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Might get a corn snake, need some help

F

fatality

New member
Hey everyone, first would like to say I just joined this forum and I am hoping to gain alot of information. My good friend's brother ownes a corn snake that I know he does not take proper care of. He has it in a 10g with what looks to me like mulch, a small water dish that has alot of algea in it, one hiding spot, and alot of the snakes skin in the tank. He barely feeds this guy and me being a complete animal lover I told him I'd give him 20 bucks for it and he agreed. Now I haven't paid for it yet since I wanted to do some research.

I found out that a 20g long would be best to keep the snake in to house. Now will I ever have to upgrade from this tank or will the 20g long be big enough for the snake for its lifetime?

Next I read that the heater can be neccesary and can not it depends on your area. I live in NJ and the tank will be located in my bedroom. Summers are hot, winters are cold. But grant it during winter we do have our heater on, so would you think a light would be good enough for the heat or should I get the under tank heater?

Does the snake need any specific light? I didn't know if they needed a UVB light or just a normal house hold bulb is good enough as long as it gives off some heat?

For subsrate I saw froim alot of people on this site recommend aspen and that would probably be the substrate I get. But for decorations, how do you know what a good size hiding spot is big enough for them? Also do snake's at all climb? I was thinking about putting a piece of wood in there for it to climb on and make it look a little natural but didn't know if the wood would be not use and pointless.

How can you make your tank escape proof? I might be able to get a 20g long tank from someone but it doesn't have a top so do they sell locking tops so it can not escape?

Last is feeding. I'm not a big fan of animals eating other animals but I noticed that they sell mice that are already frozen so I figured I can do that. But my concern is how do you know what size mouse to feed the snake? By its length?
 
You will need a heater, hooked up to either a thermostat or rheostat (lamp dimmer). You will need a digital thermometer as well (although if you opt for a thermostat, the thermostat will obviously have a thermometer). Set the heating pad at around 85* F and have it cover no more than 1/3-1/2 of the tank.

A 20g long will house him his whole life, unless he's a really massive corn snake (unlikely).
 
As for the heater. I live in iowa and we have the same types of hot summer/cold winter weather. I would say that a heating mat is a must. Both of my snakes have them. As for escape proofing the cage. My snow is in a 20 long tank and they make clips that easily lock the lid to the top of the cage. I also think that you can buy lids that slide into the top of the cage.
 
-- A 20 long will be big enough for the Corn's lifetime.

-- I'd recommend getting an under tank heater that is connected to a rheostat/thermostat.

-- No special lighting, nor UV, is required.

-- For substrate, Aspen would be amongst the best choices. You can, also, use paper towels &/or newspaper.

-- At least two hides should be provided (one on warm end and another on cool end). The hide is big enough if the snake can fit in it (even if it is a semi tight fit).

-- Corns are semi-arboreal. They will climb, and seem to enjoy the occasional climb, but it is not an absolute necesssity. Wood can be used but make sure that you either purchase the wood (for reptiles) or treat it if it is something you pick up from outdoors.

-- For a tank, you should get a screened lid and place "lock down" clips on it (yes, these clips are sold at stores).

-- Feed size should be anywhere from the same diameter, to 1.5 x the diameter, of the largest part of the snake's girth.
 
someone said if you have a thermostat that you dont need a thermometer. not to discredit them, but thats a false claim. you have to dial in thermostats to get the temps right anyways. so a digi thermometer or a temp gun is needed. if this is gonna be your only snake i say a digital since temp guns can get pricey.

to feed someone probably already posted the munson plan, but that goes by weight. and you may not have a scale to weigh him on. so you could go by just a lil bit bigger than the snakes girth. maybe 1.5 but never too much more.

you can purchase screen lids and clips to lock it down at most pet stores so that shouldnt be a problem to find.

you could probably use the 10g for right now depending on the snakes size. just so you can save some money up and do things right the first time.

and when you get him you should soak him in a lil bit of water and check for mites. the soaking will usually drown them off and itll also clean any dirt/feces off him.

and the cage should be cleaned very thoroughly and rinsed and dried out. and everything probably replaced.
 
Unless he gets absolutely enormous, a 20L will be perfectly fine housing for his entire life.

The heat situation really depends on your house. If your house stays in the low to mid 80s all the time, you can forgo an under tank heater. BUT I'd say err on the side of safety and put a UTH (with a thermostat) on it anyways. The thermostat will turn off the heater when it isn't needed. Belly heat is very important for digestion, so I'd rather have one to be safe.

A thermometer with a probe is also important. The thermometers that stick to the side of the tank only measure the temperature of the ambient air, not the bottom of the enclosure, which is where the all-important belly heat comes from. :)

They don't need any light at all.

Aspen is the preferred substrate here, though there are a lot of options. As for hides, I like to offer my snakes a variety at first and see what they prefer. One of mine hides mostly in paper towel tubes, one has an overturned flowerpot, and one has several hides but stays burrowed in the aspen all the time. I do like to have one hide on the warm side and one on the cool side so they can have privacy wherever they feel comfortable.

Many corns will take advantage of a nice branch to climb too.

You can get locks to latch down the screen you put on the tank. A big pile of heavy books works to secure the tank too, but doesn't look nearly as nice!

Feeding Frozen thawed mice is hands-down the best method. Better for the mouse, better for the snake. Some snakes can be troublesome to switch from live to frozen, but if that becomes an issue you can get a LOT of good advice here on getting him feeding.

Good luck! Keep us posted!
 
ceduke said:
A big pile of heavy books works to secure the tank too, but doesn't look nearly as nice!
Click to expand...

Just a word of caution (or something to keep in mind):
It may work but ... a good many snakes have escaped by using this method to secure tank lids.
 
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