How started do corns need to be?

[kc261]

I would guess this is a little less important with corns than with BPs since they tend to have less feeding issues. Is a corn that has had 1 or 2 meals "well started" enough to be pretty safe? I have no experience with teeny tiny hatchlings. Our BP was "6 to 8 weeks old" according to the breeder when we got her, and the corn was at least 4 months old (based on her being an '07 that we bought in April '08).

[halfwaynowhere]

my sister and her hubby say one meal. They shed about a week after hatching, and will usually eat right after the shed.

[python.princess]

I wouldn't feel comfortable buying a snake- any kind- without at least 3 meals in it. Especially when you first start out breeding, wouldn't you rather be safe than sorry?

[kc261]

I wouldn't feel comfortable buying a snake- any kind- without at least 3 meals in it. Especially when you first start out breeding, wouldn't you rather be safe than sorry?

Of course I'd rather be safe! That's why I'm asking what "safe" is!

Thanks for the input both of you.

[Argentra]

I agree: Three meals minimum is best. That way, you can also get an idea if the snake is a slow grower or not by seeing how much they gain from hatch weight.

[Blue Apple Herps]

Yup, 3 meals is the minimum that I do before I consider letting a snake go.