Although they are typically docile animals, young corn snakes should not be handled. Small corn snakes, like any small snake, are frightened when confronted with the relatively large form of a human hand. The snake should be allowed to grow and acclimatize to its new home for a period of one to two months before handling. Handling the snake any earlier will only cause unnecessary stress and may lead to anorexia (lack of appetite). (Photo: Joshua V. Feltham)