Snow Corn and Albino Corn snakes

[Debswebs05]

I'm not totally inexperienced with herps, have had them for many many years--although I have never owned (or been owned by) very young corn snakes that don't look like they can take on a pinky without having problems. My son says they'll be fine, but they're really small (to me). I also have an albino king snake, just a baby as well, but quite a bit stockier, and she downs pinkies as fast as you can give them to her. Am I worrying needlessly? They are healthy looking, active, bright eyed. Also, is it normal for a young king snake to vibrate his tail in the substrate?? I have pretty much devoted myself to tarantulas, but snakes have always had a special place in my heart and home....but they were all so much larger when I got them before!! Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

 

[JohnEDove]

I've been breeding Corns, Kings, etc for years and I assure you if they are feeding they can eat a day old pink mouse within a week of hatching, after first shed, no problem.
The vibration of the tail is a sign it is scared and is very normal. Think of it this way, you are its size and a giant predator is looking down on you.
You'd be a little nervous too.

 

[Taceas]

They can take day old pinks despite what they look like, they're quite stretchy.

If in doubt, and if you're using frozen-thawed food, give the warmed pinks a quick firm roll to "loosen" them up and smoosh them a bit. That helps with firm or oddly shaped f/t food items, I've found.

 

[reverendsterlin]

when I was breeding corns I usually moved the neonates to fuzzies on their 3rd or fourth feeding.
Rev

 

[Kid Dragon]

They will eat pinkies as easy as your kingsnake will eat them.

 

[Mina]

I agree, my first corn came home with us as soon as he had shed and eaten for the first time. He eagerly accepted day old mouse pinkies, and had no problems getting them down.
Their mouths and throats can stretch a whole lot more than they look like they can.
I understand your concern though, with those tiny heads it just doesn't look possible, lol.