How to Prepare a Home for a Pet Corn Snake

For pet owners who would like to own a snake, a pet Corn Snake is a good choice. They are docile, are not picky eaters, and come in an array of beautiful colors. Corn snakes don't need costly housing and may live to be 15 or even 20 years old when cared for properly. Set up the snake's new home so it is ready when he or she arrives.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pet Corn Snake
• 10-gallon aquarium with a tight-fitting lid
• Substrate (paper towels)
• Hiding Boxes
• Spill-Proof Water Bowl
• Heat Source

1. Obtain a 10-gallon aquarium, which will be large enough for a pet Corn Snake until it is two or three years old. Once the snake grows larger, a 20-gallon aquarium will be needed. The tank must have a tight-fitting lid since Corn Snakes tend to climb and are able to get out of small openings. Set the tank up in a quiet area inside the home.

2. Add substrate. This is the material covering the bottom of the tank. A good choice for the substrate is paper towels or butcher paper as these can be changed quickly and easily as needed, and they are not expensive. Cedar chips, corn cob bedding and pine shavings are not a good idea for the substrate.

3. Add two hiding places to the tank. Although special hiding boxes can be purchased at pet stores, cardboard boxes that are big enough to contain the entire pet Corn Snake also work well. Hiding places will help the pet snake avoid stress and ensure that he eats well.

4. Put a large spill-proof water dish into the pet Corn Snake's new home. Be sure it is always filled with fresh water. Snakes sometimes like to bathe in the water dish and if the snake defacates in its water, the dish will have to be cleaned immediately.

5. Include a heat source at one end of the tank. An undertank heater or a shop light with a heat bulb will make a good heat source for the new pet Corn Snake. Heat one end of the cage to 80 to 85 degrees and allow the other end to remain cooler. This lets the snake regulate its body temperature. Put one of the hiding boxes from Step 3 into the warm area and the other in the cool area.

6. Introduce your pet Corn Snake gently to its new home. Try not to bother the snake for a few days so that it can become comfortable in the new enclosure. Be sure the water is fresh and keep a close eye on the tank's temperature so that it doesn't get too hot or too cold.

Tips & Warnings

• For snake owners who want a fancier look for their pet Corn Snake's cage, a product called reptile bark can be purchased at pet stores for use as the substrate.

[jcoolcash11]

on 7/16/2009 Wow never knew so much went into preparing your home for a pet snake!

[sullysee]

on 7/6/2009 I found a beautiful corn snake under a blanket on my porch during Hurricane Charlie. It was so gentle, I caught it bare-handed and gently released it and have never seen it since. Why would you keep a creature like that for a pet? Sounds cruel to me.

[cmoon]

on 7/2/2009 My mom would kill me if I ever brought home a snake, but this is a great article for new pet owners!

[momose]

on 6/30/2009 Informative and nicely written article about how to prepare for a pet corn snake. They are beautiful creatures. *****