New Enclosure for corns

jjnnbns · 01-21-04, 12:32 AM

I am planning on building a new enclosure to house a couple new corn snakes as it is true, they are addictive! I am thinking about building with 5/8" melamine an enclosure that would measure 38"x24"x19-1/4". I would run a dividing piece down the center so that two separate enclosures would be created, with either glass or plexiglass on the front and flip doors on top. The front will be faced most likely with hardwood. My question is:

Will each individual enclosure be large enough for an adult corn snake? They will each be 18"wide x 23-3/8"deep x 18" tall.

Please let me know what you think before I start building! I'll also make sure to take pics when I get going on the project too!

ChunkyMunky · 01-21-04, 12:38 AM

Sounds good jjnnbns, dimensions are fine unless your corns grow to an abnormally large size.

Tim_Cranwill · 01-21-04, 12:40 AM

I would say: More floor space and less height. The dimensions you have would be "OK" but why such specific numbers? Free wood?

Also, how would you heat them? That's a big thing to consider. Would you give each enclosure 1/2 of a heat pad?

Anyway, my advice would be to not rush it. Take some time and look at what other people are building. Do a lot of research and ask a lot of questions (seems like you're not afraid to do that). Each enclosure you build, you'll learn something new and get better ideas.

Good luck and keep us posted.

jjnnbns · 01-21-04, 01:24 AM

Here is what I have been planning and sketching around with. Let me know what you think.

It probably needs some revamping, but I think that its a pretty good start.

snakebeginner · 01-21-04, 01:37 AM

I think that looks great jnnbns. When you finish it you have to post some pics of it. great job.

ChunkyMunky · 01-21-04, 01:42 AM

From what i see you may need larger heat mats, and you might want to put the vents on the sides to reduce humidity/heat loss. Cut two squares about 4x4 inches on top of cage(where vents are in the sketch), cover with small pieces of plexiglass or acrylic (might want to seal it with some kind of adhessive like sillicone). Put some nice dome lights on the top and you will have a pretty nice cage.

Invictus · 01-21-04, 02:03 AM

18 x 23 inches is nowhere near enough space for an adult corn. I wouldn't go cheap on the height either, especially if you put climbing branches in. Corns LOVE to climb.

My adult corns are getting 4x2x2 enclosures, to give you an idea of what I personally think is good for them. I'm kind of spoiling them though - but any less than 3 feet, and you are confining the corn snake to uncomfortable quarters.

This is a VERY active species of snake that seems to require more exercise and room to move than any other species I currently work with. Space is never wasted on them. You don't have to go as big as I'm going for my corns, but please.. increase at least one of the floor dimensions to 3 feet.

jjnnbns · 01-21-04, 02:07 AM

I'm working with limited glass/plexi availability, either 11x14 or else 18x18.

I thought that maybe I could also make two long side by side enclosures? Perhaps 12"x36"? Would that be too narrow Invictus?

marisa · 01-21-04, 02:29 AM

Honestly I agree with Invictus, and you are going to find some large males will be REALLY tight in those demnsions, if not downright squished.

My current tubs are 36 long, 16 wide, and 7 high. My biggest male was 55 inches, and that was WAY too tight for him.

Marisa

jjnnbns · 01-21-04, 02:36 AM

Thanks guys, I guess that I'll go back to the drawing board. Or else I may build this as practice enclosure building as it should suit them for a year or two anyways, and then afterwards when I build them a new home, I would have a good excuse to get a few new herps to keep in it!!