Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I plan on getting a corn snake in the near future and have questions about enclosures.

1st -- Which is better for the snake? A front access or top access? I was thinking that if I were to go in and pick up my snake, coming in from the top may mimick what a prey animal would do, hence a front access may be better?

2nd -- Naturally, I would b getting a baby corn so what about size? Should I get something small or just get one enclosure big enough for it's adult size?

3rd -- Do corns want more length and width than height or all 3 (talking about cage size)?

4th -- This has to do with number of snakes. Do they do better with companions like some other animals? Should I get 2? If yes, will they do good in the same cage and if yes, I would have to ask questions 1-3 again but with 2 snakes in the same cage.

Thanks all for responding. Once I get a cage and it's set-up, thn I can look for a corn to put in it.

>>I plan on getting a corn snake in the near future and have questions about enclosures.
>>
>>1st -- Which is better for the snake? A front access or top access? I was thinking that if I were to go in and pick up my snake, coming in from the top may mimick what a prey animal would do, hence a front access may be better?
>>
>>2nd -- Naturally, I would b getting a baby corn so what about size? Should I get something small or just get one enclosure big enough for it's adult size?
>>
>>3rd -- Do corns want more length and width than height or all 3 (talking about cage size)?
>>
>>4th -- This has to do with number of snakes. Do they do better with companions like some other animals? Should I get 2? If yes, will they do good in the same cage and if yes, I would have to ask questions 1-3 again but with 2 snakes in the same cage.
>>
>>Thanks all for responding. Once I get a cage and it's set-up, thn I can look for a corn to put in it.

1)I can only speak from top access experience all my tanks and rack treys are top access. I don't think it's a problem either way. The snakes get used to it. To be safe and prevent an "enclosure feeding response" you would be doing better to feed the snake in a separate enclosure so it doesn't identify the opening of the enclosure with meal time.

2)Start out with something small for a hatchling. A small critter tank or six quart sterelite shoe box work well for hatchlings. Just be sure to provide a hide and an appropriate sized water bowl. As it grows you can graduate it up to a large home. A twenty gallon "long" aquarium or 32 quart steriliter sweater box will house an adult corn sufficiently.

3)probably more towards length and width which is why sweater boxes work well but if you can provide height as well, it sure won't hurt.

4)Corn snakes are solitary animals. Although some people do cohabitate their corns it is better to house them individually.
If you would like I can list reasons
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Corn snakes and rat snakes...No one can have just one.
"Resistance is futile"
Jimmy Johnson
Draybars Snakes

Thanks for the info. Does the under tank heating pad (the one that sticks) melt the plastic or give of any noxious fumes?

In disputes between convenience of Owner or comfort of Snake, I lean towards advocating for the snake. I advocate a setup as naturalistic as possible, and I exercise my snake outside at times (closely watched in pre-screened areas).

I have often seen Internet literature stating that a 20-gallon tank is adequate for an adult Rat snake. I disagree.

For an adult colubrid of any time over 3-4 feet, I advocate at least a 40-gallon tank; 60-gallon if you can swing it. With enough branches and clever use of space, you can approximate the area of a small gym for a man.

I agree that it's *usually* best to house snakes separately. They can be social animals, and in the wild they DO know their family and neighbors. Sometimes they prefer to be housed in groups (like Garters), but you risk a large snake eating a small snake. It can happen.