There's no difference between male and female corns when it comes to keeping one as a pet.

I have found that baby snakes feed and seem to do better in smaller enclosures. You could keep the snake in a plastic shoebox for 6-9 months before moving it into at 20-gallon size enclosure.

No lighting is needed for these snakes; natural room light serves there lighting needs.

I would recommend getting Don Soderberg's and/or Kathy Love's book on Corn Snakes - it will come in handy.

Tim

Third Eye Herp