Tank size affect new corn snake??

BP_okay · 04-14-09, 10:02 AM

Hi there,

I am new to this awesome hobby and I am getting my 2nd snake- a male corn that is approx. 13 inches (1st is a super sweet saharan sand boa). I want to set up his tank and I have thoroughly researched all his needs, but have 1 question regarding tank size. I understand a 10 gallon will suffice for now, but I really want to avoid purchasing more than I tank. If I were to buy a 20 or 25 gallon, with plenty of hides(3 or so), of course, do you think that a tank that large for his size would affect him negatively in any way? feeding, feeling secure, etc. Thanks so much in advance for any advice. I really searched this topic on this forum and couldn't find the exact answer to my ?

Thanks again,
Traci

Chu'Wuti · 04-14-09, 10:15 AM

If you provide 3 hides with the appropriate temperature zones, he should be fine. Corns don't stress as easily as some other snakes tend to do. You could even begin with a 30-gallon enclosure. BTW, if you're getting a 13" corn, it's likely a hatchling--make sure it is already eating before you get it.

A couple of resources:

Caring for Corn Snakes

Corn Snake Caresheet

Have fun!

Oh--and Welcome! Nice to have another female on the forum!

BP_okay · 04-14-09, 11:02 AM

Thanks alot for the advice and the links. Funny you mention the 30 gallon, because I was thinking that would give alot of room to move when he reaches maturity. By a hatchling do you mean, less than a year or a brand new baby? Thanks for the welcome and well wishes. BTW, where are you in the U.S.? I am in the Chicago area, and I am so tired of the cold. I wish it warm up, so they could ship him sooner! Yeah, females seem to be a rarity in this hobby

Thanks again,
Traci

gonesnakee · 04-14-09, 11:21 AM

Don't worry Chicago will start warming up once the Flames start kicking the Hawks butts down there LOL
As for a larger tank causing issues sometimes too much space will stress out a young snake & make it insecure yep. Snakes like tight cramped quarters over lots of space anyday. Make sure if a larger tank is used that there are many hides in various areas & you should be alright. The key thing is too ensure it is secure enough to hold the young snake. Mark

Kmef07 · 04-14-09, 04:02 PM

Yes mark but some snakes do prefer to have more space. Some snakes the more space the better as they reach adulthood. but they still need hides that accomodate their size so they feel secure.

And YAY another female lol...

gonesnakee · 04-14-09, 04:12 PM

I always recommend starting with smaller enclosures & then working up in size myself. I have had MANY people buy hatchlings that ate everything ever offered go off of food after moving to large more spacious digs. They go from a small container to a huge one in comparision. That along with being moved & increased interaction can stress them out sometimes. As they get older of course I too think bigger is better, within reason of course. Certain species still get nervous if offered too much space at once. Mark

Chu'Wuti · 04-14-09, 05:35 PM

Well, all I can say is from what I've seen with friends' corns & one I had years ago, space didn't see to be much of an issue for them. Definitely provide hides that will provide a nice tight place to coil up, though, in several parts of the enclosure.

Quote:

And YAY another female lol...

HAH! POOR KYLE!

[just joking!

]

It's almost bizarre--when I first got on here, it seemed like mostly males, and now in the past month or so a bunch of females have joined up. However, I haven't been a member of the forum long enough to make a fair assessment of the balance between males & females. Maybe Julian or Aaron_S or Mykee can tell us . . .

I'm definitely not complaining! I'm really glad that more females are demonstrating that they are not afraid of herps, especially snakes--when I was 20, it was NOT that way! I was completely weird . . .

Oh--maybe I still am! LOL

BP_okay · 04-15-09, 08:50 AM

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the variety of responses, but now with all the debate I am in a little bit of a quandry. I went to several places yesterday, and all of the reptile terrariums seemed to be only available in 10, 20 and 40, and 55 gallon(obviously too big for sure) tanks. So maybe a 20 might be the solution b/c it's not too big but will allow him to grow for a bit without having to be moved once more, as he reached adulthood.

Everytime I ask the pet stores and reptile stores the same question I get the same debate. Some tell me space is better and some tell me to work my way up to avoid probs. Of course, I hate PEtco and Petsmart (totally not knowledgeable and always give me incorrect info, and I am new to the hobby! I am assuming since I ordered him from a breeder, he will have been in a smaller container, so the extra space might seem too much Also, how old (13 inches) is this hatchling probably going to be(in months)What do you guys think about all of this? Sorry it's so long, but I want him to super happy and healthy.

Btw, fellow gals! (and guys) it's so nice to be here. Everyone is so helpful and nice.

Thanks again,
Traci

Chu'Wuti · 04-15-09, 05:28 PM

Traci, you can use either the 20 or the 40 gallon enclosure. One option you have is to get the larger enclosure and close off half of it with a plexiglass insert that you can remove later if you're concerned about too much space bothering the snake. IMHO, with several hides located in various places and branches for climbing, your baby should be fine.

Good luck! Sandy

BP_okay · 04-15-09, 08:28 PM

Thanks Sandy. I think a 20 sounds great. I was at Petco(ugh)today, looking at terrariums and saw a Zilla 20 Long for reptiles($59.99), but it just didn't seem to be made very well - kind of flimsy actually. I then went to Petsmart(double ugh!) and found the same thing, a brand called All Living Things for reptiles($74.99). It seemed like it was a little higher quality. I am not very crafty, so any online or brand recommendations would greatly appreciated. I think I'd prefer a sliding top than an aquarium with clamps- more escape proof I suppose.

Thanks again,
Traci

Chu'Wuti · 04-16-09, 04:54 AM

Glad you've settled on a size. You can always use it for another critter later after you snake outgrows it!

Try googling snake enclosures online for some more ideas, too. For example:

Exo-Terra Front Opening Glass Terrariums For Less

SnakeCages

I'm not personally familiar with either of the brands you mentioned. Perhaps someone else is and can help better than I. Good luck!