How to Bathe a Corn Snake

Corn snakes are one of the most common snakes kept in captivity due to their docile nature. They are nonvenomous and only reach about 4 feet in length. There are two reasons you may need to bathe your corn snake: to help it shed its skin or to eliminate a mite problem, as the water will drown the mites. The reason that corn snakes in captivity need help shedding is because the humidity levels are not high enough for snakes to shed comfortably. Lack of moisture can cause problems during shedding such as blindness or missing scales.

Things You'll Need

  • Plastic container with lid, such as Tupperware
  • Electric drill
  • 1/8-inch drill bit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase an unused plastic container, such as Tupperware, about 1 by 2 feet, and 6 inches tall. Attach the 1/8-inch drill bit to the electronic drill. Drill six 1/8-inch holes in each side of the container, toward the top. This will provide your snake with air holes so that it can breathe while it is inside the container soaking. Make sure there are no leftover shavings from the drill inside the container.

    • 2

      Fill the container about 1 inch high with water. The amount of water required to do this depends upon how big your snake is. For instance, if your corn snake is still under 2 feet long, you will want to use only 1/2 inch of water. Place your snake inside the container and attach the lid. Be sure that the lid is secured properly so that the snake does not push the lid off and escape.

    • 3

      Leave your snake in the container to soak for about half an hour a day during shedding. This will provide extra moisture, allowing your snake to slough off its old skin more easily. If you are soaking your snake to eliminate mites, you only have to do this once, as it will drown the mites.

    • 4

      Remove your snake from the container and place it back in its tank. There is no need to dry it off, as it can take care of this on its own. Remember to secure the lid to the tank properly. This will prevent your snake from escaping.

    • 5

      Store the plastic container in a cool place when it is not in use. This will ensure that chemicals do not seep out of the plastic and into the water due to high temperatures. These chemicals can have detrimental health effects on your snake.