Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just bought a baby corn about 12-14" long. I have her in a round plastic critter keeper that is atleast as long as her and gives her plenty of space to move about. Ok , here come the questions ... #1 I was told by the previous owner that the snake didnt need any additional heat source aslong as the tank stayed between 70 and 80 in the day and didnt drop below 65 at night. Is this true? I keep a space heater in the room shes in , keeping it about 78 degrees during the day and about 68 at night. I do keep alot of aspen bedding in the tank so she can hide and get warm by burrowing in it. #2 I havent fed her yet , I just got her 2 days ago .. I was goinna wait a few days to let her settle in. Is this ok? I bought several frozen pinkies to keep on hand . Other than water anything else that would be helpful to a new Corn owner? Thank You Very Much , FRoST !

65 is a little low for a hatchling, this temp will effect its eating. 65 is the temp I keep my adults at for the winter sleep. My hatchlings I keep the warm spot at 80 all day since you have a small cage I would keep it at 80 during the day and drop down to 75 (about) in the evening. It also needs light. Not direct sunlight but a lighted room for 8 hours a day will help keep it feeding also.

tom

xtremeherps@yahoo.com

If there is a window in the room this will give you enough of a photo cycle that you won't need to leave light on for the snake.

You mentioned that you used aspen so the snake could burrow down and get warm. Remember that we are talking about cold blooded animals here. They generate no heat of their own that insulation would help to retain.

With the small critter keeper you won't be able to creat a thermal gradient. You really need to put it in a room where the temps will stay at least in the high 70s.
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Wade's Weptiles & Wodents

np.

I'm new to snakes too. Watch out!! They are addicting. I now have 2 corns, a milk and a jungle carpet python. :0)
From my experience and what I've read corns like it in the 75-80 degree range. I have mine in 20 gallon long tanks (they are older now, about a year) with an under the tank heater on one side for heat and a light for during the day. At night the lights go out so they get a natural day/night cycle. I've read that since corns are mostly ground dwellers they need heat from below. This also help in feeding responses. I started mine out in 10 gal tank and they did just fine. Theres' plenty of room for them and you can have a thermal gridant (one side warmer then the other). Also they need hiding places.One on the heat side and one on the cool side. A paper towel roll works great for babies. Mine love those.
Be sure to thaw out the frozen foods you plan on feeding it all the way. It should be totally warmed at room temp. That's what I feed mine and have had no problems. Occasionally if they show no interest I just wiggle it alittle and they go for it.
I hope you enjoy your corn as much as I enjoy mine.:0)