Enclosures

Vivariums are considered the best option for corn snakes and come in two different construction types; wood based or plastic based. Wooden vivariums are generally much cheaper and for arid species such as corn snakes – that is they come from a warmer, drier climate – they are your best option. Plastic vivarium are fantastic for retaining high humidity levels but this is irrelevant for corn snakes.

Terrariums, that is essentially an enclosure made from glass, are not only expensive to run and maintain, but provide a lot of exposure and may stress some corn snakes. Glass is a poor heat retainer and unless your home environment matches the heat levels required, you will find your electric bill quite high as your heating elements struggle to maintain heating levels. Though it must be said that terrariums are fantastic for retaining humidity levels, but again this is not relevant for corn snakes.

In terms of sizing, this will be liked directly to your corn snake’s size. Smaller snakes require less room both in terms of their physical well being but also larger enclosures tend to lead to stress from exposure linked to predator avoidance. That said, by providing lots of clutter, this can minimise the stress felt by younger corn snakes with lots of hiding places. Adult corn snakes require a minimum of 4ft/120cm long enclosure for their physical health to allow them to stretch out, baby and juvenile corn snakes can be housed temporarily in smaller 3ft vivarium but these will require upgrading as your corn snake grows.

Corn snakes are considered a terrestrial species - they spent most of their time on the ground rather than up in trees or in water. Though they do love to climb low level vegetation, branches and rocks. Therefore we suggest a height of around 1.5ft/45cm to 2ft/60cm to afford your corn snake an option of climbing if they wish.

For corn snakes over one year old, we recommend a 4ft vivarium