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lizz
Snake Mite
United Kingdom
8 Posts |
 Posted - 26/07/2011 : 14:07:30
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Hi. I'm looking into setting up for a corn snake. I've put a bid or two on some items from a very well known site, a habistat max 300w and a heat mat (11x17). What size housing is this set up good for? Also, what are the ideal temperatures to maintain? I can't find that info. Does the thermostat have a probe to measure the heat in the viv?
Regarding humidity, is there a monitor or device for measuring humidity? Is this an important factor?
Also regarding the lights, some people seem to have them, some have different kinds and I'm kinda confused by it all. Is there an appropriate spectrum of light that should be in the viv? Do you use lights and heat mats at the same time?
And finally, regarding food, the lass in the pet shop said to feed them crickets (they were babies) but I've not seen mention of it on here yet. Should they be eating pinkies?
cheers, and thanks for looking |
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Simmy_82
Sub Adult
United Kingdom
1272 Posts |
Posted - 26/07/2011 : 14:13:22
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I think the average temp to maintain is around 29C.
Yes the thermostat has a probe. With regards to this it maybe cheaper to get a Heat Mat and Thermostat from www.surreypetsupplies.co.uk rather than ebay? I just ordered everything i needed from there yesterady (list found HERE - last post on that page). So a mat stat should be more than enought for a 20W heat mat?
You dont need to worry about humidity for your corn snake. Unless it is having problems shedding skin.
Lights as far as i am aware are not needed as natural light in the room is more than enough. Unless you are using heat lamps.
I dont think corn snakes are ever fed live food. I'd stick with pinkies.
EDIT: Others may answer better than me. I've not actually got my snake yet lol
EDIT 2: Price examples from above store:
1x Habistat Heat Mat 20W (11x17) - £10.94
1x Habistat Mat Stat Thermostat - £19.13
Postage £3.99 (i think)
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0.1.0 - Cat - Tallulah
0.0.1 - Carolina Corn Snake - Lilith |
Edited by - Simmy_82 on 26/07/2011 14:19:35 |
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andyj
Snake Mite
United Kingdom
29 Posts |
Posted - 26/07/2011 : 16:08:16
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That size heat mat would be sufficient for a 3ft viv. Generally the heatmat should cover between one third and one half of the floor area. For a young corn a 3ft viv is going to be too big and most people start off with a faunarium.
With a faunarium the heatmat is usually positioned on the outside so the mat is still okay as you can place the faunarium so that only one third/half is over the mat.
Temperature wise it is good to be around 28c - 30c at the warm end. Once you have the heat mat and stat you will still need a digital thermometer. The thread that Simmy 82 referred you to is worth reading as it covers a lot of the basic essentials.
Andy |
0.1.0 Anery - Shadow
0.1.0 Amel Motley - Blaze
0.1.0 Wife
2.0.0 Kids |
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gmac
The Scottish Admin
United Kingdom
5319 Posts |
Posted - 26/07/2011 : 18:33:05
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ideal temps are 27-30 for the hot end. Monitoring humidity is not really necessary the UK normal humidity is generally sufficient for corns.
Lighting can be used in 2 ways one for viewing purposes like LED and energy savers, both emit very little heat so require no statting or there are heat bulbs but as you are looking at heatmats you dont require a 2nd heat source the mat is sufficient.
Food items should be rodents, crickets are not a staple diet of corns.
Have a look through our caresheet Care Sheet |
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lotabob
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
4334 Posts |
Posted - 26/07/2011 : 20:54:41
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quote:
Originally posted by lizz
the lass in the pet shop said to feed them crickets (they were babies)
PLEASE dont buy from this shop, if they are feeding their hatchlings crickets they are going to be malnurished and if thats how they think they should be cared for they dont deserve your hard earned money. Find a reptile shop with knowledge of the animals they are selling, you'll be glad you did, its great to have someone in person with knowledge and able to show you things etc. |
Anery Corn snake SPOT. Royal Python, DUKE. Hogg Island Boa, SANKE. Albino House Snake, HAL.
Harlequin Crested Gecko HARLEY
Albino Horned Frog WAKA
Chilean Rose Tarantula TRIXIE. Brazilian Salmon Pink Bird-eating Tarantula SAM. Orange Baboon Tarantula BORIS.
Giant Asian Forest Scorpion, SALLY.
Giant African Land Snails, SHELDON & MICHELLE.
Budwing Mantis, MAIA
Dubia Roach Colony. Silkworm Colony. Mealworm Colony. Waxworm Colony. Fruit Beetle Colony.
MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL http://www.youtube.com/user/alocheeky |
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lizz
Snake Mite
United Kingdom
8 Posts |
Posted - 26/07/2011 : 21:18:56
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Hi. Thanks for all your answers. I will look for a better place to get our snake from.
Ok. LOl! I think I've just won a heat mat and thermostat for future use then! I have a very small heat mat that I used for my scorpion when I had one, that might be more suitable. Will a thermostat be necessary for a faunarium? I'm assuming a faunarium is the smaller plastic grow out vivarium? How long or quickly do they grow? From what I've read so far on here they shed quite often, I'm assuming that process happens along with their growth rates?
What besides pinkies would they need to be offered? Is it a strictly carnivorous diet (like our ferrets)? Or do snakes in the wild find some of their nutritional requirements elsewhere too? Are there appropriate supplements etc?
Thank you so much for answering all my questions. Its much appreciated :)
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gmac
The Scottish Admin
United Kingdom
5319 Posts |
Posted - 26/07/2011 : 21:20:27
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| All heat sources require to be statted, and yes only offer them rodents as food. |
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stuart619
Hatchling
United Kingdom
230 Posts |
Posted - 27/07/2011 : 08:52:38
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All the nutrition they need are from the rodents. They are strictly carnivorous. Also from what I can remember, a corn snake would really struggle digesting the exoskeleton of a cricket. I am a bit shocked that the pet shop would recommend this to you.
As previously stated an LED strip is a good way to light the tank. they are energy efficient and give out such a low amount of heat that a guard is not required which is a bonus. Also they are small and can be placed out of sight or in different places offering a more natural look.
I knew someone who used the led strip on the back vertical edge of the viv behind the branched so they diffused the light and made it look really good.
Also a stat is a must with the heat mat also the use of a digital thermometer is best as they are more accurate. |
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Edited by - stuart619 on 27/07/2011 08:53:24 |
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Simmy_82
Sub Adult
United Kingdom
1272 Posts |
Posted - 27/07/2011 : 08:56:06
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| Hmm may get a some strip LED's didnt realise you could use them. Thanks for that tip! |
0.1.0 - Cat - Tallulah
0.0.1 - Carolina Corn Snake - Lilith |
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gmac
The Scottish Admin
United Kingdom
5319 Posts |
Posted - 27/07/2011 : 09:23:04
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quote:
Originally posted by stuart619
As previously stated an LED strip is a good way to light the tank. they are energy efficient and give out such a low amount of heat that a guard is not required which is a bonus. Also they are small and can be placed out of sight or in different places offering a more natural look.
Damage to a snake from a bulb is not always from heat, energy savers must be gaurded, the problem is if snake holds on too tight it can break the bulb damaging the snake so for an energy saver a guard is still a must. |
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Sta~ple
qeeun speler
United Kingdom
6129 Posts |
Posted - 27/07/2011 : 09:25:43
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quote:
Originally posted by lizz
What besides pinkies would they need to be offered? Is it a strictly carnivorous diet (like our ferrets)? Or do snakes in the wild find some of their nutritional requirements elsewhere too? Are there appropriate supplements etc?
As Gmac said, rodents only. Most captive snakes only ever get fed mice for their entire life. Appropriated sized Rats and chicks can be used but there is really no point since chicks have nothing and rats can be fatty if you stick to a normal feeding schedule. In the wild they eat birds, rodents, snakes and lizards but captive ones do not need supplements as mice have everything they will ever need. I'd be surprised that a cornsnake would ever recognize a bug as being food! |
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Mort13
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
5599 Posts |
Posted - 27/07/2011 : 10:23:53
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Crickets for corn snakes!! Unbelievable.
I'd highly recommend getting your snake from a breeder if possible. Theres some really good REPUTABLE breeders on here.
That way you get more choice,they are usually cheaper than shops,and most importantly they'll have been well looked after,you get the info you need and will know the age etc of your snake. |
      
3.1.0 Corn snakes, 1.0.0 T-Albino Cape House Snake, 0.1.0 Western Hognose,
1.0.0 MBK, 0.1.0 Childrens Python, 1.0.0 Nicaraguan Dwarf Boas
0.0.1 Occelated Skink, 1.0.0 Leopard Gecko, 1.0.3 Tarantulas, 0.0.2 Damon diadema
1.0.0 C0ckatiel,
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Simmy_82
Sub Adult
United Kingdom
1272 Posts |
Posted - 27/07/2011 : 11:13:32
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| Two breeders i keep coming across are Crymu Corns and AC Snakes. Are these both good breeders? |
0.1.0 - Cat - Tallulah
0.0.1 - Carolina Corn Snake - Lilith |
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gmac
The Scottish Admin
United Kingdom
5319 Posts |
Posted - 27/07/2011 : 11:19:10
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quote:
Originally posted by Simmy_82
Two breeders i keep coming across are Crymu Corns and AC Snakes. Are these both good breeders?
