A question on enclosures

[Lupinus]

Hi folks, one of the questions I have before jumping into buying my first snake is regarding the enclosure and some different things I've been seeing online. I haven't got my heart set on any one particular type of snake yet, but I am currently leaning towards either a garter or corn if that makes any difference.

First is the type of enclosure. I have seen on several websites that rubbermaid type tubs make pretty good snake enclosures, is this generally true? I'm understanding the need to add holes and such, as well as the need to add additional security to the lid, just wondering if it's a good option for a new snake owner? What about a Creature Keeper type thing, at least while young before the snake becomes to large for the sizes they come in?

Second is the heating. Would I just use an UTH applied to the bottom of the tub? Would I need to cut a hole in the lid and apply a screen or something to also use a lamp or is the UTH enough for the snakes I am leaning towards?

Lastly (at least that is coming to mind right now) is size. I'm seeing on a few websites that young snakes, which is what I am looking at, are fine in a smaller enclosure than would be needed at their full adult size, with upgrades as the snake grows. Some also stating that it's actually preferable to keep them in an enclosure relative to their size to help them feel more secure. Would this be correct? Or should I start out with an enclosure that is properly sized for the adult length?

[Mikoh4792]

Originally Posted by Lupinus

Hi folks, one of the questions I have before jumping into buying my first snake is regarding the enclosure and some different things I've been seeing online. I haven't got my heart set on any one particular type of snake yet, but I am currently leaning towards either a garter or corn if that makes any difference.

First is the type of enclosure. I have seen on several websites that rubbermaid type tubs make pretty good snake enclosures, is this generally true? I'm understanding the need to add holes and such, as well as the need to add additional security to the lid, just wondering if it's a good option for a new snake owner? What about a Creature Keeper type thing, at least while young before the snake becomes to large for the sizes they come in?

Any type of enclosure can work well as long as you provide the requirements. Heat, humidity, hides, water bowl, bedding..etc. Just make sure whatever you use is secure enough to keep the snake from escaping.

Second is the heating. Would I just use an UTH applied to the bottom of the tub? Would I need to cut a hole in the lid and apply a screen or something to also use a lamp or is the UTH enough for the snakes I am leaning towards?

Make sure you get a thermostat

It depends on what kind of snake you get, and the conditions inside your house. For my corn snake, all I use is an UTH hooked up to thermostat and I set it to 88F. This provides a temperature gradient of 88F on one end to 78F on the other. If you have a type of snake that likes to climb up high(arboreal snake) than you might want to use overhead heating. However, if your house is very cold in the winter, you could use overhead heating and under tank heating. It really depends.

Lastly (at least that is coming to mind right now) is size. I'm seeing on a few websites that young snakes, which is what I am looking at, are fine in a smaller enclosure than would be needed at their full adult size, with upgrades as the snake grows. Some also stating that it's actually preferable to keep them in an enclosure relative to their size to help them feel more secure. Would this be correct? Or should I start out with an enclosure that is properly sized for the adult length?

You could go both ways. Smaller enclosures for young snakes are easier since you really only need two hides and a small heating source. If you decide to buy it's adult enclosure while it's a baby, you will need many hides, and a bigger heating source than you would use with a smaller enclosure.


Whatever you do just make sure you cover these things. Heat, humidity, water, shelter, security.

[Terranaut]

All the above is great advice. I would add thatbif you stick to the snakes you mentioned the enclosure is the same and I would recomend something you can see it in. Either of those would be fine in a critter keeper with a uth on a thermostat. Both are active during the day and both can be housed for cheap. If you change your mind and get a tropical snake with higher humidity needs I would either go with a tub or a true snake enclosure and avoid screen top aquariums altogether.