Snake Questions

[Spepper]

Hi, I'm hoping to get a snake soon (probably cornsnake, since from research they seem good for beginner snake keepers) and would like some advice about it.

• Is it better to heat with a lamp above, or a heat pad on the side?
• How big would be the minimum size tank for a fully grown snake?
• Cornsnakes probably don't climb a lot, right? So a shorter tank would be fine? (By shorter I mean shorter than a standard fishtank)

And if I think of any more questions I'll ask them then. Thank you in advance for your answers and patience with a beginner.

 

[SamuraiSid]

• Is it better to heat with a lamp above, or a heat pad on the side?

A lot of people believe heat pads underneath is the only way, and bulbs are detrimental. This myth has been passed along by idiots who see how the breeders do it, and assume this is the only way to properly care for snakes. The absolute fact of the matter is that it doesnt matter. Whether they absorb the "belly heat" or heat from above, it warms the blood which circulates throughout the snakes body. This being said, I personally use bulbs. Source: Physics.

Do not place the heat pad on the side of the enclosure. If your going to use one place it underneath the tank.

• How big would be the minimum size tank for a fully grown snake?

I would personally suggest a 4x2x2 for a mature corn snake. Im a boids guy, and IIRC the rule of thumb is to make the enclosure as long as the snake, and half as deep. Your corn might get away with something smaller, but if you can manage it, a little bigger is good.

• Cornsnakes probably don't climb a lot, right? So a shorter tank would be fine? (By shorter I mean shorter than a standard fishtank)

They will make use of vertical space to a degree, but not a whole bunch.

 

[ReclusiveDemon]

Corn Snakes are great for beginners! Mine is a wonderful pet. I've had mine, who is named Jasper, for about four years. He's very tame, and quite hardy. He weathered tough conditions that I put him through when I first got him, as I was ignorant then, and because of that I was caring for him poorly. He did alright then, and he's healthy now, and hopefully happy.

Now, to answer your questions:
-Put the heat pad on the bottom of the tank. Keep it one side, and place a hide over it so that the snake can go inside and be warm and hidden. You should also have a hide on the other side of the tank, so that the snake can always hide if it chooses to do so without having to choose between feeling secure and feeling warm. Heat pads are ALWAYS the superior heating option for snakes. They prefer their heat to come from underneath them and warm their belly, not from above. They don't bask like lizards. You should also always have your heat pad regulated by a thermostat. I use a Herpstat for my Corn, and they are quite expensive, but there are cheaper options out there you can look into.
-I think most people would say that a 20-gallon long aquarium or an enclosure with similar dimensions is the minimum size.
-In nature they tend to do a fair amount of climbing, but in captivity it's not necessary for their health.

 

[Spepper]

I would personally suggest a 4x2x2 for a mature corn snake. Im a boids guy, and IIRC the rule of thumb is to make the enclosure as long as the snake, and half as deep. Your corn might get away with something smaller, but if you can manage it, a little bigger is good.

Okay, this might sound a little dumb, but by 4x2x2 you mean feet, right? And would a young snake be fine in that space, just so it saves buying multiple tanks and rehousing as it grows? Or is it better for a smaller snake to be in a smaller tank?

 

[ReclusiveDemon]

A lot of people believe heat pads underneath is the only way, and bulbs are detrimental. This myth has been passed along by idiots who see how the breeders do it, and assume this is the only way to properly care for snakes. The absolute fact of the matter is that it doesnt matter. Whether they absorb the "belly heat" or heat from above, it warms the blood which circulates throughout the snakes body. This being said, I personally use bulbs. Source: Physics.

Wouldn't Physics tell you that heat rises, and so a heat source coming from below would be more efficient? Besides, there are plenty of other reasons to use an under tank heater. UTH's use less electricity than bulbs. Heat lamps also tend to desiccate the air, although that probably isn't a big deal for a Corn Snake.

Okay, this might sound a little dumb, but by 4x2x2 you mean feet, right? And would a young snake be fine in that space, just so it saves buying multiple tanks and rehousing as it grows? Or is it better for a smaller snake to be in a smaller tank?

Yes, he means feet.

I think that you may get differing opinions about this, but as long as the snake doesn't feel exposed, then a larger tank is acceptable. That would mean you would have to provide it with several hiding places, and maybe some decor to make the snake feel more hidden, but as long as you do that, I don't see why it couldn't work.

 

[Spepper]

Thank you, you've both been very helpful.

However, I thought of another question. What kind of substrate would be best? What is your personal favorite, something that would prevent impaction and make the snake feel comfortable, or is it prevent impaction or make the snake feel comfortable?

 

[ReclusiveDemon]

Thank you, you've both been very helpful.

However, I thought of another question. What kind of substrate would be best? What is your personal favorite, something that would prevent impaction and make the snake feel comfortable, or is it prevent impaction or make the snake feel comfortable?

