Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello, I am new to this site and am seeking good advice on the proper care of a new snake. I purchase an Anery striped corn for my son the other day. He is about 18 inches long. How old do you think he is approx? I know this would depend on the feedings. We were told to feed him every five days. He hasen't shown himself yet in the tank and we have only handled him once since we have had him when we changed the water. we have the basic set up now with the heat pad on the wall of the tank at one end. I'm buying a thermometer today to keep track of tank temp.. What should it average in the middle? Also I have heard that they do not climb much, but have seen videos of them climbing, do we need a branch and would he use it? We are putting sub leafy structure to help with shedding.. Thanks for any input!!!

Based on the size, I would say its probably a yearling, or close to a year old. I would suggest moving the heat pad to the underside of the tank on the bottom of one end. Make sure the temps dont get too hot on that end. Surface temp should be about 85 degrees. You should be able to put your hand on the bottom of the tank over the heat source and feel warmth, but not unbearable where you have to move your hand away after a while (just a general rule of thumb). The cool end of the cage can be room temp between 70-75 degrees. As far a climbing, it may use a branch, it may not. The branch would provide a rough surface to assist with shedding. Otherwise, keep a water dish on the cool end of the tank away from the heat, and provide a hide box for the snake to hide away in. The hide box needs to be tight for the corn to curl up in and under and feel snug and secure. Feeding every five days is fine. If the snake still appears hungry, up the size of the prey, or feed more often. Feed prey as big around as the largest girth of the snake, or slightly bigger. Basically, if the snake is as big around as say a nickle, feed it a fuzzy as big around as a nickle, or slightly larger.

Good luck with the new pet!!
KevinM

Kevin is right, put the heat pad under the tank at one end. This gives the snake a choice of temps. Also if you haven't seen him in a while you may want to make sure he's still there. Most of the aruarium lids sold in pet stores for snakes are crappy and are the number one reason most snakes escape! The screen tops must fit tightly and there can not be any space where a snake can squeeze thru. Even the smallest of openings will result in an escape! I make my own tank tops but there are a couple of good ones on the market. The ones that are mtal framed and not plastic are usually the best. Aquariums can vary a little bit from one manufacturer to the next so you have to check and double check that the lid fits snug. In addition to what Kevin mentioned you could add a small container with moist spagnum moss sold at most garden centers. Sometimes called Orchid moss. Just put some in a butter tub or something similar with a hole and keep it moist not soaked. Feel free to ask any more questions, there are a lot of knowledgeable people here who don't mind helping. Good luck!
-----
King Snakes! Who can make a better mouse trap?
J Sierra

I have moved the pad to the bottom of the tank and he has started to show his face a little bit. I think he is still getting acclimated to his new home. He's eaten twice and has a good appetite. He is longer than I thought at about 25". Handles well and will be a good pet. Will post pics in a few days after he has digested his food.

Great news! You know where to get more advice if you need it. Hope he does well for you!
-----
King Snakes! Who can make a better mouse trap?
J Sierra