So I'm thinking about getting a corn snake, but I would like to know somethings about them before I do, so if anyone could answer my few questions I'd be very grateful.

1) How big do they get (Average)
2) What size tank should I get and how much does it cost?
3) Are they friendly, and like to be held?
4) What kind of animals do they eat besides mice? (fish? or w/e?)
5) Are they good first pet snakes?
6) Would a local petco/petsmart have them for sale?
7) I dont want a tiny snake, or a HUGE one, is a corn snake good, or any ideas on other medium sized first pet snakes that I can find in a local petco/petsmart?

Thanks in advance to whoever helps me!

If they aren't sold at a local petco/petsmart is it safe to buy one online from 100s of miles away? Know any sites where I can buy them safely online?

1) The average is about 4 feet.
2) For an adult you'll need at least a 20 gallon long. I'd suggest getting a 'critter cage' made by 'All-Glass'. It has a nice sliding screen top that locks so you can minimize escapes.
3) Most are friendly. Some will bite, but it's a rarity.
4) They eat mice and rats.
5) They are an excellent first pet snake.
6) Do not buy your first pet snake (or any) from a Petsmart or PetCo. Buy from a breeder.
7) Again---don't buy from a petstore. I would say a cornsnake or kingsnake would make the best first pet snake. There are others out there like ball pythons and BCI's, but they get larger and require much more care and attention to detail. Corns and kings are very forgiving when it comes to husbandry mistakes. Other snakes are not.

Why yes, I actually do.

www.cornsnake.net
www.cornutopia.com
www.serpenco.com

Those are the 'Big 3' as far as cornsnake breeders in the country go. There are a TON of smaller scale breeders such as myself out there that have many hatchlings available at lower price. Kingsnake.com and cornsnakes.com both have tons of those smaller breeders and you can also search for a local reptile show----that gives you the option of handling hatchlings and getting to handpick what you want.

Ty very much for that very useful info, but i have 2 more questions as of now, i see they have 100s of types of corn snakes, im thinking bou getting the common corn snake, good choice? and how long will it take for the 2007 summer hatchlings =P?

Now my brother thinks I will get bored with a cornsnake after the first few days, and that its a waste of money. But I dont think i will cus i love watching it grow over the months and holding/playing with it seems so cool.

Post saying if u love ur corn snake and its not a waste!

Post saying you dont like ur corn snake if u do think it is =(

Ok, I think you need a serious think about the snake situation. Corn snakes can live up to around 20 years so it is a big commitment. It's not about whether other people like their corns or not, its about whether you are in the right position and comitted enough to have one.
Its great that you are on here doing your research before buying one but please make sure you are TOTALLY sure before you buy. Keep researching. There are a lot of other sites dedicated to corn snakes which will help you out too. Look at as many as you can until you are sure. I can (obviously) recommend my website for some good info after you've taken all you can from this one. Good luck!

even if there are cornsnakes at the local petsmart or petco don't buy them. they are usually unhealthy and you will only get into more trouble.