FaunaClassifieds - View Single Post

05-01-2006, 12:06 PM

Name

Corn Snake (Elaphe Guttata or Elaphe Pantherophis)

Length

2-4 feet on average

Longevity

10-16 years old with the record standing at 32 years and 3 months

Housing

Glass aquariums, plastic tubs or custom wooden/plastic caging of appropriate size work well for corn snakes. A 20 gallon "breeder/long" aquarium with a secure lid works well for cornsnake of any age. Making sure the tank is escape proof is essential. Snakes in general are great escape artists and will not hesitate to make a run for it. If you prefer to use plastic tubs in a rack system, a 6qt shoebox size container works well for hatchlings, 15qt for yearlings & sub-adults and 28-32qt tubs for adults. Ventilation holes should be drilled into the container to allow for proper aeration.

It is not recommended to house more then one cornsnake in the same enclosure. The problems that arise from co-habitating include cannibalism, transmission of disease and stress. It is better to avoid a problem then create them.

Corn snakes need plenty of hide boxes. Standard toilet paper or paper towel rolls work well for hatchlings and sub-adults. Plastic bowls, found at a dollar store, works great for adults. Simply cut a hole into one of the sides and turn upside-down. Realistic hides can be found at a local pet store. We recommend that hide items chosen are easy to clean and disinfect. Make sure you supply a water dish large enough for the snake to soak in. Check water daily and replace old water every week. Keeping the water dish, substrate, and enclosure clean will insure that you snake stays happy and healthy.

Recommended substrates include Aspen, Astroturf, Butcher Paper, Cypress Mulch, Newspaper and Paper Towels. Avoid cedar shavings, cedar chips and sand.

Temperature

Cornsnakes rely on thermoregulation to control their body temperature. Since they cannot produce their own body heat, you must supply them with an environment for them to regulate their own body temperatures. Access to warms areas or a basking spot is very important to your snake's health. To maintain health, cornsnakes must be kept at 75-85 F, using the higher temperatures to digest their food. A commonly used method is using a under tank heater on one side of the tank. UTH's usually are adhesive on one side so that they may be stuck directly to the tank. Flexwatt heat tape is another option to provide belly heat. With any heating device, a thermostat to control the temperature is a must. A digital thermometer is also essential to accurately monitor temperatures.

Sample Feeding Schedule

- Single pinks (2-3g) every 5-7 days (Snake Weight = 4-15g)
- Double pinks (3g x 2) every 5-7 days (Snake Weight = 16-23g)
- Small fuzzies (5-7g) every 5-7 days (Snake Weight = 24-30g)
- Regular fuzzies (7-9g) every 5-7 days (Snake Weight = 30-50g)
- Hoppers (9-12g) every 5-7 days (Snake Weight = 51-90g)
- Weaned (14-20g) every 7-10 days (Snake Weight = 91-170g)
- Adult (24-30g) every 7-10 days (Snake Weight = 170g+)

Not all cornsnakes will cooperate 100% with this sample schedule. The weight ranges given for prey items and snakes are approximate.

05-01-2006, 12:06 PM	#2
TripleMoonsExotic	Husbandry & Basic Care Name Corn Snake (Elaphe Guttata or Elaphe Pantherophis) Length 2-4 feet on average Longevity 10-16 years old with the record standing at 32 years and 3 months Housing Glass aquariums, plastic tubs or custom wooden/plastic caging of appropriate size work well for corn snakes. A 20 gallon "breeder/long" aquarium with a secure lid works well for cornsnake of any age. Making sure the tank is escape proof is essential. Snakes in general are great escape artists and will not hesitate to make a run for it. If you prefer to use plastic tubs in a rack system, a 6qt shoebox size container works well for hatchlings, 15qt for yearlings & sub-adults and 28-32qt tubs for adults. Ventilation holes should be drilled into the container to allow for proper aeration. It is not recommended to house more then one cornsnake in the same enclosure. The problems that arise from co-habitating include cannibalism, transmission of disease and stress. It is better to avoid a problem then create them. Corn snakes need plenty of hide boxes. Standard toilet paper or paper towel rolls work well for hatchlings and sub-adults. Plastic bowls, found at a dollar store, works great for adults. Simply cut a hole into one of the sides and turn upside-down. Realistic hides can be found at a local pet store. We recommend that hide items chosen are easy to clean and disinfect. Make sure you supply a water dish large enough for the snake to soak in. Check water daily and replace old water every week. Keeping the water dish, substrate, and enclosure clean will insure that you snake stays happy and healthy. Recommended substrates include Aspen, Astroturf, Butcher Paper, Cypress Mulch, Newspaper and Paper Towels. Avoid cedar shavings, cedar chips and sand. Temperature Cornsnakes rely on thermoregulation to control their body temperature. Since they cannot produce their own body heat, you must supply them with an environment for them to regulate their own body temperatures. Access to warms areas or a basking spot is very important to your snake's health. To maintain health, cornsnakes must be kept at 75-85 F, using the higher temperatures to digest their food. A commonly used method is using a under tank heater on one side of the tank. UTH's usually are adhesive on one side so that they may be stuck directly to the tank. Flexwatt heat tape is another option to provide belly heat. With any heating device, a thermostat to control the temperature is a must. A digital thermometer is also essential to accurately monitor temperatures. Sample Feeding Schedule - Single pinks (2-3g) every 5-7 days (Snake Weight = 4-15g) - Double pinks (3g x 2) every 5-7 days (Snake Weight = 16-23g) - Small fuzzies (5-7g) every 5-7 days (Snake Weight = 24-30g) - Regular fuzzies (7-9g) every 5-7 days (Snake Weight = 30-50g) - Hoppers (9-12g) every 5-7 days (Snake Weight = 51-90g) - Weaned (14-20g) every 7-10 days (Snake Weight = 91-170g) - Adult (24-30g) every 7-10 days (Snake Weight = 170g+) Not all cornsnakes will cooperate 100% with this sample schedule. The weight ranges given for prey items and snakes are approximate.