I have mine on Aspen shavings, but I do feed mine outside of its enclosure. Mine is an excellent eater, so it's comfortable eating outside of its cage, but not all snakes are like that.

With that said, paper towels and newspaper are cheap, easy to maintain substrate choices. Cleaning is pretty easy; out with the old, in with the new. They can't get impacted on either of those. It's not the prettiest, but it gets the job done.

 

[Spepper]

I have mine on Aspen shavings, but I do feed mine outside of its enclosure. Mine is an excellent eater, so it's comfortable eating outside of its cage, but not all snakes are like that.

With that said, paper towels and newspaper are cheap, easy to maintain substrate choices. Cleaning is pretty easy; out with the old, in with the new. They can't get impacted on either of those. It's not the prettiest, but it gets the job done.

I've heard of using paper towels, and they sound like an easy to clean option, I just didn't know if the snake "cares". Lol Would it make it more comfortable to be on a shavings-type substrate which might feel more natural than plain old paper towels? I don't know. I guess if the snake is comfortable eating outside of it's tank I'll probably do that as I've heard it's best for several reasons, and then shavings would be no problem.

 

[Shrike]

I prefer heat pads.

20-30 gallons will do you fine.

Actually, corn snakes are fantastic climbers. Provide it with some branches and watch it go to town! Your corn will thrive in a 20 gallon long, but they will definitely utilize more vertical space if provided. Just make sure the lid is latched securely

 

[Spepper]

Okay, thanks everyone! I think I have all my necessary missing pieces of information now. You've all been extremely helpful.
(Of course if I think of any more questions I'll post them... but I think I'm good now, haha.)

 

[SamuraiSid]

I suggest 4x2x2 feet because you can build this economically out of a single sheet of plywood. Assuming you were gonna build one.

Wouldn't Physics tell you that heat rises, and so a heat source coming from below would be more efficient? Besides, there are plenty of other reasons to use an under tank heater. UTH's use less electricity than bulbs. Heat lamps also tend to desiccate the air, although that probably isn't a big deal for a Corn Snake.

Warm air rises. Heat travels from a hot object to a cold object.

Economically speaking a UTH is far better. I still stick to bulbs though.... I use thick layer of bioactive soil, so uth is not an option for my setups.

 

[viper69]

First off, not that you aren't welcome to post here, but you will likely get a larger response in a forum for reptiles (that's where I post my herp questions) as there's a larger audience http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/ Just like I don't post my T questions in herp forums.

Snake home minimum I've used is a 20 gallon Long.

Heating- I used to use only heating from above with bulbs, then I switched to UTHs, under the tank heaters w/out bulbs. Mostly because UTHs LAST way longer than light bulbs, tired of blowing my money of on light bulbs. My snake didn't behave differently, and digested/ate at the same rate.

People say snakes need belly heat, that it's better than heat from above. I don't know of ANYONE that has scientifically measured a snake's digestive physiology in terms of which is better. And honestly, last I checked the Earth's surface was primarily heated by the largest light bulb in our solar system, the Sun.

W/that said, if the air temps are too chilly and any materials in the tank are cold, you will need above heating, be it light bulbs or even more better, but more expensive Radiant Heat Panels (that's the best over the tank heating)

Whatever you do, DO NOT put a heating mat or worse a "hot rock" inside the tank. The only company I trust for an 'in tank' solution are Kane Heat Mats, they have been around for many decades. They truly make a quality product.

 

[pitbulllady]

Depending on the temperature of your house, the snake might not NEED a heat source at all. Corns in the wild are typically active at night or dusk, when the temps have dropped into the '70's, which happens to be normal household temperature throughout most of the year. I have never used a auxiliary heat source with a Corn Snake, which are a common species native to this area, but then, I live in the Southeastern US, too. We do not get extreme winters like many other parts of the country do, where people might struggle to heat their homes into the low '60's during winter due to conditions outside. If your home is in the '70's, the snake will do just fine without either a heat mat or heat light. Unlike most lizards, snakes do not need UV light to thrive; it probably won't HURT them unless they are amelanistic or leucistic, but it's not needed. It's an extra expense for you and something else to be concerned with. I use UTH's for my tropical species like Boas and Pythons, but no heat at all for native Colubrids like Water or Rat or Corn Snakes. The benefit of a heat mat under the tank has already been explained in terms of physics, but there's also the added benefit of not having a light shining at night if you keep the snake in your bedroom, unless you're one of those folks who can sleep with a bright light on. The downside, though, is that all of those devices eventually fail. They burn out or stop working, and with a light, you KNOW when it's stopped working. Unless you check daily, you won't know when the heat mat stops, and some develop dangerous "hot spots" before they go, which can seriously injure a snake, so make sure that the animal is able to move completely off the heated area.

