Hocotate (Hoco) - Anery Corn Snake Progression

[Bogertophis]

I'm steeling myself for bites for that very reason. Though I don't think what either of them can do could compare to the bites I've taken from the birds I've had over the years, including the green cheek conure I have now. I've even had little budgies draw blood before.

I agree that birds can do more damage, but birds bite & let go- not all snakes do. Or they bite repeatedly, when they're high-strung types like VBB. And you'll have many years to look forward to more of the same, lol. Please, just be sure that's what you really want to live with- a snake that's a literal "pain" to handle, lol.

[Snagrio]

I agree that birds can do more damage, but birds bite & let go- not all snakes do. Or they bite repeatedly, when they're high-strung types like VBB. And you'll have many years to look forward to more of the same, lol. Please, just be sure that's what you really want to live with- a snake that's a literal "pain" to handle, lol.

I've already been living with a bird that would love to bite my face off roughly half the time for over a decade now, I think I'll manage.

[Snagrio]

Taking after his "big brother" in the "dragging prey into the hide like a horror movie monster" technique.

[Snagrio]

He's finally done with the pinkies.

He did end up tagging me for the first time on accident, though he's so tiny it didn't even break skin. Really glad we're done with the multi-prey feeding shenanigans because it's just not a pleasant time trying to feed him like that compared to a one and done where I don't potentially spook him having to go back and offer more prey while he already feels vulnerable eating. Also going to give him coco substrate after he's finished digesting too. It's been a month and I've gotten tired of trying to find him between the layers of paper towels for every interaction.

[Bogertophis]

Oh no, a tag from a baby corn snake? Their teeth feel like sandpaper at the very most-

When I've raised corn & other snakes, I like to line the bottom with paper towel, then tear a towel or two into shreds & fluff them to hide in- they LOVE it. You can put one more towel over the shreds too- not "natural looking" but happy snakes. It just takes a little time for corns (& most young snakes) to get braver about eating & such. Be patient.

[Snagrio]

He's so squirmy it's hard to get a crisp pic. Still haven't changed out the substrate since life's been a bit crazy for me and just swapping out the PTs is easier for now. Also think I'm going to transfer him to his big boy home a bit early, sometime next month. Summer is approaching and I worry it'll get too hot for him in the upstairs bedroom since the house is rather old with poor AC circulation. He's been eating great, good consistent poops and looks perfectly healthy, and as far as I'm aware I don't think there's any hidden killer virus he could harbor like boas and pythons can.

Speaking of eating though...

He finally upgraded to fuzzies.

[Bogertophis]

It won't hurt him to be in a larger home, as long as he has cover. He's doing great, looks like. But as far as possibly harboring any deadly viruses to share w/ other snakes, yes he can. Sorry. Not saying it's "likely" but certainly possible. It's thought that colubrids can at least carry IBD, even if they don't themselves get sick.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...Reptarenavirus

And of course IBD is only one deadly snake disease, not the only one out there to worry about.

[Snagrio]

So can I just get some kind of tests done if I want to be absolutely sure? I don't want to risk him being up there all summer, and there's not really anywhere for him to go on the main floor.

[Snagrio]

Found this site. https://www.vetdna.com/

Not sure how it works though. Do you order the swab samples first then ship them with the saliva/feces with the submission forum showing what diseases you want them tested for?

[Bogertophis]

Found this site. https://www.vetdna.com/

Not sure how it works though. Do you order the swab samples first then ship them with the saliva/feces with the submission forum showing what diseases you want them tested for?

"If you have questions regarding test results or related to testing procedures, please call R.A.L. directly at (972)960-2221 or fax to (972)960-1997."
(I clicked on "contact us")