Enclosure questions for new corn snake…

[ckhirnigs113]

Hi everyone,
I’ve been reading as much as I can over the past week or so as I get ready for our first pet snake to arrive. My 9-year-old daughter is going to be the primary caregiver for our new corn snake, but I will obviously be there to help as much as needed. She’s been absolutely obsessed with the idea of a pet snake for almost a year, and my wife and I have finally caved. The only other pet reptile we’ve had before was a leopard gecko, so I’m trying to research as much as I can so we’ll be ready for our new corn snake.

We have a beautiful 10-month-old corn snake named “Candy Apple” coming from @caryl of BrightHope Snakes in a few weeks. Here’s a picture of her:

We just acquired an enclosure, and it’s a bit larger than we were initially looking to buy, but we figured it would be ok to have space to grow into. We got such a good deal on it, that I couldn’t resist! The tank is L48”xW18”xH21” and has sliding glass doors on the front. It has two separate screen lids that lock into place on top. I’ll try to remember to post some pictures of it tomorrow.

I bought aspen shavings from Tractor Supply and lined the bottom of the enclosure with about two inches of substrate. We have a hide on each side of the enclosure and we’re looking to get some large branches to provide some climbing opportunities for the snake.

My first question is about choosing a heat source. I know this topic comes up all the time, but I wanted to get some specific advice. We live in Alabama and keep our house between 70-72 degrees year round. I know @caryl uses UTH for her snakes, and I wonder if it makes the most sense to offer the same type of heat source that the snake has been accustomed to all of its life. The tank we bought came with a double-fixture heat lamp as well as a 120w adhesive heat mat. The fixture currently has a heat bulb installed on one side, and the other side has a ceramic heating element. I’m going back and forth on which type of heat source to use or if I should use both in combination.

The tank also came with a large half-log style hide that we are planning to use on the warm side of the enclosure. I just don’t see how a heat lamp could warm the inside of this rather thick hide well enough to promote proper digestion. I’m also a little concerned that this style hide doesn’t have a back to it. I was looking for some suggestions about whether this hide is suitable if I put some fake plants or something like that behind it to make it seem more safe to the snake.

The snake we’re getting from @caryl has red eyes, so it’s my understanding that it may be more sensitive to bright light. Is this reason enough to go with a heat mat? I just want to do whatever is better for the snake.

What is the recommended type of light source to use if you go with UTH? Is the overhead light in the room plus open shutters on the window sufficient, or should something like LED light strips be installed in the enclosure. I’d like adequate visibility without risking any undo stress to the snake or something that will irritate its possibly-sensitive eyes.

I’m sure I’ll have lots of other questions moving forward, but this is probably plenty to start with on a first post! I really appreciate the helpful nature of this community. I look forward to spending more time here with everyone!

Thanks for the help!
-Chris

[snakes_of_shadowlake]

Congratulations on your new addition! I hear that anything produced by @caryl is sure to be wonderful, and I hope to join you soon with a first-hand testimonial of how well cared for her babies have been.

To give my answer to your Q’s (I read quickly so I hope I don’t forget anything you asked):

1. Enclosure size: while corn snakes tend to be generally easy-going animals, the challenge with putting a baby in a giant tank is that sometimes they can become stressed from feeling too exposed. If that happens, they stop eating, and I don’t want you to have to struggle with that. I would recommend hanging onto that tank, but still see if you can find a 10-gal or at most a 20-gal until she grows into it. I can usually find small ones on Facebook marketplace for around $10 or so. The alternative, if you really prefer the large one, is to make sure there are far more than just two hides for her to use. Very full tanks with lots of hiding places can help her feel relaxed, even in a large tank.

2. Heating: I have had both UTH and overhead lamps. I have had a much harder time regulating temps evenly across the enclosure with just overheads. UTH has been much better. That said, even with a thermometer and probe to regulate, UTH can develop hot spots, which I have had to adjust for by adding a lot of bedding on top of that area. Don Soderburg teaches that although Ball Pythons frequently seek out heat sources to the point of burning themselves, corn snakes will usually avoid that hot spot. So as long as you put enough substrate over any hot spot, the snake themselves can regulate the rest. For a large tank like yours, I’d recommend using both UTH and overhead. If you are worried about too bright a light (my understanding is that only red lamps bother them, but I lack first-hand experience here), you can always use a ceramic heat bulb that does not emit light.

