CWCorns - Care Guide

Care Guide - Housing

When it comes to housing you have several options. Many keepers like to keep their baby corn snakes in a smaller enclosure than adults. This has advantages and disadvantages. The main disadvantage is that you will have to upgrade your setup in 6 months to a years time. The main advantages are that the snake may feel more secure, and be more inclined to eat, in a smaller setup. Some people put a corn snake straight into their adult setup and find that it adjusts well, others may be a bit afraid of the space.

Option 1: Starter Setup

Your typical starter setup is very basic, and consists of

20-50litre tub, or Large Flat Faunarium
Heat mat, covering 1/3rd to 1/2th of the tub. This goes underneath the tub.
Mat Stat - a thermostat will automatically control the temperature of the heat mat, ensuring that the optimum temperature is maintained for the comfort and digestion of the snake. Without it, there is a risk of burns from overheating.
2 Hides - one on the heat mat side, the other on the cool side. This allows your snake to choose it's temperature. This is important for snakes as they are cold blooded, and if they are too hot, or too cold, must move to a warmer or colder place.
Water Bowl - big enough for the snake to soak in whilst shedding, on the cold side of the tank. Keeping it on the cold side of the tank helps to ensure that it is not heated and evaporated, which can increase the humidity.
Small plants, branches or accessories can liven up the tank and provide stimulation and security. Remember that you are trying to simulate the environment the animal would find in the wild as best you can!

Cost: £50-60.

Option 2: Lifetime Tank

This setup is primarily the same as above, except the actual tank will be different, and you can add additional lighting.

36 x 18 x 18" is our recommended size for a single adult corn snake, although many will enjoy the space of a 48 x 18 x 18" or larger. A wooden vivarium with sliding glass doors is in our opinion, far superior to a glass tank, as it is more secure, lockable, with the correct amount of ventilation.
A larger heat mat will be required but again, it only wants to cover 1/3rd to 1/2th of the tank.
Wooden vivariums usually come with a light fitting. A low wattage light bulb can be used to increase daytime heat, and provide a basking spot. Corn snakes will come out on a sunny day in the wild, and bask on a hot rock in the sun. A light bulb helps create this natural hot spot.
If using a light bulb, a light guard will be absolutely necessary. Snakes have problems feeling burns, and often will wrap themselves around a light source and can cause themselves serious injuries.
Dimming thermostat can be purchased to dim lights when they get too hot.

Cost: £125 - £200

The substrate of the tank should be something that is dust free, and not a pine based wood. Beech chips, aspen and aubiose (horse) bedding are popular. If sawdust is used it must be a dust free chemical free sawdust, and is typically not recommended. Many keepers opt for the ease of newspaper, or paper towel, but aspen is a safe and natural looking bedding.

Care Information

Please select which section you would like to navigate to.

Introduction
Housing
Heating
Handling
Feeding
Health
Breeding
Incubator Guide
Egg Binding
Housing Together

If you are thinking about purchasing a corn snake, and require a setup, please visit Reptile Cymru in Cardiff, who sell plastic starter kits from £30, and full setups for adults in 3 foot wooden vivariums from £125 (including heating/lighting).