yup, both very good |
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Simmy_82
Sub Adult
United Kingdom
1272 Posts |
Posted - 27/07/2011 : 11:23:03
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| Thanks Gmac. I've put enquiries in with both. |
0.1.0 - Cat - Tallulah
0.0.1 - Carolina Corn Snake - Lilith |
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stuart619
Hatchling
United Kingdom
230 Posts |
Posted - 27/07/2011 : 13:24:40
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quote:
Originally posted by gmac
quote:
Originally posted by stuart619
As previously stated an LED strip is a good way to light the tank. they are energy efficient and give out such a low amount of heat that a guard is not required which is a bonus. Also they are small and can be placed out of sight or in different places offering a more natural look.
Damage to a snake from a bulb is not always from heat, energy savers must be gaurded, the problem is if snake holds on too tight it can break the bulb damaging the snake so for an energy saver a guard is still a must.
Surely using a strip as used in aquariums would eliminate this problem. The bulbs are well contained inside a rubber strip which is sealed making it waterproof. If you search google shop for "White Waterproof Led Strip Light" you will see the type I mean. They fit flush in the corner so the snake can not get on top or wrap around them |
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Edited by - stuart619 on 27/07/2011 13:26:22 |
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Mort13
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
5599 Posts |
Posted - 27/07/2011 : 13:59:01
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quote:
Originally posted by Simmy_82
Two breeders i keep coming across are Crymu Corns and AC Snakes. Are these both good breeders?
I got Ofelia and Kalypso from Cymru Corns a couple of weeks ago and can highly recommend him,his snakes are fab!
Also picked a Hognose up from the AC Snakes table at a show last Sunday. They had some great snakes there too!
You can't go wrong with either of them in my opinion.  |
3.1.0 Corn snakes, 1.0.0 T-Albino Cape House Snake, 0.1.0 Western Hognose,
1.0.0 MBK, 0.1.0 Childrens Python, 1.0.0 Nicaraguan Dwarf Boas
0.0.1 Occelated Skink, 1.0.0 Leopard Gecko, 1.0.3 Tarantulas, 0.0.2 Damon diadema
1.0.0 C0ckatiel,
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gmac
The Scottish Admin
United Kingdom
5319 Posts |
Posted - 27/07/2011 : 15:29:19
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quote:
Originally posted by stuart619
quote:
Originally posted by gmac
quote:
Originally posted by stuart619
As previously stated an LED strip is a good way to light the tank. they are energy efficient and give out such a low amount of heat that a guard is not required which is a bonus. Also they are small and can be placed out of sight or in different places offering a more natural look.
Damage to a snake from a bulb is not always from heat, energy savers must be gaurded, the problem is if snake holds on too tight it can break the bulb damaging the snake so for an energy saver a guard is still a must.
Surely using a strip as used in aquariums would eliminate this problem. The bulbs are well contained inside a rubber strip which is sealed making it waterproof. If you search google shop for "White Waterproof Led Strip Light" you will see the type I mean. They fit flush in the corner so the snake can not get on top or wrap around them
sorry read it wrong, LED dont need gaurding |
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a33272
our battery charger
United Kingdom
3063 Posts |
Posted - 27/07/2011 : 16:07:26
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| please forgive Gmac hes old an often forgets to use his reading specticles |
    
0.1.0 creamsicle corn-Marmalade
1.0.0 jungle carpet python-Bumble
1.0.0 corn Casper
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Mamma
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
4494 Posts |
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thistle
Sub Adult
United Kingdom
1757 Posts |
Posted - 27/07/2011 : 21:54:55
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| I'm getting a couple of snakes (1 for me and another for a friend ) couriered up on Saturday from Cymru Corns. Jamie (aka Doogle on this forum) has been fantastic, I couldn't recommend him enough. |
2.0.0 Dogs (westie Angus, shih tzu Archie)
0.5.0 African Pygmy Hedgehogs (Harriet, Amelia, Matilda, Jemima, Maisie) RIP Hector
0.4.0 Guinea Pigs (Isobel, Effy, Mrs Mack & Sheila)
1.0.0 Lutino C0ckatiel (Sammy)
3.0.0 Corn Snakes - CB10 Amel (Barnaby), CB11 Anery Lavender (Bailey), CB10 Caramel Motley (Bradley)
0.1.0 CB11 Western Hognose Snake (Maggie) |
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Topic |
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newbie, a few Q's
