How to Set Up a Corn Snake Cage

Corn snakes are thin reptiles that reach a length of 3 to 6 feet. They live for 20 years or more and come in a variety of colors and patterns. These attributes make them highly sought after as pets. Corn snakes require food only once every one to two weeks and the larger ones may eat only once a month. The habitat required for a pet corn snake is relatively easy to set up and maintain.

Things You'll Need

• Large rock
• 2 lb. bag of sand
• Heat rock
• Water dish
• Fake plants
• 10 gallon terrarium with top
• Water
• Bleach
• Sponge
• Small bucket

Instructions

1. Combine two caps of bleach and 1 liter of water in a bucket to make a mixture to clean the terrarium. Use a sponge to wipe down the entire interior of the terrarium. Rinse out the terrarium with clean water.

2. Fill the bottom of the terrarium with about 1 inch of sand. Sand allows for easy clean-up of waste and prevents mold from forming.

3. Place several fake plants into the terrarium. Secure the plants by burying their bases in the sand.

4. Place the heat rock in one of the terrarium's corners. This provides a heat source for the snake on days the temperature isn't as warm as it would like. Also, place a natural rock in the terrarium to provide a more natural feel and look to the environment.

5. Place a water dish somewhere in the terrarium so the snake can drink and bathe. The water dish is essential when the snake sheds its skin. The snake bathes in the water to soften the hard dead layer of skin to make it easier to remove.

6. Secure the lid firmly on the terrarium.

Tips & Warnings

• Corn snakes are good at escaping, so take precautions to ensure they don't get the opportunity.

References

• Melissa Kaplan's Herp Care Collection: Caring for corn snakes
• Pet University: Housing