General Help!

[SuperSnake1029]

I'm new to this awesome forum, mainly because I've never had a snake before. Now that I am getting a corn snake in a month from now, I would like some tips and I have some questions! :) :yes:

1) I own a bearded dragon, is there any products I can use for a snake?
2) Can I use fresh gardening dirt or Exo Terra Sand as a substrate. Can snakes digest the sand easily? Will dirt give them rashes?
3) What types of lights do corn snakes usually need?
4) I have a 15 gallon spare tank, can I use that?
5) What type of decorations are preferred and do I need a background decal?

Thanks Everyone :Wow: :Wow: :Wow:

[TRD]

1) Not sure I understand your question here
2) Don't worry about it. But if you use dirt from your garden you may take in a few bugs from there as well. Not that that's bad unless you take in some ticks as well. So dig a bit down and don't take the top layer of soil. If you buy dirt from somewhere make sure it contains NO added fertilizers
3) Snakes need heat and full spectrum light. You may provide some light UVB as well (not as much as a beardie, though)
4) Not sure how big is a 15 gallon being from Europe. A good rule of thumbis that the width + depth of the enclosure should be at least equal to the length of the snake. And that's a bare minimum. Don't know how big your corn snake is or will be (varies a lot). Some countries have other regulations/recommendations. In my opinion, bigger = better, but ample design has to exist for the snake to feel good. They don't like open spaces. I keep width of the terrarium at equal to the length of the snake.
5) Stuff to hide under, climb over. No need for a background unless you wish to make things nicer looking. If the snake is situated in a busy room it may appreciate more privacy, though

Welcome to the forum :)

[dannybgoode]

15 gallon is very small. It would suffice for a baby but you'd need something like a 55g as a minimum got an adult.

Not much to add to what TRD has put otherwise. A corn is very easy to create a really nice naturalistic environment for it to enjoy. I'm in the process of doing my son's Pantherophis obsoletus (Texas black rat) and that would be similar to a corn so I'll share a picture when I'm done.

I use dirt substrate in all my vivs of various mixes with no issues. I provide both full spectrum lighting and uvb of an appropriate strength as well.

Note regardless of ultimate setup a new snake should be quarantined in a basic rub type enclosure with just heat, something like plain kitchen towel, water and a couple of hides for around 30 days until you're confident it is healthy and feeding well.

Just a note on corns. Most are pretty relaxed snakes but the odd one and particularly when young can be quite flighty and defensive. A baby corn though can't really hurt you so don't be put off by any such behaviour.

[dannybgoode]

Here's a link to my post regarding my P obsoletus. There's some pictures of the Viv my little boy and I put together.

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/general-colubrid-forum/114507-albino-pantherophis-obsoletus-obsoletus-marshall.html

[Andy_G]

1- I also don't know what you mean.

2- Stay away from just sand as well as anything with fertilizers. Sand is good in a mixture but I wouldn't recommend it as a substrate by itself. Doesn't mask stinky poop smells as well as alternatives available.

3- In my opinion, which differs from the above posts, they don't NEED any lights...but lights are aesthetically pleasing and some studies have shown some kind of benefit or stimulation because of them. I've raised and bred a few generations without lights hence why I disagree in regards to them being necessity, but do your own research and find out what works for you.

4- For now that works. What the other gentlemen said otherwise...it won't do for too long.

5- Everything the other guys said. Definitely cover the sides and back with a material of your choice to make the snake feel secure.

[Scubadiver59]

Oh, and Welcome to sSNAKESs!!! :)

[REM955]

I'll take a guess and say that #1 means he's looking to get products that are suitable for both animals.