new snake and a few questions

[RachelS.]

First, I would like to say that I adopted/rescued this snake from a veteranary assistant at my vet clinic. She told me her son didn't want it any more... but then she was telling me how he only fed it every "once in a while" to make it smaller because he didn't want it to get too big. It isn't a freaking burm!! Plus, this snake had no heating pad for the past who-knows-how-long, and the vet assistant also told me he must've cut off the cord to the heating pad... what the heck?? I was pretty upset. This snake is only 2 1/2 feet long and 3 years old!

Here's Matty:

<center><img src=http://www.mygothic.com/photos/data/2779-Im004781.jpg?1144828819>

<img src=http://www.mygothic.com/photos/data/2779-Im004784.jpg?2035089849>

<img src=http://www.mygothic.com/photos/data/2779-Im004782.jpg?125445592>

<img src=http://www.mygothic.com/photos/data/2779-Im004778.jpg?1511875266>

<img src=http://www.mygothic.com/photos/data/2779-Im004789.jpg?420626123>

<img src=http://www.mygothic.com/photos/data/2779-Im004786.jpg?1939563645>

So anyway, how would I go about putting a little weight on him? Do you think he will grow to his full potential or will he stay stunted? I'm going to try and feed him an adult mouse tomorrow and start slow by feeding every 12 days then dropping down to every 7 days, and if I can I'm going to get him onto bigger items. he was probably only fed pinkies or fuzzies all his life. I feel so bad... He's so beautiful... I can't believe how stupid people can be. I really think the owner knew what he was doing to this snake :(.

[Ace]

First off, very nice snake :D. Secondly, reptiles grow for their entire lives, so he MAY reach his full potential, just a little later than most. I had my first Cal-King escape from me. I found him 5 months later with no growth from the time he got out. When I got my second Cal, she was 10" longer than him. Now 2 years later he's only about 4" shorter. I never power fed him, or did anything different from what I do with my others. So, I guess my opinion would be just feed him normally and give him a good home and he just might surprise you.

[marisa]

I agree with Ace.

For whatever they were doing, the snake looks darn good. Most corns are too fat. A couple of mine are getting there. They are supposed to be nice and slim. He may be small but then again, some cornsnakes don't even pass 4 feet. *some* not all. So fed him more, and yep he may grow. But he also may stay right where he is. :)

Good luck!

Marisa

[Andy_G]

Very nice snake. Looks a little underweight but not too bad. Very nice colouring and I hate to hear that such a beautiful serpent has been treated as bad as he has. I am not sure on the stunting thing because I have heard about stunted pythons, and if it's possible in pythons, couldn't it be with corns? feed it good and treat it good and it will be happy, but i'm sure you will!:)

[RachelS.]

Thanks for all your help!! Btw, what phase is he? Normal? I've never kept corns before, and the only colubrid I have is my western hognose snake. So this is a bit new to me :)

[crimsonking]

Rachel, great that he's in good hands. However I would not fret much as that snake is in great shape. Many of my corns look nearly the same. This guy looks like some FL. snakes down here-- nearly what would be described as hypo. Anyway, I have always felt most keepers nowadays over feed their animals. Especially those who have only one or two. As a rule (and to some people's amazement) I only feed once a week. There are times when some may go 2 weeks between feedings. You have seen nearly all my animals here and while not the absolute best, most are in real good condition. Just keep him on a weekly schedule and he'll be fine. IMHO. He's a beauty.
:Mark

[Andy_G]

Either really pretty hypo or oketee, I think it's got more of an okeetee look though.

[RachelS.]

Guess what! He just ate for me, and I took a few pics. I had a bunch of hopper mice in the freezer for my savannah monitor and gave him 2. He gulped them down right away, didn't even constrict. I'm glad he's doing well and really healthy!

[Katt]

He's nice and shiny and a very pretty normal.

[XxRachxX]

congrats hes beautiful! aaw! you called him matty! o> thats so sweet! to say hes been treated badly he doesnt look in bad shape at all! hes got a cute little face on him! im sure that now that hes with you he will grow up in no time!
ive been reading about corn snake "classifications" and arent okeetee's supposed to have black edging round theyre saddles?

[RachelS.]

Thanks Rach!! I've looked up some pics at cornsnake.net and other sites and found out that he is definately a hypo.

Thanks everyone else for all the comments ;)

[Vanan]

I agree with Mark regarding the feeding. Sometimes I go crazy and feed 1-2 times a week for maybe 2wks, then I "starve" them for maybe another 2 weeks. Then again sometimes I'm on a weekly schedule. Better irregular feedings and time in between feedings. Helps them use the energy the've eaten. Less fatty snakes. This mostly applies to adults. Good luck with your new guy (not that you need it). He's looks Faaiiine to me! :D

[Blackwidow69]

:cool: Hes very pretty, he could be oketee X sunglow or bloodred.. But really he is a pretty boy...;)

[Beejay]

Am I the only one that can't load the pictures of your snake Rachel? Did you change the link to the photos?

Bj

[Lizzy001]

I cant see them either........

[RachelS.]

My photo host keeps going down for some reason ... I'm sorry :(

[Beejay]

Well, I saw Matty! Very cute :) Hope you get the whole feeding thing figured out. That's very sweet of you to call him Matty! Couldn't have picked a better name, except maybe Angus.

LOL

<b>hugs!</b>
Bj xo

[RachelS.]

hahaha now all I need is 2 more: Shanie and Jeffy... lmao! Thanks Bj :)

[Mike177]

ya i bet your corn will be as good as new in no time!

[reptilesalonica]

As i see from the pic this corn although small, is in very good condition and not thin. As others mention before, reptiles don't stop grow up but after 2-4 years old the growth rate is much more slower. It sure can gain a little more length but don't expect miracles. Also aiming for the length don't overfeed it. Remember, it is preffered less food than too much.
~Greg~