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How Do I Set up a Corn Snake Terrarium?

Jack Magnus
Jack Magnus

A corn snake terrarium should be large enough for the snake to move around freely and have a locking cover. It is necessary to provide ground cover, heat and lighting. Corn snakes also need a plant branch on which to climb and at least one safe place to hide.

This species of snake is found across most of North America and is easily kept in the proper environment. A corn snake terrarium can be set up using an appropriately sized fish tank. There should be enough room in the tank for the snake to move around freely.

Corn snake terrariums need to give the snake a lot of space to move around.
Corn snake terrariums need to give the snake a lot of space to move around.

Pesticide-free commercial ground cover, or substrate, products are available and can be a natural-looking addition to the environment. Bedding products sold for other animals may contain cedar shavings, pine shavings or corncobs that are harmful to snakes. Other ideas for substrate include unbleached paper towels, mulch and dirt.

A snake is cold-blooded, which means it regulates its body temperature by moving to and away from sources of heat. A corn snake terrarium should have a basking area that is kept around 83 degrees Fahrenheit (28.3 degrees Celsius). A range of temperatures from about 62 degrees Fahrenheit (16.6 degrees Celsius) to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (23.8 degrees Celsius) is optimal for the other areas in the corn snake terrarium.

Live plants are not recommended for a corn snake terrarium because the plants may harbor mites.
Live plants are not recommended for a corn snake terrarium because the plants may harbor mites.

Temperature control is accomplished through the use of lights and heaters. Ultraviolet (UV) lighting, though beneficial for corn snakes, is not essential, and an incandescent light fixture is sufficient for heating. The basking area is best kept heated via heater pads that attach to the bottom of the terrarium.

Live plants are not recommended for a corn snake terrarium, because the plants may harbor mites or other parasites. Using plastic plants can help make the environment look natural. Corn snakes are climbers in the wild and a sterilized plant branch or small tree branch is an important part of a corn snake terrarium.

Corn snakes require plenty of room in which they can move around.
Corn snakes require plenty of room in which they can move around.

As with many other snakes, the corn snake needs a hiding place to feel less threatened. The best hiding places will be large enough for the snake to curl its entire body within and can be as simple as a cardboard box or a plant pot. Commercial products intended for this use also are available in pet stores.

A good water bowl will be flat and large enough to allow the snake to coil its entire body within. Snakes frequently take baths, especially when they are molting. It is recommended that the water be changed regularly, because snakes often eliminate waste while bathing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size terrarium is best for a corn snake?

Corn snakes feed on mice.
Corn snakes feed on mice.

A corn snake requires a terrarium that allows it to stretch out and move freely. For an adult corn snake, a 20 to 40-gallon tank is typically sufficient. According to experts, the enclosure should be at least as long as the snake and half as wide to ensure adequate space for exercise and exploration.

What type of substrate is suitable for a corn snake terrarium?

Aspen shavings are often recommended for corn snakes because they are absorbent and allow the snake to burrow. Avoid cedar or pine as these can be toxic to reptiles. It's important to provide a depth of substrate that supports natural behaviors, usually around 1-2 inches, as suggested by herpetological care guidelines.

How often should I change the substrate in my corn snake's terrarium?

Substrate in a corn snake terrarium should be spot-cleaned daily to remove waste and completely replaced every one to two months. Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of bacteria and maintains a healthy environment, as emphasized by reptile health professionals.

What temperature should a corn snake terrarium be kept at?

Corn snakes require a temperature gradient in their terrarium, with a warm end around 85°F and a cooler end near 70°F. This allows them to thermoregulate effectively. Use a reliable thermometer to monitor temperatures, as maintaining proper heat is crucial for their digestion and overall health.

Do corn snakes need special lighting in their terrarium?

Corn snakes do not require UVB lighting to synthesize vitamin D3 like some other reptiles, but providing a natural light cycle that mimics day and night is beneficial for their circadian rhythm. A simple way to achieve this is by placing the terrarium in a room with natural sunlight or using artificial lights on a 12-hour cycle.

How should I arrange the habitat inside a corn snake terrarium?

Arrange the habitat with hiding spots at both the warm and cool ends to provide security and enable temperature regulation. Include climbing branches to encourage exercise, and a water bowl large enough for the snake to soak in. Ensure all decor is stable to prevent injury, creating a complex environment that stimulates natural behaviors.

Discussion Comments

Spotiche5

I have a pet corn snake, and it is important to plan for power outages for these cold blooded pets. Without the proper temperature being maintained at all times in their terrariums, pet snakes cannot survive. A battery-operated light that puts off heat or another type of battery-operated heat source is necessary to keep your pet snake alive if your home ever loses power in cold weather.

Rundocuri

@heavanet- Yes, you can put rocks in a corn snake terrarium, but there are some tips that you should follow first.

You shouldn't use rocks that are too big or heavy, because they can be difficult to clean. In addition, the weight of large rocks can cause damage to a glass terrarium over time. Medium-sized rocks will work just fine for your pet snake's surroundings.

If you decide to use rocks that you find in nature, be sure to wash them thoroughly first. This precaution will prevent dirt and germs from affecting your corn snake's environment.

You can also find nice, authentic and faux rocks at pet stores. Usually they can be found in the isle where all of the aquarium supplies are located. These products have already been cleaned and proven safe for use in snakes' and other pets' environments.

Heavanet

Is it a good idea to put large rocks in a corn snake terrarium? I have a friend who keeps snakes as pets, and places rocks throughout their environments for climbing and hiding.

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    • Corn snake terrariums need to give the snake a lot of space to move around.
      By: elodie bailly
      Corn snake terrariums need to give the snake a lot of space to move around.
    • Live plants are not recommended for a corn snake terrarium because the plants may harbor mites.
      By: Gucio_55
      Live plants are not recommended for a corn snake terrarium because the plants may harbor mites.
    • Corn snakes require plenty of room in which they can move around.
      By: KJ Lodrigue, Jr.
      Corn snakes require plenty of room in which they can move around.
    • Corn snakes feed on mice.
      By: Rafal Kucharek
      Corn snakes feed on mice.