What enclosure to get?

Snakefood · 08-11-11, 07:24 PM

I am getting ready to get my first snake. Probably going to be a Corn snake or a Ball Python. I really want to start with a hatchling (or close to). I currently have an empty 33 gallon tank with a wire mesh top (1/4' squared). We have very fine mesh screen to add if a baby could get through that.

How long will the 33 gallon tank be enough for these snakes?
Then what size enclosure will I need to comfortably house them as adults?

Do I build/buy for floor space or hieght?

NennaMeerkat · 08-11-11, 07:37 PM

Most snakes you buy for floor space especially balls and corn snakes. Some corns enjoy height to climb whatever you give them, but mostly they aren't tree snakes. A 33 gallon would be PLENTY for a corn snake and I *think* a ball would be okay. Keep in mind Balls need some level of humidity higher than a corn snake and thus you would have to cover the tank mesh top with something to keep in the humidity.

Personally for a first snake I would say go with a corn. Besides an UTH that is set on a thermostat and is the correct size for the tank you have you don't really need to worry about extra heat/humidity. Just the UTH and that is generally it. Maybe some slightly extra heat during cold months if you like your house cold during that time (which I do thus I add extra head to all my herps).

Snakefood · 08-11-11, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NennaMeerkat

A 33 gallon would be PLENTY for a corn snake and I *think* a ball would be okay. Keep in mind Balls need some level of humidity higher than a corn snake and thus you would have to cover the tank mesh top with something to keep in the humidity.

Personally for a first snake I would say go with a corn.

Do you mean a 33 gal will be appropriate for them at full grown size??

Also about the humidity, I have heard elsewhere that if you provide access to water, you don't have to worry about humidity, is this true??

I was actually starting to pull towards the BP, among other reasons, I already have breeder rats for pinkies, I would have to go get mice breeders to get a Corn baby!!

LLinz · 08-11-11, 09:10 PM

Check out the thread 'keeping humidity up' in the python regius forum. Its an eye opener for what has to be done for a BP in a glass tank with a screen top. I love my BP, but it is A bit of work to keep humidity and heat up. For A BP, 4x2x2 is a roomy size.
Whatever snake u get, make sure u get all your supplies, get the heat in the tank perfect, and do all your research before you acquire the snake and you will be fine

Snakefood · 08-11-11, 09:20 PM

yes, that is my intention. I don't plan to actually purchase the snake until spring when my b-day comes around!! Then I'm hitting up hubby for my b-day present!!! LOL

stephanbakir · 08-11-11, 09:25 PM

I'd make hints about owning a reptile first, he may not be too keen on the idea and you will need to rehome the pet. It can't hurt.

Snakefood · 08-11-11, 09:46 PM

LOL no worries, he is completely on board with GETTING the snake, The only part I'm popping on him is how much the one I want is going to COST!!

That's why I'm waiting for the b-day to come around!!

Ok so I went and read the humidity thread, I live in South coastal BC, so our humidity rarely drops below 45% (even in the dead of winter) and can hit 80 on muggy days!! Is this sufficient for the daily misting method or should I still place water over the UTH??

I really, really am pulling towards the ball python vs the Corn snake.

NennaMeerkat · 08-11-11, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakefood

Do you mean a 33 gal will be appropriate for them at full grown size??

Also about the humidity, I have heard elsewhere that if you provide access to water, you don't have to worry about humidity, is this true??

I was actually starting to pull towards the BP, among other reasons, I already have breeder rats for pinkies, I would have to go get mice breeders to get a Corn baby!!

Yes a corn snake can live in a 33 gallon its entire life

We housed two in a 40 gallon (not the best move but they were our first snakes and we were told it would be okay) and for the time we had them before moving cross country they were fine. And we bought them as adults or near sized to adults.

Also I dunno why you couldn't feed a corn small sized rats its entire life. Ya know some fuzzies or something I am not sure on the sizing on rats vs. mice but I would think some of the sizes would be the same.

Snakefood · 08-11-11, 09:58 PM

Well I know that mouse pinkies are almost half the size of rat pinkies, so it was just the hatchling stage I was wondering about. Would I need to start with mouse pinkies or could I start straigh with rat pinkies (my preference) Since I breed my own rats, size isn't an issue as I always have some of each size around. I just don't breed mice!!

LLinz · 08-11-11, 09:59 PM

For BPs, 60% humidity and 90% when they are in shed. Shouldn't be a problem for u to get that. Misting and using a mix of repti bark and coconut husk will hold humidity really well.

I love BPs, I hang out with mine a few times a week, he's my buddy

NennaMeerkat · 08-11-11, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakefood

Well I know that mouse pinkies are almost half the size of rat pinkies, so it was just the hatchling stage I was wondering about. Would I need to start with mouse pinkies or could I start straigh with rat pinkies (my preference) Since I breed my own rats, size isn't an issue as I always have some of each size around. I just don't breed mice!!

Well you could buy a corn that is capable of taking a rat pink. It wouldn't be a hatchling but wouldn't be an adult either. Considering most of the corns I have seen at expos here (keep in mind I live in Texas with several large expos a year) are probably big enough to take rat pinks no problem.

dazarooney · 08-19-11, 08:34 AM

Thanks for the replies here, I had a similar question which has now been answered.

Snakefood · 08-19-11, 12:23 PM

Well since hubby and I have fallen in love with a very young Blizzard Corn, we will have to start with mouse pinkies!! But no worries, the breeder we're getting him from sells pinks and she lives about 20 min from me!! So keeping my guy in mice till he can take rat pinks won't be a problem!!