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Thinking of getting a corn, many questions

M

Myah

New member
I've thought about this for a while and I've decided I would quite like to have a corn snake, I've loved snakes since I was a child and always wanted one.
Sadly I'm currently living at home with my parents and don't have much money, so obviously I plan to save.
Over all how much would all the components needed for caring for a snake cost? (e.g. tank, heater ect) (I live in Australia), also roughly how much does it cost a month to care for a corn snake. I've been told they're an inexpensive pet but obviously what's "inexpensive" is a bit subjective.

Also my mum currently has an empty 21L tank, I think it's too small to house a fully grown snake (I'm not certain) but would it be able to house a young snake for a period and if so roughly to what size/age? If I can use it for a while then I can get a snake earlier and save up for a bigger tank as it grows.

Thank you.
 
Hello there and welcome to the forums :)

As you already have as 21l tank that is perfect for a hatchling and will allow it to grow until you need a new one. I do not know prices where you live but here in Canadian dollars you would be looking at about $150 including the snake, the under the tank heating pad, a bag of aspen, 2 hides and a water bowl
 
I got my snake and full set up (tank, aspen, thermostat, thermometer, two hides, decoration, four weeks of food) for about £120 but I don't know how that changes into Australian dollars. The things you definitely need are:
Tank - which you have
Thermostat - controls temp
Thermometer - measures temp
Substrate - anything goes except pine and cedar
Hides - at least two, one hot end and one cool end
Decoration - kinda optional but will make your corn feel more secure
Hygrometer - measures humidity, not hugely important but I'd recommend it
Food - make sure you have a reliable place to buy mice
So you're probably looking at around two hundred for full starter set up I'd think.
It cost me £3.50 to feed my corn medium mice (16-20g) for a month so it's cheap after initial start up.
Good luck!! [emoji4]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
For me, to fully equip (and even add some extra things like more vines and a branch) my first basic setup for a hatchling costed around 150€. I seee the prices in the 3 currencies are similar, so yo can expect to be more or less around these. Also, no idea on Australian costs, sorry.
As for the mice, I'm feeding on juvenile (18-20gr) for about 5-6€/month.

Agree with sian.kelly about the basic things to have in your setup. You forgot the water bowl!! Very important that the snake has fresh water at all times. Not tap water if it can be, nor distilled. Just some bottled or purified water, since chlorine is not that good for them.
From this basic setup, you can slowly upgrade by maybe buying some bigger cave/bowl, or add a fake vine every X months as your snake grows, so you can also make the transition gradually and have time to save the money.

The recommeded size of the tank should be the front and 1 side of the viv = lenght of snake. It's not a rule, but it can give you a clue as when to upgrade. If you get a hatchling the 21L tank may last for over a year/year and half, depending on your critter's growth rate.
Also, make sure your tank is really escape-proof. Snakes will fit even through the tiniest gaps and can also push lids or sliding doors, so you have to make everything very secure with clams or velcro or something.

Finally, welcome to the forums and enjoy your snake when you get it. We'd also be glad to see some pics.
 
Some items you can be a little thrifty on:

The snake doesn't care what it's home looks like if it meets his/her needs. So their hides can easily be empty snack boxes, or upside down bowls with a hole cut in the side. You can get creative and DIY some neat cage accessories - just be careful to use items and glues/paints that are safe when cured.
The water bowl can be a recycled dog dish or similar item.. I use some ceramic ramikens (little sauce cups) with the babies (heavy enough they can't tip it over and very washable)

Climbing sticks can be collected from outside.. just be sure they are not of a kind of wood that could make the snake ill, and clean/sterilize them properly to kill any bad things (bacteria, insects, parasites)

Since you do not have a snake yet,(you are not rushed) You can start hunting up sales on the items you need. Check the stores and sales regularly, Sometimes an item will go on discount or clearance (returned items, older items, etc). There are also reptile expos, online, thrift stores and yard sales. ( all of my aquariums have been thrift store/yard sale purchases)

Food is pretty cheap, especially if you can buy in 'bulk' Though you'll want to check with the parents about keeping mice in the freezer. If anyone is 'icky' about seeing frozen mouse bodies you'll want a box or bag to hide them.

Welcome and good luck!!
 
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