Caging for a baby corn?

blackthorns · 11-17-16, 05:43 AM

Now I don't know for certain where I plan to purchase the critter, but I do plan on getting a small one (knowing my parents, and school schedule, it's probably going to be petsmart, which isn't ideal, but it's still giving a baby (who arguably needs it more) a good home). I know most breeders use plastic shoe boxes, but I'm wondering how practical that is for an owner of a single snake? I'm planning on using a bin cage anyways, but I'm kind of stuck on the best one for them when young. I want to provide an enriching cage, obviously, but I also want a practical and safe one. I'm particularly obvious that I don't know much about snakes other than the bare bone basics, sorry. But yeah I'm just really curious about the best way to house a small corn snake, and what the best things to use are.

Sorry for being so incredibly oblivious, and thanks for reading my scattered post!

**EL Ziggy** · 11-17-16, 09:21 AM

I bought my first kingsnake from a Petsmart and he's been great. If you can find a healthy animal at a chain store that's cool but nowadays I prefer to buy from established/reputable breeders. You can house your snake in a tub, tank, wooden, or pvc enclosure. I prefer pvc enclosures but I've used tubs and tanks effectively also. The main things you'll need to get started are a heat source (under tank heater, radiant heat panel, or infrared bulbs), a reliable THERMOSTAT or rheostat, hides, a water dish, bedding and a temp gun. You can add more decor to the enclosure if you like but those are the basic things you'll need to get your setup running. I like to have my enclosure set up and running for at least 48 hours before I put the snake in. Good job doing your research before getting the critter. It'll make things a lot easier down the road.

**Minkness** · 11-17-16, 09:49 AM

A small tub is perfect for a small snake. Some can be difficult to start and tubs make them feel a bit more secure. However, since it is a corn snake, you probably won't have any issues with a standard glass/acrylic tank.

Tanks really are more for the owner than the snake. A snake doesn't really care what they are housed in after all. If you want to go all out though, you can get a front opening enclosure. Zoomed and Exoterra are the ones you will find at local pet stores. If you have the cash, I highly recommend these over a fish tank if inly because they are VERY secure. Most fish tanks get a screen lid and a weight put on it or the lid clips. Imo, those suck. So much nicer to flick the lock in the front and have access to my animals. (Same goes for PVC as Ziggy mentioned but they can be pricey and take a while to get). I am working towards all PVC enclosures so I can get away from fish tanks lol.

Ziggy already stated all the supplies you will need. No reason to repeat good information. =)

sattva · 11-17-16, 10:23 AM

Hi... Keep your eyes on craigslist... 3 out of my 5 snakes came from there... Most of the snakes and equipment there ,people are just done with... Two of my guys I feel like I kind of rescued them... I see corn snakes there all the time... I bought most of my tanks off craigslist... There not the preferred method because it's harder to control temperature and humidity, but it can be done... I just control my whole snake room and then I tweak each tank...
You Know this is how it starts... I was only going to get one snake... Now I have to go to snake anonymous... I'm trying hard not to end up be one of these guys here that own 30 or 40 snakes... For me there is about 15 snakes I am lusting after... Let us see some pictures when you get it set up...

**Minkness** · 11-17-16, 11:06 AM

Hey...what's wrong with owning 30-40 snakes? =P

sattva · 11-17-16, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minkness

Hey...what's wrong with owning 30-40 snakes? =P

Nothing if you have the money, space and a forgiving spouse... I would definitely have way more if I could...

sattva · 11-17-16, 12:12 PM

Hatchling Corn Snakes