# Corn Snake Care in the UK — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/corn-snake-care-uk): Corn Snake Care in the UK — Quick answer. UK corn snakes need a secure vivarium they can stretch out in fully, a basking zone of 28–30°C, a cool end of 20–24°C and 40–50% humidity. Feed appropriately sized dead mice every 5–14 days depending on age, and keep them singly. Register with an exotic vet early.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/corn-snake-care-uk): Corn Snake Care in the UK — Vivarium size and setup. According to the RSPCA, corn snakes grow to around 150 cm and show a strong preference for larger, enriched enclosures: - Size — the snake must be able to stretch out fully; allow at least a third of its length for width and depth. A 150 cm adult needs a minimum of 150 × 50 × 50 cm - Hatchlings — can be stressed by big open spaces, so start small or provide plenty of confined hides, upgrading as they grow - Hides — at least two, one at each end, snug enough that the coiled snake touches the sides; a third 'humid hide' with damp moss helps shedding - Climbing — branches or peg boards (sterilise natural branches with boiling water first) - Security — corn snakes are escape artists; the vivarium must be escape-proof with good ventilation

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/corn-snake-care-uk): Corn Snake Care in the UK — Heating and temperatures. Corn snakes are ectothermic and need a thermogradient. According to the RSPCA: | Zone | Target temperature | |------|-------------------| | Basking zone | 28–30°C | | Cool end | 20–24°C | | Night | Heat off; can safely drop to 16–20°C | - Use a guarded heat lamp pointing downwards at one end, on a dimming thermostat with the probe just above the substrate - For small hatchling enclosures, a heat mat under one side with an on/off thermostat (probe in the hot end, set to 30°C) works well - Record temperatures daily with digital thermometers at both ends — thermostats are not always accurate - If the room drops below 16°C at night in a UK winter, add non-light-emitting heat such as a ceramic heater (see Reptile winter heating UK)

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/corn-snake-care-uk): Corn Snake Care in the UK — Humidity and water. Keep humidity around 40–50%, measured with a hygrometer — correct humidity supports the respiratory system and clean shedding. Increase ventilation if readings climb too high. Provide a water dish at the cool end that is large enough for the snake to bathe in, refreshed at least daily and immediately if soiled. A snake sitting in its water bowl for unusually long periods can be a sign of mites — look for small black specks on the snake or around the bowl.

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/corn-snake-care-uk