Corn snakes make great pets but if they are kept in the wrong habitat, they can get sick and even die. Stress, respiratory issues and dehydration are all signs that your pet is suffering and needs a change in their living environment. There are some basic decisions involved in making a habitat that a corn snake would thrive in.
- Enclosure
An ideal enclosure to use for a corn snake terrarium is a glass aquarium. Ideally, it should be around 40 gallons in size for this species. - Heat
A corn snake habitat will require some type of heat source. Even warm homes in mild climates will require additional warmth for a reptile. Talk to pet retailers about various heating elements that work well in a corn snake aquarium. - Bedding
The material that snakes use for their bedding is called “Substrate.” Some types of substrate include newspaper, cypress mulch and specialty snake bedding materials. Never use cedar, pine or gravel, as these can seriously injure the pet. When in doubt about substrate, it is worth giving some consideration to referring to a professional for advice. - Water
Make sure that snakes have access to fresh water 24 hours a day. Use bowls of nonporous material that won’t tip over easily. Shallow bowls work well with corn snakes; clean daily as some reptiles may defecate in their water dishes from time to time. - Accessories
Snakes are smart and can get bored like any other pet. Provide ample things for them to explore in terms of accessories, branches, stones and decorative items they can hide behind. These items should always be sanitized before you put them in the pet’s habitat.
It may be surprising that corn snakes do not require additional light sources in their habitat. Your current light fixtures or ambient light in the room where the enclosure is kept is adequate and fine for a corn snake.
Use these tips to set up a terrarium that not only keeps a corn snake healthy, but also happy. Visit and consult with exotic pet care veterinarians and retailers to learn more.
