i have thermostats!! one on each side and I make sure to check them multiple times a do 
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Just looked it up I use a smarttemp thermometer. I feel terrible if I have been hurting him unknowingly. I’ve just been using everything the reptile store I got him from gave me. I did an abundance of research before purchasing and I just hope that everything can be fixed. Going to be getting my paycheck next week so hopefully I can end up buying all this stuff. Again thank you for all the tips and advice it has been really really helpful.
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@kj06 It still would be helpful to see what his original enclosure looks like……
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yeah sorry, i can get a photo of it tomorrow definitely! it’s currently just his substrate because everything is in his ‘quarantine’ tub
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Hey, you’re doing everything you can to make sure he’s taken care of, mistakes happen, especially if he’s your first. Don’t worry too much, everything so far is fixable, and he’s not looking too rough.
I use a Pymeter thermostat for my heated enclosures, though you can get single probe thermostats like the Inkbird or BN-LINK. You can set the on temp, off temp, and even an alarm if things get too hot/cold. You can use the other probe to measure the lamp temperature, though I don’t necessarily suggest using both under tank as well as a lamp, there’s a chance the overall enclosure temperature will get too warm, and it will also bring down the humidity a lot.
As for after he heals up (which he should rather quickly now that you’ve identified some of the contributing issues) you can put him back in an enclosure with substrate. Now, I don’t personally use jungle mix, as it’s a bit too fine for my liking and in my opinon, kind of overkill. A shredded Aspen will do just fine and it tends to offer more enrichment as it can hold tunnels when they burrow.
Enrichment and enclosure size is going to be another thing you want to look at. If your boy is fully grown, the enclosure should be no smaller than a 40gal breeder (36" x 18" x 16"), bigger is always better. As you know from his behavior, corn snakes love to climb. They are semi-arboreal and will absolutely use vertical space. You’re going to want branches, some cork bark, fake plants, basically a bunch of climbing, hiding, and exploring opportunities. This will help keep him from climbing the lid and causing further damage to his scales.
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Genuinely so grateful for all this advice. Truly, thank you so much. I’ve been so worried and paranoid about him, all of this has really calmed me down. Everything you’re telling me is different than the pet store, so I’m going to take your advice.
I’ll make sure I fix all his tempataure stuff, and get the new products ASAP.
He is currently in a 40 or 50 gal tank (I got it from a friend after she gave her snake away – I did thoroughly clean it) and I will switch over to Aspen! I had just heard that the wood can hurt snakes. I could be wrong though! Definitely will invest in more for him to do as well.
Again, thank you so so much. If you want to stay updated, just let me know :). You are truly a lifesaver.
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Being worried and paranoid means you care, and that’s what matters here. Pet store advice can very much be hit or miss, and of course you’re going to listen to them because they seem like they should know what they’re talking about if they’re selling these animals. Many new keepers have been led astray by poor advice.
Sounds like your enclosure size is great, and as for wood, well, it can hurt snakes, but it’s really about the type of wood. Some woods contain compounds that are harmful or toxic, but aspen is actually what many breeders use.
As for updates, we always love updates around here! I hope this all helps and your boy is looking good as new soon enough. I suspect he’ll start eating again once everything is comfortable, but if not, do let us know and we can help with that, too.
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Actually since you are on your the right track now it is probably not necessary.
Best of luck to you and your noodle!
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You’ve got a great group of experienced keepers, experienced breeders and others giving you great advice. This forum (our community) is made up of caring people who want the best for you and your snake, @kj06 ! We have all made blunders so don’t beat yourself up over anything. Like many have said, the fact that you came here for advice and provided the information needed to be able to troubleshoot means you sincerely care about your snake. We hope you stick around, send updates, and of course post photos of your boy. We love seeing photos of each other’s animals. Hopefully with all the adjustments you’re making, he will be on the road to a fast recovery and continued health. You’re definitely on the right path, so keep up the great work. And don’t hesitate to reach out with any other questions or observations you have!
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Thank you so much for all your kind words and help, it truly means a lot.
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