3. Make quadruple sure you check for every possible escape route. On tanks that size, they often have holes for electrical cords, or gaps in the doors or near the hinges. For full-grown corns, these are generally small enough not to pose a risk, but the little ones are major escape artists and can squeeze through things you wouldn’t imagine they could. If you don’t have cords running through the holes, filling the entire gap with firm tension, then be sure to tape them off (without any actual tape adhesive being able to come in contact with the snake). Make sure it’s secure. Their noses are surprisingly strong and can lift lids that are not very securely attached at multiple points across a long span of lid (ask me how I know). My 9 yo was a very responsible boy, but even responsible kids can forget to properly latch or secure enclosures, or set the snake down “just for a second” when they are holding them. We had far more snakes escape than I care to admit while we both learned how to make sure mistakes didn’t repeat themselves. Forgive yourself and your daughter if it occurs. It happens to nearly everyone at least once, it seems. But for all the mistakes I made as a new corn owner, underestimating the importance of an inescapable enclosure—especially for the little bitty ones—was the most costly.

All that said, I’ll end with a BIG congratulations! I was hesitant about reptiles in general, but since my own kid’s pleadings to get our first corn snake, they have grown on me tremendously. They are now my absolute favorite animals I own (yes, we own many more than 1 now).

[samanthabea]

I cant offer much more they explained a lot i have ball pythons for the half log though u can put it against the side of the tank and black out the portion that is open from the back/side wherever it goes to create that closed feeling and they r right with smaller snakes and bigger tanks lots of clutter makes them feel better if u want to keep the big tank and not get a smaller one heres a couple pictures of those hides i have them against the wall and a non active area i leave the gap because they tried squeezing themselves through and didnt want to have them accidently scrap themselves up (side note my humidity is way off right now its hot out and my ac went out today so im working to adjust it since its sucked out the humidity at that temp)

[ckhirnigs113]

Thank you for the extremely detailed response! Those are all great points. I may look for a smaller tank to use for a while before moving the snake to this larger enclosure. Then again, it will be a year old in July, so how long will it be before it is large enough to feel secure in a bigger enclosure? I need to do some more research on how quickly these snakes grow.

The alternative of putting lots of different hides and plenty of stuff inside this huge enclosure is right up my daughter’s alley. She would love to pack this giant tank full of branches and fake plants. I’ll see what @caryl thinks will work best for this specific snake since she knows it well.

Thanks for the tip for the half log hide, @samanthabea! We have the back glass of the enclosure covered with a blanket, so I’ll just put the back of the log hide against the back glass to make it feel more snug and secure for the snake. Hope you get that AC working soon! I’ve had mine go out here during the summer when it was 90+ outside and it was miserable.

Our enclosure used to belong to a bearded dragon, and the lady I bought it from included a large woven rope hammock with it. I read some corn snakes actually like to use hammocks. Do any of you have a snake that has used one?

[snakes_of_shadowlake]

My snakes are usually ready for a big kid tank by 2 years old. I have one bold female who is only a year in a larger enclosure and she does well—but I have it very full of a variety of hides and enrichment. If your snake is on fuzzy mice already, that’s really when they start to grow fast. You might be just fine in a larger tank if she’s already started fuzzies. I’m sure @caryl will give you great advice personalized for your Candy Apple and her personality.

And yes, some corns really do love to crawl through nets and branches, and they’ll explore everything they can. The only trouble is getting it clean if/when they poop on it! Haha. Others, though, prefer to hide all day and very rarely come out. Some do their initial exploration to get familiar with their surroundings, and then they hide all day. Whichever way Candy Apple goes, not to worry. Corn snakes are, in general, content, healthy, happy snakes.

Congrats again!

