Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We just got a corn snake yesterday, it is our very first time with a snake. We got it from Petland, and it is about 9" long. We have it in a 10 gal. aquarium, with "Forest Bark" as substrate.

We have been allowing adjustment time as we've read online. We also got a light which was recommended yesterday at Petland when we got him. However, we've already decided that we really don't like the light much and would prefer an under tank heating pad and have ordered one, so it will be here in a few days. The reasons we don't like the light is, for one thing the snake needs to have his darkness since he's nocturnal. If we turn the light out for night, then he might get too cold (tonight is a little chilly too btw). I've read that some snakes need the light for digestion, is that the case with corn snakes? Do you think an infared bulb would be a better option? Can't tell you what bulb we got, because the box was thrown away, all I can say is, it's 60W and it's BRIGHT.

Petland also sold us Vita-Spray and said we should spray the snake from neck to tail once a day. I have looked online and can't find any reference to this being a necessity with snakes, but I did see it when referring to lizards. So, should I spray him, or make Petland give me back my money?

I've also seen, further down in this forum, reference to the need to moisten the mulch. Is this something we should do? If so, how much and how often.

We have tried to feed the snake a pinky, which was frozen and thawed, just tonight. So far, he has only sniffed around it but hasn't acted that interested. I know it could still be too soon for him to eat, since he's only been here for a little more than 24 hours. How long can a pinky, once thawed and warmed to room temp, and then warmed under a light, be offered? Common sense says probably only a few hours.

The only other question I have is, since this snake is approximately 9" long, how old do you think it is, and how long do you think it's safe for him not to eat before we get truly concerned? I did read somewhere that a hatchling can go 40-50 days before eating, I just wonder how old he is.

I've said he all along, but we have no idea of the sex, and we're tossing around some neutral sex names.

Thanks for any help you can offer. My husband & I want to make sure we're doing everything we can to ensure that this snake remains alive and healthy.

Congrats on your first snake. First off, take the spray back to the store and get some money, you dont need it. Snakes dont need light to digest, they need the heat. Whichever way you want to do that is fine. I personally keep my corns at room temp and they do fine. Just make sure one side is cooler than the other so they can choose where they want to be. As long as they have a hide and some water they should be fine. As for the bedding I use aspen for all my snakes just becuse its easier and not as dirty. Thats just personal preference though. If he is only 9 inches hes not very old at all, maybe only a few weeks if that. Its probably best just to let him chill out for a few more days before you feed him and/or handle him. Let him get settled and feel comfortable. Most of all, be prepared to get more snakes . Good luck. EP
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Occupants not paying rent:
7 balls
2 corns(normal, candy cane)
1 pueblan milk
1 everglades rat
1 cal. king
1 gray band king
1 w. hognose
1 bearded dragon
2 leopard geckos
2 fish, 1 snail
1 pac man frog
1 rat
5 cats

i really like using under tank heat, i believe it puts the heat were the snake needs it.
as far as the spray,the only spray i use is water if i need to up the humidity quickly.
Give the animal at least 5 days to acclimate before you try to feed it and make very sure the pinky is thawed and up to at least room temp before you feed it.
corns absolutely must have a hide spot and what works great is a dog food bowl with the openings on the sides, it serves as a water bowl and a hide for the snake.
a happy corn needs security ( a good cage and hide area)
water, food and a proper temp.
welcome to the world of cornsnakes and dont forget they are like potato chips you cant have just one.
God Bless
Chris
Hoosier Reptiles