I just got a new 4 week old corn snake 2 weeks ago. Before I got him (or her, not sure yet) I did a lot of research online and what I read and what the breeder told me does not always match. My little beast seems happy right now but I want to make sure I'm doing everything right so I'd like to know what you guys do.
What I've read: corn snakes need a heating bulb AND a heating mat
What breeder told me: You should be fine with just a heating bulb as long as the temp stays high enough. His tank's warm side is at 28.5ish C and the cooler side is at 26ish C. He has a hide on both sides but no mat. He's in a 15 gallon tank.
What I've read: Snakes should have 12 hrs of light and 12 hrs of dark.
Breeder said: leave heating light on at all times. As long as he has hides he'll be ok.
What I've read: Snakes are not too keen on being handled every day, it might stress them out, 2-3 times a week is more than enough.
Breeder said: He can be handled every day if he seems ok about it and doesn't show any signs of aggressivity (obviously excluding after feedings and during shedding). So far, I've handled him for about 15-30 min a day except for the 72 hours after his only feeding here which he inhaled like a champ. He is super calm and docile, he hasn't shed yet.
What I've read: They should be fed in a seperate enclosure to avoid aggressive behaviour and striking reflex when putting your hand in enclosure.
Breeder told me: absolutely untrue.
What I've read: they should be fed once every 7 days as a baby and every two weeks as an adult.
Breeder told me: once a week all his life.
I tend to trust my breeder as he's been doing this for a very long time and has a great reputation but having such an analytical mind, it drives me crazy to have such conflicting information lol. Zaphod the corn snake seems pretty calm and content with the way I have been treating him so far but I want to make sure he stays that way so I'd like to have your input.
Thanks in advance
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