Garter vs. Corn

[MoJo]

I have mostly corns but started with garters. The only reason I have mostly corns is because I am fascinated by the genetics.

I think everyone has given you excellent feedback on the pros and cons of both. I think corns will be easier for your boys to handle. If you decide the buy a corn make sure you buy one from a reputable breeder, the snake has eaten at least 3 - 5 times and it is eating frozen thawed pinkies.

I have/had red sided garters, eastern blacknecks, checkered garters and a ribbon snake. Some have been muskers, some biters and some dog tame and would just hang out with you. There was no rhyme or reason to their "personality". They are more interesting to watch in their enclosures but I have some that stay hidden. I have also had more feeding issues with my garters who like to take winter breaks from eating despite the fact that their temps and lighting does not change.

Besides the fact that an adult corn will need a larger enclosure than a garter the corn will have a longer lifespan. Their needs are otherwise pretty similar.

I think one of each is the way to go! (And I happen to have an adult and a baby hyposnow (coral snow) available.... )

[Cobra Kai]

I think one of each is the way to go! (And I happen to have an adult and a baby hyposnow (coral snow) available.... )

Great advice. I've been talking to Kathy L, SMR, & Poppycorns. Do you have any pictures?

[MoJo]

Shoot me an email at jo@mojoherps.com .

[kurtnagel]

yeah
perhaps one of their more appealing qualities is not so much that they are interesting, but that they are interested

Well said, that certainly describes Rosa my W/C radix. She will come out of her hide when she sees me walking by or working in the kitchen (her cage is on the bar between the kitchen and family room). She is often just cruising around. I'm going to get her a larger enclosure soon, so she has more space to explore.

[Cobra Kai]

That's exactly why I want one.

Black mamba without the venom

Yes...I've always thought that too when I watched the late great Steve Irwin wrangle a black mamba.

[Cobra Kai]

yeah
they are awake when we are
I have one corn and he is pretty much like a log
I've given up stressing over cage furnishings for my corn, the kings, and the hogs - that's just eye candy for me - all they want is something to lie under
the garters however like to be entertained
they love stuff to climb on and new stuff to explore, watching what's going on around
perhaps one of their more appealing qualities is not so much that they are interesting, but that they are interested

I see what you mean now. Today I brought my kids to Petco to look at the snakes. And the two corns that the employee called creamsicles (actually snows LOL!), were hiding under their hide. While the eastern ribbon snakes were all out sitting on top of the plants looking directly out to see what was up. They were very interested with their surroundings just like you guys said. GOOD STUFF!

[infernalis]

If your local petco has snows for the normal $29-39.95, go get one, they won't last long.

A pure white snow corn goes for bit more than that.

[Steven@HumboldtHerps]

Hey Cobra Kai!

I have been breeding corns for 7 years now, and although I would tend to agree that garters are more fascinating to observe than corns, I personally would not recommend them for young children. In general, corn snakes are easier to handle.

I currently have 7 corns (1 normal, 1 amel, 1 hypo motley, 1 amel motley, 1 pastel motley, 1 anery, and 1 snow). I also have 6 normal motley "super hets" left from this year's breeding. Next year I will be downsizing my corn population; even though I also am fascinated with the genetics, corn genes have been over-bred (and often irresponsibly), and there is an increasing % percentage of birth or health defects being found in pet stores (kinked spines, etc.).

I also have 3 garters (1 Coast, 1 CA Red-sided, and 1 Oregon garter) - all wild-caught... So far I have only had the Coast stop musking me when I try to hold them. My Oregon (they're snappers!) still nips regularly.

In regards to cage requirements, I might disagree with some on the forum. I concur that corns do need a terrarium that's about 20 gallons minimum, as they reach adulthood. All of my adult corn cages are 20 gallon tanks or larger hand-made cages. As for the garters, this is where I would tend to up-size the posted recommendations, and many might not think it necessary. Since garters are a lot more active, I like to set their cage minimum at 20 gallons as well. In fact my yearling Coast looks limited in his 20. My yearling Oregon actually has a 45 gallon tank! All my native wild-caughts have natural habitat-specific decor.

Oh! And in regards to racers. I personally have not yet kept a racer, but I will say that the Western Yellow-bellied Racers we have here are speed demons and will out maneuver and pass a garter any day! Catching a garter is generally a light challenge; getting hold of a racer can be a chore!

Hope you find the right snake!

Steven Krause

P.S. Hope you have some other local options where pet stores are concerned. Petco is infamous for their lack of specific knowledge, care, and often have sick animals. Affiliates of our herp society have persistently filed complaints with corporate and have had stores be put on notice. Funny how the cages all are suddenly clean after that happens, and their corns are no longer fed crickets!

[drache]

Since garters are a lot more active, I like to set their cage minimum at 20 gallons as well. In fact my yearling Coast looks limited in his 20. My yearling Oregon actually has a 45 gallon tank!

definitely agree with that
a 20G long (not a regular 20G) is the minimum for an adult garter

[Cobra Kai]

Hey Steven,
Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts on the matter. I wish I could get a ton of snakes like you guys. Then I could compare. That would be awesome, but for now I have time to make a wise choice for one at this time. So I appreciate everyones advice. It's a lot to consider. Good advice about Petco too. Just like when I bought my American Staffordshire terrier, I actually enjoyed studying pedigrees, talking to top breeders in the country, & going to shows before I bought Elvis. I try not to impulse buy. I really like going to a master of his craft. Like Kathy L. & Scott F. And please tell me about your favorite breeders as well. So I'm having a blast doing my research and learning about snakes from you guys. Again, please keep your advice coming, because I need it. Now, if I can only get my wife on board we'll be all set.