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Cage for a baby corn snake

A

AngelofTheOdd

New member
Hello all, I'm a newbie but I've been lurking here for a while. Anyways, I"m looking to get a corn snake, which would be my first snake, and after doing lots of research [and I"m going out soon to get Kathy Love's book] I've figured out that a 20 gallon tank for an adult would be too big for a baby and would make it feel overwhelmed and whatnot, so I should keep it in a smaller tank for the first 6 months or so.

Anyways, what I'm getting at is, how can I make a tank/home for a baby snake without having to buy an expensive one, and also how big should the snake be when I move it to the 20 gallon?

Thanks for your help, this forum has been fascinating to read and I'm sure it will come in quite handy when I actually get my snake :)
 
i have just become a owner of a baby corn snake myself, he is three months old and i have a foot square tank which is exo terra, about £40. i will be keeping him in this until he is 8 months old and then i will be moving him up to a 3ft tank, this is advice i have received from other corn snake owners and the reptile shop i brought him from.
good luck!
 
I'll just add that each snake is individual and they don't always cooperate with the plans we make. One of my 05 females has got too stressed both times I've tried to change her into a bigger set-up, despite the same hides, nice deep substrate etc. For now I've had to accept that Calamity likes her baby tub and isn't ready to move!
 
A 10 gallon tank I believe is whats suggested for hatchlings, and then as adults a 20 gallon long. A ten gallon shouldn't be too expensive, I think I got my 10 gallon Critter Cage for around $40. Its cheaper if you don't go for the "Critter Cage" but with the locking lid it is pretty convenient, and secure. Good luck ;)


---Kenny
 
To really go cheap you can just use a large rubbermaid or similar container, be sure to get one with a very secure lid! I use these:

locknlock.jpg
 
I have mine in a 5 gallon critter keeper like container. I will move mine into her 30 gallon when she out grows the 5 gallon. I would imagine this will take her several months to do, depending on her growth rate.

Here is what she is in now:

100_2768.jpg


100_2733.jpg


i'll try to get a better picture of it if you like.
 
Some snakes can be ok in a 20L as hatchlings though but if this is the case make sure to put lots of 'furniture' in there and make sure the hides are small enough that the snake can feel hidden inside them (i.e. they should just be big enough for the snake to fit in.)
 
maybe a dumb question, but it is OK to use a/an UTH with those sterilite and other plastic containers? I thought that I had read on a critter keeper not to use one.
 
tbroaddus said:
maybe a dumb question, but it is OK to use a/an UTH with those sterilite and other plastic containers? I thought that I had read on a critter keeper not to use one.
Click to expand...
As J9 said, as long as it it regulated, a UTH is fine. Remember, it's only getting up to 85 degrees or so, and that shouldn't effect the plastic.
 
You can use an UTH with the sterlite containers, just be sure that the heater is only on one end, not under the entire container. Corns can regulate very well, and will move when their body temp gets to high. Thermostat is the best, but UTH will work without a problem, just be careful.
 
Basically he is ready whenever you are, he/she can be switched at almost any time as long as there is enough cover that he/she feels safe. I switched mine before he was a year old so that is what I would suggest to avoid giving too little space.;)


---Kenny
 
AngelofTheOdd said:
Thanks a bunch you guys. How do I know when my snake is big enough to be moved intothe 20 gallon?
Click to expand...


<Mysterious voice> "When the time comes, you will know."</mysterious voice>

In all seriousness, you'll realize when (s)he is big enough. I'd say about a foot and a half long is a good time to move 'em up, but it really does depend on how your snake looks in comparison the the environment.
 
A friend of mine decided instead of buying a small viv then a big one that he would just get the big one. He then got a piece of plexiglass cut to fit as a divider and hot glued it on the empty side so it stays in place. He started at about half the viv or a little less. About once a month during feeding time and cleaning he moves the divider back a couple inches and re-hotglues it. Its like his snake doesn't even realize anything has changed. Seemed like a good idea to me.
 
AngelofTheOdd said:
Thanks a bunch you guys. How do I know when my snake is big enough to be moved intothe 20 gallon?

And Ohana, your snake is beautiful =]
Click to expand...

Thank you! I think she is too.

You will know when it is ready based mainly on its patterns. I have noticed with my new little one she is not very shy. So I don't think she will have a problem being moved from one to another. I have plenty of cover and tons of hiding places, so she will feel secure.

Also, I am going to wait until mine has two sheds with me, this way I will be able to find her in my massive viv! :)
 
I can't stress enough to pay alittle bit more and get a critter cage with a
UTH, 10 gallon is perfect. The security of knowing that they can't get out is wonderful. The first time you have an escape you will wish you had it. Don has a really good book out on corns, here is the link:
http://www.cornsnakes.net/
Enjoy your new snake.:dancer:
 
zorro said:
I can't stress enough to pay alittle bit more and get a critter cage with a
UTH, 10 gallon is perfect. The security of knowing that they can't get out is wonderful. The first time you have an escape you will wish you had it. Don has a really good book out on corns, here is the link:
http://www.cornsnakes.net/
Enjoy your new snake.:dancer:
Click to expand...

But unless you're making a rotating home for hatchlings out of it (some of us just might) it's more worth it to just spend the $$$ on a snapping lid 20L and then if for some reason the snake is freaked out by too much room you can always section it off till they're ready.

And just like everyone else said, you'll know when it's time. When I started to feel guilty about Nagini not being able to stretch out I knew it was time for a bigger tank.
 
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