[samanthabea]

Thanks ya hopefully its a simple fix for the ac mine never got to try hammocks i didnf want them getting stuck in the holes because of their thicknesses and trying to clean them mine liked the taller hides i have to pearch on

[ckhirnigs113]

Accroding to @caryl, Candy Apple is taking “large fuzzy” (7-12g) size mice and is ready for small “hoppers”. She is about 50g at this point, but I’m not sure of her length. I think I’m leaning towards using the large enclosure. I’ll make sure there are no ways she can escape, and I’ll also put extra hides and “clutter” in there so she feels snug.

I’m also thinking UTH is going to be the way to go with this snake, but I’m going to get @caryl 's opinion before I make the decision.

Thanks again!

[hb24]

Welcome and congratulations on your new corn!

I acquired my first corn snake from Caryl last year (and then several more after that) and you are in great hands! I can’t recommend her enough. Since I’m somewhat new to keep corns, I’ll just echo the words of wisdom she gave me when starting out.

Enclosure size - I believe our corns are about the same age (and size theoretically) and I’m planning to upgrade everyone this summer. The rule of thumb is the snake shouldn’t be longer than two adjacent sides. If our babies are the same size, Candy Apple won’t be in a 10 gallon for long.

On the flip side of that, Caryl clued me in that a smaller tank can help the keeper more in the beginning than the snake. While getting to know your new baby, a smaller enclosure allows you to pick her up quickly without having to dig around for her and gives her less opportunity to run from you. A smaller enclosure also helps in that it’s easier to find their poop and regurges if they happen.

Heating - corns aren’t baskers in the wild so they don’t need a heat lamp to bask under, but you can use one if you want for the lighting. I use the natural light in the room for my guys, and they all have a good grasp on the day/night cycle. I don’t have heat lamps so I can’t give you any more specifics than that. But I would caution you to have thermostats with your heat source and a temp gun to do temperature checks regardless of whatever option you go with.

And just to repeat the awesome advice you’ve already been given, check every inch for possible escape routes as these guys are escape artists!

Let us know if you have any more questions and please remember that we love picture updates! Congrats again!

[ckhirnigs113]

Glad to hear your corn from @caryl is doing great! I totally get how it would likely be easier for us to acclimate to snake ownership if we start with a smaller enclosure. I’ll definitely keep my eye out for a cheap used tank on FB Marketplace.

You’re convincing me that a heat mat is probably the way to go. The snake is already used to this type of heat source, so that will be one less thing it will have to adjust to in its new home. I’ll be sure to get a thermostat as well. I’ve read enough to know how important that is!

Should I mount the heat mat to the bottom of the glass tank on the outside? If so, should I put the thermostat probe on the outside of the tank as well, between the mat and the glass bottom of the tank? Once it’s installed, should I take a temperature reading at the glass directly on the inside of the tank or should I take the measurement at the top of the aspen bedding over the mat?

Sorry for all the detailed questions, I’m just nervous about keeping a snake for the first time. I want to make sure I’m doing every thing right!

[caron]

@ckhirnigs113

I’m also thinking UTH is going to be the way to go with this snake, but I’m going to get @caryl 's opinion before I make the decision.

The best thing to do imho is get @caryl’s opinion on Everything regarding this sweet baby since she’s the breeder and she is more than willing to advise you all day long if necessary. Too many opinions, although most are helpful, muddy the waters. It is best to get advice from the one person who knows the snake and the proper husbandry as she produced this animal and nurtured it from the beginning of its life.

I should know because I have purchased 8 corns from her (one went to OH to be a classroom ambassador) and I cannot be more thrilled with them! All 7 of mine have different personalities from greeting me when I take the lid off (I’m a tub keeper) to let’s play hide and seek! They are so entertaining!

Please DO NOT overthink things before you get your new girl. Let her set the tone. If she eats and poops (which she will) then she feels secure, which is the main goal. The rest is just fluff. Also corns are very hardy and extremely forgiving if your husbandry is not on point. Again, DO NOT overthink things.

Congratulations on your new journey into the colorful world of corndom Chris! I am sure your daughter will bond with sweet little Candy Cane immediately! But here’s a word of warning from someone who knows: YOU WILL WANT MORE!!!

