Corn Snake

KyleandZelda · 04-26-18, 09:05 AM

Hi, I'm new to this forum, and I am wanting to get a corn snake.
I've dont a lot of re-search, and I think a corn snake is the right pet for me.

I have experience with many animals including, dogs, fish, leopard geckos, hermit crabs, and other reptiles.
I think I could do a great job with a corn snake. I've never had a snake, so I wanted to try something new.

My list so far is the following,

Zilla Screen Lid - 21$
https://www.amazon.com/Zilla-Reptile...4SEBJACTQ6C7T0

Zilla Screen Lid Clips - 5$
https://www.amazon.com/Zilla-Reptile...G4Y7QM5CJDX4N6

40g Breeder Tank
Eco Earth

I'm not sure about what light fixture to use, or heater.
I got most of my UTH heaters from Reptile Basics, but they aren't the best.

What do you guys use for your snakes?
Also, what light?

I have a quite large waterbowl, that is a corner bowl that I could use, it's an extra bowl I got from my hermit crabs, and don't need it anymore, so I could use that.

I'm planning to get a snake in June, or July.
So I have plenty of time to plan it out.

KyleandZelda · 04-26-18, 01:21 PM

I also forgot to put hygrometers on my list.
Can't forget those!

riddick07 · 04-26-18, 01:43 PM

I would get the tanks specifically for reptiles they have locks and clips built in that stay closed better. Corns are very talented at escaping, so you want something secure. My first snake was a corn and I had a tank setup with those snaps and she escaped. Luckily my downstairs neighbor was nice and let me setup a heat pad in her place and when she showed up on it came to get me right away to collect her. Not everyone is so lucky.

Heat pad (flex watt is fine), thermostat, water bowl, whatever hides and decorations, infrared temp gun, ambient temp/hygrometer reader if you really want one...I don’t measure the corn humidity since they don’t need it high, and I’d go with aspen instead of eco earth. I don’t use lights.

Bandit · 04-26-18, 02:16 PM

Sounds like you've got everything planned out! I'm sure you'll enjoy your Corn and do just fine with it.

I use UTHs for my snakes, but I am thinking of switching over to RHPs slowly (the king will probably be the first to get one). I also use LED kitchen style lighting for their tanks - they're cheap and plenty bright, and I have them all on one timer to keep the day/night cycle going.

I'd be weary of those clips. I have them on my king snake's enclosure, and I find they are a little more flexible than they should be and not secure enough for my liking. I keep weighted items on the corners of the lid just because I am almost positive that she could bust through those clips if she wanted to. Your corn won't pose any issues with that for a while, but a full grown corn might be strong enough to move them slightly enough to escape. But while it's young, they can slip out of the smallest of gaps. I'm not saying not to get them, but I do think it would be worth putting some sort of objects on the corners to weigh it down.

KyleandZelda · 04-26-18, 03:10 PM

The terrariums made for snakes, with the locks are crazy expensive! I think I'll just weigh mine down with the clips, and some items on top.
I will switch to Aspen Bedding, and go with the RHP Heater, from Reptile Basics.

I realized that corns can escape, but I didn't know that they were this good.
I will secure the lid so my corn will not be able to escape.

kudzu · 04-27-18, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KyleandZelda

The terrariums made for snakes, with the locks are crazy expensive! I think I'll just weigh mine down with the clips, and some items on top.
I will switch to Aspen Bedding, and go with the RHP Heater, from Reptile Basics.

I realized that corns can escape, but I didn't know that they were this good.
I will secure the lid so my corn will not be able to escape.

Zilla makes a 40 gal Critter Cage. It's about $100-110 in my area. That's not much more than buying an aquarium and separate screen lid. I have two smaller versions of this. These cages have a lockable, sliding, screen lid. As a second line of defense against escapes, I also use the Zilla Fresh Air screen like the one mentioned. For me, the second screen lid is primarily to safe guard the reptiles from the cats, but it has the added benefit of preventing the sliding lid from opening. Also, the second lid won't fit on the tank unless the sliding lid is completely closed. So no chance snakie can push the lid open.

I have found though that I really prefer front opening cages. My reptiles are disturbed by things coming into the cage from above. And who can blame them? So as money allows, I am switching over my cages. The ones made of expanded PVC work great for me but are pricey compared to the simpler glass tanks. It's worth it though. Hopefully by the end of the year, all 3 of mine will be in one. We're 2 down with 1 to go.