Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm starting to get things together to purchase a snake for the very first time and I would love any advise and tips for keeping a healthy happy snake. I'm going to be purchasing a corn snake or a king snake and I have a 10 and a 20 gallon tank for it. Any cool ways to decorate the tank and any advise about these types of snakes would be greatly appreciated. Also the type of corn snakes that are different then others as in more/less aggressive? I am really wanting a interactive snake that enjoys being held and is most of all as non aggressive as possible. THANK YOU!!!!!

Getting either Kathy Love's or Don Soderberg's book on Corn Snakes is good advice.

As far as decorating, Corn Snakes and King Snakes spend most of their time hiding. A climbing branch isn't a bad idea, but the more complicated the setup, the more time is needed to clean it.

I have found common King Snakes to be more "bity" than Corn Snakes. I have found Okeetee Corns to be more high strung and willing to strike that other types of Corn Snakes.

Tim

Third Eye Herp

Whenever I hear anyone say they are going to put a snake in an aquarium, my first thought is "I hope they have a secure top!" I bet more snakes escape from Aquarium type set ups than any other set up I can think of. I always make my own tops. There are a couple decent tops out there, but you have to be careful! Pet shops will claim their tops are made for reptiles, and are just wanting to make a sale. Here what to look for. I would avoid any tops made of plastic, try to locate the ones with metal frames. The metal ones seem to be the better fitting ones. Do not use any top that has even the slightest gap between the top and the rim of the tank. It must be a very snug fit. Snakes are incredibly strong, and inquisitive, and if there is any way they can squeeze out, they will! Like I said I make my own tops by bonding a wooden framed on the rim of the tank top, and then placing a wood framed screen inside that, with locks to secure it. It's not too hard to make , or maybe you might know someone who is handy with wood, and can make it for you. If not, then search for the metal framed ones, and remember not all 10, 20, etc, gal tanks are the same. Different manufacturers, make them slightly different. Make sure the top fits your tank. Sorry to make such a big deal over this, but I have so many people loose their snakes in the first week of buying it, due to those cheaply made tops! Good luck! Oh, Tim also gave some good advice. The more complicated the cage set up, the harder it is to keep clean. I would also buy an under tank heater and place it at one end opposite from the water bowl. Remember the heat mat goes under the glass bottom. Some people get the sticky kind, and stick them to the side, but I think the bottom will work fine, and be out of site. Aspen shaving work very well, as a substrate. Add a hide box, and a moist hide box, with moistened sphagnum moss, and your set.
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Disclaimer: I do keep several snakes in pairs, and some in groups. However I realize that things can go wrong, and I have to keep a close eye on those groups, to be sure they are not being adversely affected by these living conditions. Also if one happens to eat it's cagemate, it is 100% my fault, and I know the risks in advance!

What's wrong with using CAUTION?!?!?!
King Snakes! Who can make a better mouse trap?
~ Jorge Sierra www.SierraSnakes.com

I am very interested in the wooden frame top idea you have. My stepdad is in woodworking and could make me one if he saw a picture (I am horrible at discribing things). I did end up purchasing a corn snake two days ago and I have a metal lid with lid hooks. The lid fits really snuggly no extrra space but the lid hooks that hold the top down are not as secure as I would like so I put two really heavy books on the ends to help. but i love your idea of the wooden frame with the locking top.

I have everything in tubs these days, and the last 10 gal tank with the wood top I gave away to someone at my job, and he gave it to someone else. Basically I used 1 x 2 wooden strips, and framed the rim of the tank with the wood, and glued it with silicone or liquid nails. The wood frame sits slightly higher than the lip of the tank. Then using the same 1 x 2 strips I make another frame that fits into the raised portion of the first frame. Only difference is I lay the strips flat so it's more like a picture frame. Then I adhere metal screen like the kind on windows and screen doors, sold at any home improvement store. I use a heavy duty stapler to attache the screen all around. This screened frame should fit snugly into the frame around the tank. You can add extra strips across the center of the removable one to give extra support. Then use some latches to secure the removable frame. The latches can even be a small piece of wood screwed into each end the non removable frame, that swivels over the top of the removable one, keeping it held down. The trick is to get the two frames flush so the latch swivels easily over the two. Print this out for your Dad, and I'm sure he can make it, or even improve on the idea. Good luck with your snake!
-----
Disclaimer: I do keep several snakes in pairs, and some in groups. However I realize that things can go wrong, and I have to keep a close eye on those groups, to be sure they are not being adversely affected by these living conditions. Also if one happens to eat it's cagemate, it is 100% my fault, and I know the risks in advance!

What's wrong with using CAUTION?!?!?!
King Snakes! Who can make a better mouse trap?
~ Jorge Sierra www.SierraSnakes.com