Corn Snake Starter Buying Guide

A corn snake enclosure should be large enough to allow for a proper thermoregulatory gradient and follow the “snake formula”

Enclosure Width ≥ adult snake length
Enclosure Length ≥ ½ adult snake length
Enclosure Height ≥ ½ adult snake length

We recommend a starter minimum 4’x2’x2’ PVC enclosure.

Corn snakes are healthiest and happiest when they are housed on a loose soil substrate, at least 3-4” deep to maintain stable humidity levels. We recommend at least 60 quarts (6 bags) of Josh's Frogs Coco Select, a blend of coco husk, peat moss, and bark.

A corn snake enclosure should have an overhead heat source, an appropriate UVB lamp, a daylight lamp, and tools to monitor and control these elements.

Heat Source

You'll need a cluster of at least 2 heat bulbs to create an appropriate basking area. For a 2-foot tall enclosure, 50 watt halogen flood bulbs are the ideal source of IR-A and IR-B radiation needed for healthy thermoregulation, best paired with a reflective dome fixture to project the heat evenly and naturally.

UVB Source

A linear T5 HO forest UVB bulb is perfect for corn snakes housed in 4’x2’x2’ setups. It should be paired with a reflective fixture and span about half the length of the enclosure. The lamp can be placed directly on top of the screen or installed inside the enclosure. The following basking distances are based specifically on 6% UVB in a Zen Habitats enclosure:

- Above mesh: 9-12” above primary basking surface
- Below mesh: 14-16” above primary basking surface

Daylight Lamp

We strongly suggest having a 6400-6500K daylight lamp to provide adequate lighting for your corn snake and maintain a healthy circadian rhythm. We recommend a full spectrum daylight fluorescent bulb in a reflective fixture.

Monitoring & Regulation

1. 2 Gauges: Place each thermometer/hygrometer on opposite sides of the enclosure to monitor the necessary warm-to-cool temperature gradient.
2. Outlet timer: All reptiles should have a healthy circadian schedule: heat and UVB turned on during the day, then everything turned off at night to allow for total darkness and a natural temperature drop (~12hrs/day). This can be best achieved using a simple outlet timer.
3. Rheostat: A manual plug-in dimmer for your heat lamp allows you to make small adjustments to find the “sweet spot” on your snake's basking area, reduces risk of overheating, and prolongs bulb life. (To automatically maintain your temps, you can plug your heat lamp into a dimming thermostat)

Corn snakes require a variety of specific decor items that are vital for security, health, and enrichment.

Hides

Corn snakes need at least 2 hides: one on the warm side (under the basking bulbs) and one on the cool side. Fill the cool hide with moistened sphagnum moss and mist regularly to create a healthy, humid microclimate.

Cork, Branches, & Logs

Corn snakes are semi-arboreal, so climbing opportunities are crucial for physical exercise and proper enrichment. We recommend starting off with at least 2 sturdy branches for climbing and at least 1 large cork flat to provide varied terrain and a rough surface to help with shedding.

Plants

Artificial plants add more shade for UV and heat regulation, coverage for security, and they enhance the appearance of a naturalistic habitat. We recommend at least 3 plants for your enclosure.

A complete corn snake setup also requires:

1. Large, heavy bowl for fresh drinking water and soaking
2. 12+ inch long, durable feeding tongs
3. Hand pump mister for substrate and humidity
4. Calcium and vitamin supplement with low D3 content