...when it comes to corn snakes and the cage sizes?I've heard so many different gal sizes,I just want to know for sure.(I heard 10 gal a snake and I'm sure that is definetly not right!)
Thank you in advance!
2007-09-12 14:07:29 · 8 answers · asked by Floyyy :D 4 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
A corn snake can live its entire life in a 20 gallon-long tank, which are about 2 ft long(as a general rule of thumb for all snakes, the tank should be at least 1/2 of it's total length). A smaller tank, such as a 10 gallon, can also be used for its first year or two, until it reaches about 3 feet. Also, you will need some type of bedding; aspen chips seem to work best, but NEVER use pine or ceder, as they contain oils which can kill the snake. They even make special carpet that can be easily cleaned with a hose. A firm, untippable water bowel, changed daily, must also be present, along with 2 hide boxes at opposite ends of the tank(you can just use a shoe box for this, or they sell snake hides at pet stores.) A firm screen top should always cover the cage and be SECURELY FASTENED; I cannot stress this enough, corn snakes are MASTER escape artists, and if you cannot find clips to keep the screen cover down, then put a dictionary on the top. You also might want some sort of climb branch or decorative rocks, but just make sure they are sterile (soak in bleach and rinse) and are not in a position that they might slip and hurt the snake.
As far as temp, room temperature is not good enough. Their tanks should have a cool end of around 70-80F, and a warm end of 88-95F. This can be achieved by an undertank heater at one end of the cage. These heaters are relatively cheap, and mount to the bottom of the tank. You should be able to find one in any reptile store, and most general pet stores even have them.
Most corn snakes live for about 10-15 years, and will grow no larger than 5 ft.
Corn snakes are great to be handled, and rarely bite. However, some are a bit nippy, and you should ask to handle the snake before you buy it. And remember, never hold it after you feed it, because it will confuse the mouse smell on your hands for prey.
They will need to be fed once a week; a baby snake should be started on baby pink mice ("pinkies"), then moved up to larger mice as it grows bigger. You can feed either live or frozen mice, which ever you prefer.
You will need to clean his droppings every week, and clean its cage thoroughly once a month.
I hope I was able to answer the general questions you had. There are several books dedicated entirely to keeping corn snakes, and I would strongly suggest that you purchase one of these and read it all the way through, as this should provide you with all the knowledge you need.
Don't forget to rate this response, and if you have any follow-up questions feel free to ask.
2007-09-12 14:24:03 · answer #1 · answered by megan 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That answer changes with time and the person asked.
When I was a kid (35 years ago) a 10 gallon tank was considered big enough for a full grown corn snake. A 20 gallon would be considered the minimum these days, and I would tend to agree.
Look at the wiki article, I provided a link. It has some great information.
2007-09-12 21:23:00 · answer #2 · answered by Jim 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've heard everything from 20-40 gals. I don't go by their "books" though.
This is a rule of thumb I learned from a VET and a BREEDER as well: a snake's enclosure should be long enough that the snake can stretch out completely and not touch the ends of the tank. This not only promotes good respiratory health in the snake but allows it room to move about more freely. If you have a shy snake (like a ball python) just make sure to have plenty of hiding places in the enclosure.
2007-09-12 21:38:56 · answer #3 · answered by ferrisulf 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
A 20 gal. long tank is fine, but I prefer a 40 gal breeder tank. They have more room than a 55 gal. & are much easier to reach into than a 55.
2007-09-13 16:32:56 · answer #4 · answered by Toe Cutter 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As far a temps are concerned, an under tank heat mat is preferred, but it should be connected to a thermostat or dimmer switch. The probe end is put on the inside and the floor of the tank temp is measured. It should be about 85F. A couple of inches of aspen on top is good, and then the snake can burrow as deep as it needs to to warm up.
http://cornsnakes.com/forums/
2007-09-12 22:36:46 · answer #5 · answered by KimbeeJ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
gaday im from aus and i own large snakes.
u want 2 make shore the snake will be work and cozy for my largest snake (12ft) i use a 6ft cage by 3ft and thats a ood size for her
2007-09-12 23:24:37 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I agree with ferrisulf. I like to allow them to move about without alwasy being curled up. I keep one of my corns in a 55, and the smaller one in a 40 breeder.
2007-09-12 23:04:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
20 gallon for an adult. and yeah you can put a baby in there if you have enough hides.
2007-09-12 21:43:48 · answer #8 · answered by krennao 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