Thinking of getting a cornsnake

[Kamerick]

Another question if you don't mind, do cornsnakes require a UTH and/or a heat lamp? and how high/low should the temps be?

[HVani]

UTH is preferred and easier IMO. I keep my corns at 85 on the hot side.

[Kamerick]

ok, so not as hot as ball pythons need. and just normal household humidity should be fine for them too? as well, are there any health risks that stand out for corn snakes? I know ball pythons tend to have issues with RI due to them needing more specific temperatures and humidity, and they will not eat sometimes too. is this an issue with corn snakes? or are they pretty good as far as those things go?

[HVani]

In the drier months it might help to add a humid hide but I have never needed to here in Wisconsin.

The only thing I have heard of with corns is mites, but there's a risk for mites with any snake. They are really tough snakes and pretty fool proof. Males will sometimes go off feed in the spring and some won't eat if they are getting ready to shed.

[Kamerick]

Ok, that sounds good. thanks again everyone for the information! humidity hides I can do, as I have one for my ball python. I was a bit short on info for caring for my ball python (although he is now a very happy and healthy BP), so I am really trying to make sure I got everything covered if I get a cornsnake, which I plan on. One more question (for now), what substrates should I use. I don't want to use paper towels or newspaper, because I like the tanks to look nice, and when I get the corn, I will only have 2 snakes, so its not really a problem to get something nicer. would reptile bark be ok? I have also heard aspen is good for them because they do not require the extra humidity, but if repti-bark is alright, I already have some of that on hand already.

[HVani]

Ok, that sounds good. thanks again everyone for the information! humidity hides I can do, as I have one for my ball python. I was a bit short on info for caring for my ball python (although he is now a very happy and healthy BP), so I am really trying to make sure I got everything covered if I get a cornsnake, which I plan on. One more question (for now), what substrates should I use. I don't want to use paper towels or newspaper, because I like the tanks to look nice, and when I get the corn, I will only have 2 snakes, so its not really a problem to get something nicer. would reptile bark be ok? I have also heard aspen is good for them because they do not require the extra humidity, but if repti-bark is alright, I already have some of that on hand already.

Either aspen or reptile bark is fine. I don't like aspen so my snow is on carefresh and my okeetee is on reptile bark.

[Viol8r]

Another question if you don't mind, do cornsnakes require a UTH and/or a heat lamp? and how high/low should the temps be?

The UTH question depends on your ambient temps. Ours is 75 for most of the year so I don't need one. For the heat lamp, corns are primarily nocturnal like the bp's so you really shouldn't use a light on them. I would suggest the ceramic "bulb" if your house is too cold and you aren't using a UTH.