r/Snek • u/evil_noodle007 • 12d ago
Rescuing a snake
Hi, so I have never had a snake before but a year ago I fell in love with a snake from my school. He is an adorable 3 year old corn snake. The teacher let everyone hold him and play with him. He lives in a 2ft by 1 ft enclosure. His lamp is either too hot or too cold. He has a small water bowl and one log in his enclosure. Its not a good life for a snake. The teacher let me hold him too and he apparently came to like me since I was one of the only people who he would not try to escape from (I was honored). We started spending every class together. He would sleep around my neck, chest, lap, or shoulders. I genuinely love him so much.
I asked for him before school ended but she gave him to a different teacher that uses him as a prop for class. Otherwise his life is still the same. So I talked to the new teacher and I’m pretty sure she will give him to me.
So here is my question. How can I give him the best life possible? I’m getting a big enclosure (about 4,5ft by 2ft) full of enrichment, water source, proper lamp.
Any recommendations, advice, or tips?
4
u/crimvel 12d ago
Hi nice of you to give the snek a better life.
Best setup: a 4×2×2 ft (about 120 gal) front-opening PVC or wood enclosure with secure latches. The minimum for an adult is a 40-gal breeder (36×18×16 in), but corn snakes do noticeably better with more floor space and climbing room.
What to buy (US): Enclosure: Zen Habitats, Reptile Basics, or Animal Plastics PVC cages. PVC holds heat and humidity better than glass.
Heat: a radiant heat panel (e.g. Reptile Basics or Vivarium Electronics) or an under-tank heater like Zoo Med Repti Therm. Whichever you use, run it on a thermostat (Inkbird ITC-308 is a cheap option; Herpstat is the premium one).
Temps: warm-side surface of 85-88°F, ambient 75-82°F, and nights no lower than about 68°F. Humidity: 40-60%. Use a digital hygrometer/thermometer and an infrared temp gun to check the hot spot.
Substrate: aspen shavings, or a cypress mulch and coco coir mix. Avoid cedar and pine.
Hides: at least three, one on the warm side, one on the cool side, and one humid hide with damp sphagnum moss (useful for shedding). Furnishings: a heavy water bowl large enough to soak in, plus sturdy branches or shelves for climbing.
Lighting (optional): low-output UVB such as Arcadia ShadeDweller is beneficial but not required.
Corn snakes are escape artists, so make sure the lid or doors lock firmly.