| There are some preliminary things you need to sort | | | | handler. |
| out before you go ahead and make an investment in | | | | 8. If you are buying a corn snake for someone else |
| a corn snake: | | | | you really should not be buying it as a surprise gift! If |
| 1. Make sure that this is not just a fanciful notion and | | | | you are buying it for a child you really need to |
| you are really prepared to take on being a good | | | | consider the safety aspects of giving a child a |
| owner of your pet. | | | | Constrictor as a present. So include your child in the |
| 2. Make sure that the snake you are going to buy or | | | | preliminary research and discuss with the pet shop or |
| acquire is not an endangered species, seek legal | | | | breeder the suitability of the snake being handled by |
| advice about licenses for household pets before you | | | | a child |
| buy or adopt any exotic pet. | | | | 9. Find out what responsibilities you will need to carry |
| 3. Start finding out about how corn snake behave, | | | | out in terms of the health and fitness of your corn |
| adapt to their environment | | | | snake. If your local veterinarian does not know about |
| 4. Ensure you are aware of what food supply is | | | | corn snakes ask them to put you in touch with a |
| required and how you will make sure there is a | | | | Vet that does know about reptiles. If not there is |
| steady supply | | | | lots of good information posted on the Internet by |
| 5. Find out about cages, humidity, lighting and health | | | | veterinarian. |
| and safety | | | | 10. Join forums and support groups; there is an ever |
| 6. Talk to your local pet store or snake breeder and | | | | growing community of corn snake pet owners who |
| ask them as much as you can about how to care for | | | | have a wealth of information to share |
| corn snakes, they will have years of experience to | | | | 11. Finally, be prepared to learn from experience, |
| pass on to you. | | | | invest in a good guide book and share your |
| 7. Learn about the different species available for sale | | | | experiences with others. |
| and the appropriate snake size for an adult or a child | | | | |