Hi! Welcome to corn snakes! They're great fun. To answer your questions:

1. Totally up to you! Lots of people like to leave them in to provide the option to seek out extra humidity, but some don't. I personally haven't used them much for my corn or similar rat snakes, so don't feel like you need to! If you've got a very drying substrate like aspen, it might be helpful, but I also kept corns on aspen for a long time without one and didn't really have any issues. Your mileage may vary.

2. Not at all! Corns often are found at humidity levels ranging from the 60s up into 80-90% in some parts of the muggy southeastern US, but seem to prefer anywhere from 40-70%. My guys usually stick at around 50-60% depending on time of year.

It can be helpful to give them a little humidity spike while in shed, but I usually achieve it by misting a little extra (sometimes that means misting at all). Though in all honesty, most corn and other rat snakes shed just fine without a heavy spike. You'll get a feel for what your guy prefers as you spend more time with him for sure. Some of my rat snakes prefer to seek out humidity and some shed with no issues no matter what. As long as he's got some access to some form of humidity, he'll work it out!

3. If you remove it, yeah, you can probably pop it back in when he starts looking dull and like he's starting to go into shed again - or you can wait till he goes 'blue' (when his eyes are milky) as that's a bit closer to time. There's not really a single "Right" answer here! You may just want to fiddle a bit to see what he likes best!

4. Nope! There's no real need to do this unless there are problems shedding. If he sheds and has stuck pieces, sometimes shallow warm water and a piece of cork bark in a tub with the lid covered can create a 'sauna' effect that he can use to rub the remaining pieces off. But I really very rarely find that it's necessary for corns, since they're adapted for such a range of climates and do well in both dry and humid weather.

The truth about corn snakes is that these guys are tougher than nails and more flexible than we give them credit for, so while it's amazing that you're paying close attention to these details, don't let them stress you out too much. See how he does with the humid hide - he may not even use it! and don't be afraid to experiment a little bit to see what works best. Most of all enjoy the ride!

 

Thank you so much for your detailed answer. Feeling alot better as we good to go aa far as Shaka being happy. Will figure things out as time goes on as you say. Thanks again! Very helpful!

 

I've never used moss boxes for corns in over 25yrs of keeping them, nor found the need to spray the vivs. They've always shed really well. I make sure they have good sized water bowls, my adults have large ceramic dog bowls. They'll happily slither through the water and even bathe in it. Water needs to be at the cooler end.

I use aubiose as substrate, it's hemp. Easily spot cleaned, no nasty smells or excessive moisture. The vivs basically sit at a similar humidity as the room, averages around 50%.

 

Thanks Elly66. We think our home has high humidity. I have taken out the moss and have a good sized water bowl if Shaka wants to go for a dip. Thanks again for investing the time in responding. So appreciate it!

 

Some rooms in our house can get quite high as well, but the area my vivs are in is quite an open space. Your small viv will also mean less air circulates. Corns really are hardy snakes.

 

Ok thanks. I wanted to ask...I have read we will progress to lamps when upgrading the viv but will Shaka get enough UV in his current viv? He is placed in light but its at the back of the room where there is light but not direct. Will he be ok for the next 8 months until we upgrade? We can fit ant lamps in the baby viv.

 

UV isn't essential for snakes (apart from the small number of insectivorous species).
So you don't need to provide it, however, there is growing evidence that while snakes will dp perfectly well without UV, they tend to do better with it. More active, colours are more vibrant etc.
Your corn will be quite ok until you move him into his adult viv.

 

Thanks Ian14. We are loving getting to know Shaka and learning about his upkeep.

 

Well, from what I've seen so far you are doing a great job! There are quite a few very experienced keepers and breeders of corns on here who can answer questions you have.
Just be warned though - Shaka will not be your only snake! Snakes are a bit like Pringles: once you pop, you can't stop

 

Our 4 year old wants a unicorn mermaid snake and despite us telling her that there aren't any like that she tells us to look on Amazon - lol!

 

Thank you Ian14 for the encouragement!

 

Thanks Elly66...I was under the impression that it would stress him out. What is a good sized viv for an adult corn snake? Would one be able to buy the viv that Shaka would grow old in?

 

Absolute minimum would be 3ft x 2ft x 2ft, but personally I'd go for 4ft x 2ft x 2ft if you can. A good, wooden vivarium is best. Yes, no reason at all not to put in full sized vivarium. Make sure vent holes are much smaller than the snakes head and can't be pushed out. Double check the sliding doors on closing, to ensure shut tight and use a vivarium lock. They're amazing escape artists.

 

Thank you! I saw that you mentioned in a previous thread about the Mercury vapour bulb you use. Would you mind sharing what bulb and guard you use please Elly66.

 

I'm away at the moment, but I'll try and remember when I get back at the weekend