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Husbandry and Basic Care FAQ

Howdy folks. Curious, as this is my first snake, and I've been hearing a lot about using thermostats lately. So far all I've been doing is monitoring the thermometer/humidity readers I have placed on both sides of the tank. However, I just switched from a heating lamp to a heat mat, as I read online that heat mats are better for transferring heat to corns through their bellies. So my question is, how necessary is a thermostat? I definitely want my snake to be safe, and hearing stories of temperatures getting as high as 140 degrees is now making me a bit concerned that I should buy a thermostat ASAP.
 
SQUID67 said:
Howdy folks. Curious, as this is my first snake, and I've been hearing a lot about using thermostats lately. So far all I've been doing is monitoring the thermometer/humidity readers I have placed on both sides of the tank. However, I just switched from a heating lamp to a heat mat, as I read online that heat mats are better for transferring heat to corns through their bellies. So my question is, how necessary is a thermostat? I definitely want my snake to be safe, and hearing stories of temperatures getting as high as 140 degrees is now making me a bit concerned that I should buy a thermostat ASAP.
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Yes, you do need a thermostat. Zoo meds reptitemp 500r is super cheap and will do the job.

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those heat mats hit over 100 degrees. I have 2 of them and they both hit 113.

If you lay your hand directly on them they fee quite warm. Not enough to hurt you or me, but then again our body temperatures are 98.6 and we are warm blooded. But to a Reptile, specifically a Corn Snake, 113 degrees can be deadly.

Those thermometers you stuck on the side of the tank are pretty much useless.

Your snake does not live on the side of your tank nor does he fly through the air. Most of his time is spent laying on his belly on the bottom of the tank. And even if you have shredded bark or Aspen in your cage, he can and will burrow under that. So it's highly possible that your corn snake at times will come into direct contact with the glass bottom right on top of the heat pad.

A thermostat or rheostat is necessary. Simply "Monitoring your temps" by reading those stick on thermometers on the side of your tank is not practical. You really need to measure the heat directly on the glass bottom right over the heat mat.

I'd be willing to bet right now, your thermometers on the side of the tank probably measure OK, but if you measure your heat mat it's probably well over 100 degrees.

The correct temp for a Corn snake should be between 83 and 87. I keep mine at 85 on the warm side and about 74 on the cool side.
 
Alright. I'll look for a thermostat at the petstore tomorrow. I'll shoot for setting it at around 85 degrees.
 
Can anybody tell me what a humid hide is and to make one
Pat x


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Patmart said:
Can anybody tell me what a humid hide is and to make one
Pat x


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A humid hide is something to give the snake a place to go that is humid so it helps with the shed process. They're typically not needed unless they have problems shedding.
To make one, you can take a deli cup and lid, or butter bowl with lid, etc, cut an opening in it so the snake can get in and out, and put damp moss or a damp paper towel in it.

Make sure your snake has a big enough water bowl to soak in, especially if they have trouble with shedding (which is usually caused by dehydration, but there can be other factors).
 
I really wanted to thank you for your post. Its really helped me to understand what I'll need to do when I get my snake and how much I need to do to care for it. I was wondering though if you recommend live prey for the snakes. My friend refuses to anymore to a mouse hurting one of her boas, but what would you suggest.
 
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Hi don't use live mice I live in the UK I don't know of anybody that use live bate
But that's your choice to make
Pat x


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Thank you very much for your help
Pat x


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Last edited by a moderator:
miara20 said:
yes you can take corns on short trips. I have taken mine from Washington State to Missouri and back. Just make sure if its cold outside that you have a heating pad. the kind you can put in the microwave. That way when you stop for gas or what not you can take it in and heat it up. Make sure you put it on the outside of the tank or underneath sord of like a undertank heater. I usually put my corn in a 10 gallon that way its easier to carry in the hotel and stuff. And make sure you cover the top of the cage with a towel. In the summer time or when its hot out just make sure your snake doesnt get to hot. Make sure you have a tempature gauge inside the tank or whatever your using to transport your corn in. Hope this helps.
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Lol, and I bet the corn and the puppy are much easier to handle than the husband. Ha ha.
 
on the aspen part this is from experience lol

dont buy the cheap aspen from walmart is not the same quality as the zoo med the zoomed is very fine wood shavings the walmart one is more for rabbits and not for snakes.
 
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