Hi all :)

[simblyne]

Hey everyone :) I'm new to the snake/reptile scene.. actually I'm not even on the scene yet lol. I've been thinking about getting a pet snake recently (my first one) and I can't decide between a corn snake and a ball python. Ball pythons are adorable but corn snakes seem easier to care for. I don't want one that's too large or too small (somewhat thick but still on the smallish side at adult size would be nice), and I definitely want it to be friendly. I've never actually handled a snake before so I've been thinking about volunteering at a reptile rescue, but the only one I found on petfinder that's not too far from where I live has closed. :( I don't want to rush into getting a pet snake (they are such awesome-looking animals though!) but I can't think of where else to get used to handling/caring for a snake. I've been compiling care sheets and facts but I feel like I should also get used to handling one before buying it. (I'm afraid I'll drop it or hurt it out of nervousness. Or is it even possible to drop a snake? lol everyone seems like such a natural with snakes. :)) Does anyone have some suggestions? Am I being too paranoid?

[infernalis]

sSnakeSs.com - Rules (http://www.ssnakess.com/index.php?page=rules)

http://www.thamfriends.com/mat.jpg

[Lankyrob]

We were lucky in finding a very good reptile shop that allowed us to handle a number of different snakes before we purchased one - and were also happy for us to take our then 4yr old along to check that she wasnt going to be scared of them.

Try looking for reptile shops in your area and see what they say.

[marvelfreak]

Hello and15414 to our zoo. Any question just feel free to ask. A ton of helpful people on here. As for your question you maybe being just a little paranoid. Once you hold one you'll be hooked.:) Then you'll want get one. Then before you know it you'll want another.:) The most important thing is do tons of research. By joining site like this to get info i would say your off to a good start.

[CDN_Blood]

Welcome to the gang! I personally like the idea of volunteering at a rescue-type place and getting to know the ins and outs first. Not only can they likely use the help, but you're quite likely to fall for one of the animals there that needs a home, which would solve the dilemma of the decision between this or that.

You're better-off getting one from a rescue place than encouraging a pet shop to order another snake because you bought one from them :)

[alessia55]

Hey! Welcome to the forum!
A corn snake was my first snake too :) They are awesome beginner snakes, and a little easier than ball pythons. When I got my corn snake, this book (http://www.amazon.com/Corn-Snakes-Comprehensive-Herpetocultural-Library/dp/1882770706/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1321794213&sr=8-1) was indispensable. I highly recommend it.

Hopefully you'll find a rescue some place nearby so that you can get a feel for touching snakes. To be honest, when I got my first corn snake, I hadn't even really been around snakes before then. I mean, I'd touched the ball pythons at the local zoo and stuff, but not much else. It'll come pretty naturally to you. Just like when you hold any other live animal, you'll probably naturally hold on to it with gentle pressure and you won't drop it ;)

Good on you to do the research before getting the snake though. You're definitely headed in the right direction! While you wait, you could get the enclosure set up and stuff that way it is all ready by the time your little snake come home.

There are a lot of people with a lot of collective experience and advice on here, so I'm sure you'll find the answers to all your questions :) See ya around!

[UwabamiReptiles]

Welcome to the forum! You could also try to see if there is a reptile show close to you and you could hold as many snakes as you want and talk to plenty of breeders.

[Kayla90]

Welcome to the forum :D
I use to walk into pet stores a lot and just ask the person in charge of the area if I could hold one :P That's a good way to get use to it :D

[Gungirl]

Hello and welcome. What state, city are you located in? If someone here is anywhere near you im sure we would love to help you out. I know if someone near me wanted to handle a few of my snakes and learn I would love to share and help them out.