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23 Posts |
 Posted - 21/11/2008 : 12:32:13
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hello... I have been reading and searching for lots of info in keeping snakes so i know what to expect, however today i went to a reptile store to see what they had, and the owner was giving me info that clashes with some things i have read elsewhere and wanted to know the general consensus...
He said that you should always use bulbs as a heat source because heat mats can burn a snake (especially in wooden vivs where you have it inside)
Also that you shouldn't have a smaller viv for hatchlings... just get a standard size and pack half of it completely full of hiding places and foliage and stuff (part of me thought he was just trying to scam more money out of me...)
Anyone agree with this or should i ignore him, he breeds snakes so seemed to know what he was talking about, but i dont want to trust the rest of his advise if he's talking rubbish... any replies will be appreciated... thanks  |
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sexychef
The Corn Snake Moderator
United Kingdom
937 Posts |
Posted - 21/11/2008 : 13:35:28
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from what i have learnt about rep stores there all different like all owners. most of the things like what substrate to use its personal prefrence. me personally would house a baby corn in suitible RUBs until he/she is bigger enough for a viv. as for the heat mats vrs bulbs well... i use heat mats with all our snakes, they dont heat up the air and as snakes cant fly that doesnt matter. i find the difference between the hot end and cold end is easier to control.
as for packing a viv with purpose built hides and stuff is a pricey way of doing it. a lot of people on here use tissue tubes, plant pots, rocks wood(make sure its safe).
hope that helps. im sure other peps will give you more info too. |
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gingerpony
Queen Bee
United Kingdom
10455 Posts |
Posted - 21/11/2008 : 14:44:28
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most people use heatmats with a thermostat with absolutely no problems whatsoever. heat bulbs that emit light as well means the viv cools down too much at night when the bulb is off. ceramic type bulbs are good for snakes that need a heat source to bask under - which corns don't - so mats are generally the best option. they do the job, are cheap and readily available.
as for viv size, corns don't like big spaces, a small starter unit (available at Wilkos for under a fiver) is absolutely fine for a hatchling. an adult corn is likely to be happy in a 3ft viv. buying a bigger viv could be an iption if you can partition a section off. the pet shop bloke was right in saying to fill in the gaps with foliage, decor etc so the snake doesn't feel exposed.
hope this helps |
cornsnakes, ratsnakes, bullsnakes, boas and day geckos
Location:Leeds/York/Selby area |
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deleted
23 Posts |
Posted - 21/11/2008 : 17:27:02
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| I think i will stick with using the small kit and heat mat... most people i ask have said the same... though was wondering how long it usually takes for a corn snake to overgrow this and need a proper viv (dont know whether to get it all sorted now or wait till later)... thanks for all the help |
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cumbrian eejit
Hatchling
United Kingdom
305 Posts |
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gingerpony
Queen Bee
United Kingdom
10455 Posts |
Posted - 21/11/2008 : 20:48:53
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as a rough guide, the length of the viv/tub + the width = maximum length of the snake
so a faunarium thats 12" by (+) 8" will be suitable for a corn up to 20" long
good choice sticking with the kit and mat. rep shop staff have to know everything about all the reps they sell.......... unfortunately a lot of them don't but have a 'blanket policy' for all snakes |
cornsnakes, ratsnakes, bullsnakes, boas and day geckos
Location:Leeds/York/Selby area |
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Ell
Sub Adult
United Kingdom
1640 Posts |
Posted - 21/11/2008 : 21:25:45
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| Hehe I wouldn't say he was conning you, quite the opposite. By buying one big viv now, it saves buying the sizes up from the starter viv if you can partition it. He was good in mentioning to fill it up with hides but god only knows how long it will take to find your snake when you want to get him out! |
 
1.0.0 Normal corn snake - Dusk
0.1.0 Strawberry Snow Stripe corn snake - Dawn
0.1.0 Harlequin Crested Gecko - Stickles
1.0.0 Sable Syrian Hamster - CoCo
0.1.0 Hognose snake - Truffles |
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deleted
25 Posts |
Posted - 21/11/2008 : 23:51:43
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this is my set up for my baby corn
he now has a smallish rock in there to aid shedding.
this what was recommended to me only cost £5, the kids love it as they can see him, and he always out to say hello when we're in the kitchen.
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23 Posts |
Posted - 22/11/2008 : 09:49:04
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| thanks for all the help.. have already started getting all the equipment together, now i just cant wait to get the snake!! |
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