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22 Posts |
 Posted - 11/06/2008 : 22:45:47
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After nearly 3 years I am finally convinced my daughter is fully committed to owning a corn snake (yes I am tough on her ha ha )
I have been given a 2 foot viv which will see the snake through for a good period. I appreciate that initially it should be housed in a faunarium thing whic I am assuming can go inside the viv.
I have heard so much conflicting info about a set-up. I just want to get it right. Some say heat light to allow the snake to experience heat naturally as it would in the wild ie by absorbing heat from above their heads. Others say heat mats. Some say that snakes get on better if they have a UV light, others say tat corns don't need it.
I am confused as to what to get in order to make sure the snake is healthy and happy. I spend hours trawling the internet and reptile shops stick the closed sign up when they see me coming ha ha.
Thanks in advance for some definitive advice for us.
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526 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2008 : 08:37:42
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I would recomend a heat mat, but only as thats what I use.
The main problem with heat lamps is that the snake can burn themselfs on them unless they are used properly, but Im sure you would be able to use them correctly.
Sorry I wasnt much help  |
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Kazerella
The Corn Snake Admin
United Kingdom
3093 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2008 : 08:43:02
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| Jac mac is right, they don't need UV light because they are nocturnal. It's lizards that absorb light from above. An heat mat would be fine for a corn. My corns have a energy saving bulb in their viv, only because it's nice for us to see it all lit up. The snakes prefer the dark x |
 
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saddleninja
Sub Adult
United Kingdom
1400 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2008 : 09:15:55
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| hi and welcome, i prefer to use heat mats |
1 amel
1 okeette
2 normals
1 rosy rat x
3 royals
1 cali king
1 publean milk
1 yemen chameleon
2 orange spotted agamas
1 colombian rainbow boa |
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891 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2008 : 09:26:35
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If you use a 6"x11" heatmat with a 100W matstat to control the temp. You could have a small strip light for the day. 10-12 hours light & heat.
You might also like to view your snake at night using a red night light, but if the viv is only 2ft it may get too hot for night time temp. A 40W bulb or lower can be used but not necessary to benefit your snake.
Your snake needs a hide at each end of the viv - one could have sphagnum moss inside for snake to aid shedding process.
A water dish for the snake to submerge itself in if it wants to but obviously this will be for drinking from.
Try newspaper or aspen for bedding which are the safest substrates. (dont believe eveything pet shops tell you).
You will need a thermometer at each end of the viv to measure the temps. This is best done actually in the hides where the snake would be spending most of the time. It's no good on the back wall or in the midle of the viv on the back wall. This is only measuring the temp of the wall not the temp where your snake will be.
A small rock (slate) might also help the snake whe it's shedding to rub against to help remove the skin.
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matty18714
The Count of Corniness
United Kingdom
4428 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2008 : 09:27:15
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| Hi pinkyp, i use a heat mat. i also have a normal 15 watt light bulb that i only put on when its cold, other wise it gets too hot. |
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22 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2008 : 19:22:41
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| Billiant thanks for those responses. I know what you mean about not believing pet shops. I have had such conflicting advise. I do have a lot of animals already and am almost obsessive about getting the right habitats as that in my opinion is the only way. The viv does have one thermometer but as you said, its at the back in the middle of the viv !!! Should I get probes for either end or another thermometer to put near the hides? I was thinking of putting in a piece of bogwood which has spent its life on my hearth would this be OK ? The viv does have a lght fitting as well as the clips for a tube so will get a bulb for it and watch the thermometers closely. All this prep and not a snake in sight, god she is getting impatient ha ha. |
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67 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2008 : 20:50:57
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| And make sure its escape proof a gap of 3mm is enough for a snake to get through if you are geting a bby one(up to a year) |
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891 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2008 : 20:53:57
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| It will be worth it for the snakes sake. The bog wood might need soaking for days & drying out even then it could contain parasites. yes try to get a thermometer for measuring the temps for each hide. One sensor probe from the thermostat will be fine that's all you need. You may have to reposition it a few times when setting up the temps. |
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22 Posts |
Posted - 13/06/2008 : 22:48:20
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| Right have got a dual temp probe and alarm thing from thermometers4u. That way I can put them either end as you suggest where the snake will actually be. Need to get a mat and stat now! This is so exciting! |
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891 Posts |
Posted - 13/06/2008 : 22:55:24
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| One of the best parts of owning a reptile can be setting up the viv. Sometimes it can be a good idea to re-arrange everything every 6-12 months. You can clean out the viv & its contents completely, replace or add new stuff if needed. Plus the reptile will be kept occupied looking around & establishing new territories, etc. |
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538 Posts |
Posted - 14/06/2008 : 08:17:46
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i read if you use a uv it helps enharnce their colouring, keeps them bright? i use a heat lamp during the day and a mat at night both on timers.
if i turn the uv on harry normally comes out and lays about, so he must like it ?
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