[ckhirnigs113]

Wow, 8 snakes from @caryl! I reached out to a couple of breeders before getting in touch with Caryl, and she immediately impressed me with her helpfulness. I knew I was in good hands after just a few messages back and forth on MorphMarket!

Since you’ve gotten so many different snakes from Caryl, do you know if she feeds the snakes with tongs or if she puts the thawed mouse in the enclosure for the snake to eat whenever it’s ready? I’d like to keep the feeding method the same as the snake is used to.

And yes, I am definitely an over-thinker/over-researcher! It’s a blessing and a curse. Thank you for reminding me not to overthink all of this. I just feel a little overwhelmed at this point with no direct experience. I know I’ll get more at-ease once the snake is here and eating regularly.

[hb24]

For the UTH, (again, echoing Caryl’s words of wisdom) it goes under the tank with the thermostat probe going between the glass bottom and the UTH. You’ll want to read the temps on top of the bedding. Remember, a perfect temp at the bottom of the tank under everything will leave a cooler spot on top of the bedding where your corn is likely to hang out. I use a temp gun to check under my warm hide where they go to digest their meals and then I spot check the rest of the enclosure to just ensure it’s all in the appropriate temp range.

Chris, let me say with absolute surety that we are in the same boat. If you look up over-thinking in the dictionary, you will find my picture right there beside the definition. That being said, I’ll repeat what Caron said, when in doubt, ask Caryl! A good 6 months into being a corn keeper, I still send her questions from time to time, and she still responds immediately with thoughtful insights. Buying from Caryl is a blessing in that you have continued support well after the purchase! She truly cares about the wellbeing of the animal and always tries to help the humans in charge to make sure they’re taken care of!

[deanaii]

Congrats! I can’t wait to see a bunch of pics once she’s there.

You’ve been given lots of great advice. I always harp on enclosure security. Sometimes I can hardly stand to be in corn social media spaces due to the abundance of heartbreaking lost corn snake stories. If a 9yo will be primary caregiver, you’re going to want enclosure access and securing to be easy. You’re also probably going to want to come up with an actual brief security checklist for every time the snake is returned to the enclosure.

Good luck!

[ckhirnigs113]

Security protocol is going to be very important! I think a dry-erase board with a checklist is in our future for sure.

[samanthabea]

With my ball pythons i use locks on the front doors and a lock for my sliding top open tank so just in case they decide to explore and a latch broke it still was shut im not sure if ur tank has holes for locks on the front sliding doors my other tank uses tank clips for the top since it doesnt have any place for a lock and doesnt snap into place itself

[deanaii]

Good. I always say: the best setup in the world doesn’t matter when your snake’s living in the wall.

[ckhirnigs113]

The tank has heavy sliding glass doors but no locks. Should I invest in something like these child locks for cabinets and refrigerators?

[deanaii]

Probably. But maybe look for reptile enclosure specific ones first, to see what’s out there. Also make sure there isn’t enough of a gap between the doors for her to squeeze through.

[samanthabea]

It wouldnt hurt to get child locks they are like our kids after all lol plus its a good remider for checking to make sure the tank is securely closed after i just use regular locks so my little kids also dont open them otherwise i could just use pins if the doors r heavy and the snake is small i would think u would be ok to wait a little bit but in my opinion better safe than sorry and like deanaii said to id check for tank specific ones 1st

[caron]

@ckhirnigs113

Since you’ve gotten so many different snakes from Caryl, do you know if she feeds the snakes with tongs or if she puts the thawed mouse in the enclosure for the snake to eat whenever it’s ready?

@caron

The best thing to do imho is get @caryl’s opinion on Everything regarding this sweet baby since she’s the breeder and she is more than willing to advise you all day long if necessary.

I don’t want to answer for @caryl because I think she feeds a little differently than me. At the age Candy Cane is, I would offer the ft prey item by tongs to the snake inside her tank. However I don’t know how she has been feeding this corn. Corn snakes are generally dependable eaters and take the food directly from tongs……