What Kind of Cage Do Corn Snakes Need?

Corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) are smallish reptiles that also make beloved pets in many households. These family Colubridae snakes not only are attractive, they often boast notably tame and calm temperaments, too. Proper housing is a crucial component of maintaining a happy and robust pet corn snake. Traditional cages aren't appropriate for snakes, as they can slither out and even cut themselves on the bars.

  1. Youngsters

    • If you've got a wee corn snake youngster on your hands, an enclosure made of plastic should work well. Look for a box that's roughly a foot in length and half a foot in width. Immature specimens can also usually do well in 10-gallon tanks.

    Mature Corn Snakes

    • Juvenile corn snakes can thrive in smaller housing, but physically mature corn snakes need something a bit more substantial. If you have an adult corn snake, make sure his enclosure is the size of a tank that can hold 25 gallons, at the smallest. Aim for housing that is as large as your home can handle, ideally 40 to 50 gallons in capacity. If the housing is spacious, your corn snake can receive beneficial physical activity. If it's too cramped, it could quickly lead to a stressed-out corn snake -- and even sickness. Remember, if the housing is roughly two-thirds as long as your pet's full body, you should be A-OK.

    PVC Cages

    • Although corn snakes can thrive in a variety of different housing types, some people opt for cages built exclusively for reptiles, rather than aquariums or plastic boxes. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) cages often work well. These cages are commonly used for snakes, whether corn snakes or Burmese pythons. They are often kept secure with glass doors that slide -- a handy way of keeping snakes from breaking free, but also for having quick access to them. Lots of snake owners opt for PVC cages because of their humidity control benefits. These cages are also thought to be low maintenance as far as cleaning goes.

    Other Housing Considerations

    • Whether you get your corn snake a PVC cage or sizable aquarium, it's imperative to be diligent about your choice. Housing for corn snakes needs strong ventilation, for one thing. It also needs to be reliable, not allowing corn snakes to break out and flee. Snakes in general tend to make frequent runaway attempts, so take the matter seriously. Mesh tops generally work well for these purposes. What you put inside of the living environment also means a lot. Corn snakes tend to appreciate plentiful plants, branches and places to retreat. These additions often give them a sense of coziness and safety.