For substrate, I use either course aspen shavings or newspaper. Newspaper works well with snakes like Corns or Rats, but gets too messy too soon with snakes like Water Snakes, and for species that need high humidity, like my White-Lipped Python, aspen does a better job of holding the JUST RIGHT level without getting soggy and moldy. I would avoid fine aspen because it can easily be ingested, even if you feed the snake outside of the enclosure. It can be pushed into the snake's mouth just by it "rooting" through the substrate and cause problems.

Corns DO love to climb, and will appreciate a branch to hang out on, but they also love to hide, so a hidebox or substrate they can burrow down into would be appreciated. They also love to soak in their water bowl. Hope that helps, and good luck when you get your new snake, whatever species it turns out to be!

pitbulllady

 

[Spepper]

Thanks to you all once again! I will definitely keep all this information in mind, and enjoy my snake very much!

 

[viper69]

I would avoid fine aspen because it can easily be ingested, even if you feed the snake outside of the enclosure. It can be pushed into the snake's mouth just by it "rooting" through the substrate and cause problems.

Fine aspen as in the typical Kaytee and/or Reptile bag of aspen, sort of like crunched up toothpicks? I'm wondering if you have a specific, more coarse aspen, if so, I'd like to see the brand you are talking about, always interested in different beddings. I don't think I've ever seen coarsely shredded aspen

 

[pitbulllady]

Fine aspen as in the typical Kaytee and/or Reptile bag of aspen, sort of like crunched up toothpicks? I'm wondering if you have a specific, more coarse aspen, if so, I'd like to see the brand you are talking about, always interested in different beddings. I don't think I've ever seen coarsely shredded aspen

I purchase aspen that is in flat, wide shavings, not splinters, course sawdust or "scrunched-up toothpicks". For a small snake, that latter might be OK, but not for larger ones, and especially not for snakes that tend to root around or burrow down into the substrate, because those finer pieces easily wind up inside the snake's gums and mouth. I don't know the exact brand that I buy because the bad is large and it's outside under a garage, but I buy it at Tractor Supply. Occasionally I find the right kind at reptile shows, but pet shops do not carry suitable aspen for the most part.

pitbulllady

 

[viper69]

I purchase aspen that is in flat, wide shavings, not splinters, course sawdust or "scrunched-up toothpicks". For a small snake, that latter might be OK, but not for larger ones, and especially not for snakes that tend to root around or burrow down into the substrate, because those finer pieces easily wind up inside the snake's gums and mouth. I don't know the exact brand that I buy because the bad is large and it's outside under a garage, but I buy it at Tractor Supply. Occasionally I find the right kind at reptile shows, but pet shops do not carry suitable aspen for the most part.

pitbulllady

Thanks, shavings..I'll check into it! I have never had problems w/the pet store type, but something better is always good.

 

[Ambly]

Now I'm no publishing herpetologist, and I am sure there is one lurking here, but I imagine snakes in nature make use of both radiant heat coming off rocks, the ground, etc. I kept and bred Honduran milksnakes for a long time, all of which appeared happy and healthy. I always used bulbs, but I'll admit I did not put the research in as I have with my frogs and inverts regarding how they receive nutrients from light, heat, etc.

I think it is strong to say snakes exclusively prefer heat from their belly as there are lots of snakes, they are widely diverse, and they thermoregulate using all sorts of means.

Some snakes also have large ranges (corn snakes, rat snakes), so if we are talking ideally it would have at least a large bedroom to itself with many options of how it heats itself, cools itself, does snake things.

You will absolutely love your corn snake. There is a reason they are most popular as pet snakes - it's because they are great. Enjoy and post pics.

 

[Spepper]

I definitely will enjoy it and post pics if I can! Thanks for showing me your opinions as well!

 

[pitbulllady]

Now I'm no publishing herpetologist, and I am sure there is one lurking here, but I imagine snakes in nature make use of both radiant heat coming off rocks, the ground, etc. I kept and bred Honduran milksnakes for a long time, all of which appeared happy and healthy. I always used bulbs, but I'll admit I did not put the research in as I have with my frogs and inverts regarding how they receive nutrients from light, heat, etc.

I think it is strong to say snakes exclusively prefer heat from their belly as there are lots of snakes, they are widely diverse, and they thermoregulate using all sorts of means.

Some snakes also have large ranges (corn snakes, rat snakes), so if we are talking ideally it would have at least a large bedroom to itself with many options of how it heats itself, cools itself, does snake things.

You will absolutely love your corn snake. There is a reason they are most popular as pet snakes - it's because they are great. Enjoy and post pics.

This does seem quite true, actually. I catch most snakes at night, on the road. They make use of the heat rising from the blacktop after the sun has set. Unfortunately, that means that a lot of snakes are killed by cars while stretched out on pavement, sometimes accidentally, often intentionally. Corns stick out like the proverbial sore thumb on a dark pavement at night, so most Corn road kills are likely avoidable, and therefore deliberate. I don't find many snakes out basking in the daytime, though, and most of the daytime captures are either found underneath something, like an old sheet of tin, or up in the bushes, hardly ever out in the open sunlight.

pitbulllady