great to be held, and none of them would ever think of biting us. I have seen some pet corn snakes that seem to have gotten so used to people that they are happy to just sit on top of a cage and not even try to get away.
Corn snakes have many advantages. First, they are very low maintenance. Baby cornsnakes only need to be fed every 3 to 7 days (depending on how fast you want them to grow), and adults only eat every 7 to 10 days on the average. So the cost of food for the cornsnake is very low. Also, if they are kept at the proper temperature and you give the cornsnake the right care, they will usually stay healthy and will seldom, if ever, need to go to a vet.
Corn snakes can go a very long time without eating. So if you are going on a short trip, you don’t need to worry about finding someone to baby sit your snake, like you would with a dog or cat. Just make sure that they have a nice big water bowl filled with clean water before you leave.
Cornsnakes come in a variety of different colors and patterns, so once you get one and see all of the possibilities, then you may just want to get another one, or two, or three. Some of us find it difficult to control our desires for just one more different type.