Corn snakes are undoubtedly one of the most popular species of snake in the world. Their hardy nature and generally great temperament make them great beginner pets, as well as, being a great pet for veteran caretakers. In the following paragraphs, we will talk about how to take care of a corn snake and their requirements.
Description
The corn snake is a north american species of rat snake that is native to the eastern part of the United States of America but, is more abundantly found in the southeastern region of the USA. Corn snakes measure approximately 61-182 cm (24-72 in) long. They have slender bodies characterized by orange or brownish-yellow coloration with, a pattern of large red blotches outlined in black running down their backs. Along their bellies, they have a distinctive black-and-white pattern resembling a checkerboard. Corn snakes can have variations in coloration and patterns depending on age and geographical location. Corn snakes are a diurnal (active during the day) species of snake that are non-venomous and due to their lack of venom, they kill their prey using constriction.
Diet and Water
Corn snakes as their family name implies tend to eat mostly rats and mice, however, they do have a more varied diet that can consist of not only rats and mice but also frogs, birds, and bats. In this section, we will talk about their diet, how to feed hatchlings and adults, and their water requirements.
Corn snake characteristics
- Name: Corn snake
- Lifespan: 15-20 yrs (in captivity)
- Diet: Carnivore
- Length: 61-182 cm (24-72 in)
- Weight: 900 g
- Habitat: Eastern and southeastern USA in woodlots, wooded groves, meadowlands, tropical hammocks, rocky hillsides, rocky open areas, barns, and abandoned buildings
First, let’s talk about the hatchlings. The hatchlings due to their smaller size should be only fed pinky mice that have been previously frozen and thawed, however, if your newly purchased hatchling is feeling nervous about its new home or is not used to eating frozen pinky mice then you can feed it live ones. If you want to train your corn snake hatchling to eat thawed pinky mice put it in a closed container with the lid well shut and with some holes on top with a thawed-out pinky mouse inside as this will ensure that the corn snake hatchling will focus on the pinky and be encouraged to eat. Make sure to not put the container near a heat source as this can overheat your corn snake inside. Hatchlings should be fed roughly every 5-7 days.
Adult corn snakes on the other hand can have a more varied diet that can include frogs, lizards, and chicks although it is still recommended to feed them mostly mice. Similar to the hatchlings it is always recommended to feed them thawed-out mice however this time it is for their safety, due to the fact, that adult live prey could fight back and injure your corn snake. Food training for adult corn snakes is the same as with the hatchlings except you would feed them an adult thawed-out mouse. Adult corn snakes should be fed less often than hatchlings, roughly 7-10 days between meals. And if you notice your snake gaining weight adjust the feeding by either feeding less quantity such as feeding an adult corn snake a pinky mouse or feeding it less often to help regulate your snake’s weight.
Fresh water should always be available in a shallow and heavy water bowl to prevent your snake from spilling it over. The water bowl should also be located on the cool side of the enclosure to prevent humidity levels from rising too high and in a corner so it is easy for the snake to locate. Clean out the water bowl every few days or sooner if there is debris inside it.
Enclosure
The enclosure for a corn snake has specific requirements to ensure your snake lives a comfortable and healthy life. In this section, we will discuss those requirements for hatchlings and adult corn snakes.
A corn snake hatchling measures between 8-12 inches so a comfortable vivarium size for a hatchling should be a minimum of 3x2x2 ft. For an adult corn snake, the vivarium should be bigger and at a minimum of 4x2x2 ft, however, note that these are minimum vivarium sizes remember if you can get a bigger vivarium it is always better to go bigger. The vivarium should be well-ventilated at all times. Also, snakes are solitary creatures ( with the exception of the breeding season ) make sure to put one snake per vivarium at all times.
The substrate for the enclosure can be made out of a wide variety of materials. Aspen bedding is a popular choice due to it being absorbent, its neutral odor, and holding its shape when the snake burrows into it. Other substrate options that you can use are cypress mulch and a coconut chip mix, however, avoid aromatic wood mixes such as cedar, pine, and fir as they can cause irritation and discomfort for the snake. You could use newspaper and reptile carpet however, note that the corn snake will try to get under it whenever possible. Avoid sand as it may obstruct the digestive tract if enough sand is ingested by your corn snake.
Decorations in your corn snake vivarium are not only used to make the enclosure visually appealing but, more importantly, to make your corn snake feel safe and at home. The corn snake should have on the hot side of the enclosure a basking spot as well as a hide. On the cool side of the enclosure, your corn snake should also have a hide in case it wants to cool down. Rocks, branches, resin decorations, and plastic plants are all great additions to add to your corn snake vivarium as your snake can use them to hide as well as help to keep your snake physically active. You can have organic decorations such as real plants, however, make sure to do some research and make sure that the plants you want to put in your corn snake’s enclosure will not injure or kill your snake.
In conclusion, when creating your enclosure for your very own corn snake it is essential to meet these requirements for the snake’s overall well-being and happiness. Incorporating suitable decorations, the appropriate substrate, and providing an adequate amount of space are all requirements that when met will ensure your snake has a comfortable and stimulating environment.
Temperature and Lighting
Temperature
The warm side of your corn snake enclosure should be between 28-30ºC (84-86ºF), and the basking spot or hot spot for your corn snake should be between 31-33ºC (88-92ºF). The temperature around the rest of the enclosure should be between 24-28ºC (76-83ºF). To maintain the temperatures mentioned earlier you can use a wide variety of materials, such as heat pads, ceramic heaters, and a basking lamp, however, make sure to keep them out of reach and well-protected to not harm your snake or cause a fire hazard. During the night make sure the temperature does not drop below 18ºC so the snake is comfortable and not at risk of hypothermia.
Lighting
The lighting for your corn snake is not as complicated as other snake or reptile species which is one of the reasons it is such a great beginner pet, and in this section, we will talk about the lighting needed for your corn snake enclosure. Corn snakes contrary to most other reptiles don’t need UVB lighting to absorb calcium in their diet so it is not essential for their overall well-being, however, it is recommended to give them UVB lighting if possible. A UV index between 1-2 is recommended for corn snakes if you get a UVB light source for them. The UVB should only be on for a limited time to help mimic a day and night cycle. During the summer months, the UVB light source should only be on between 14-17 hours a day, and for the winter, it should only be on 7 or 8 hours a day. Make sure to always provide hiding spots for your corn snake in case it wants to avoid UVB lighting.
Humidity
Humidity is a very important factor when having a pet reptile as having the humidity too low can cause dehydration and having it too high can put your pet at risk of disease. In this section, we will briefly talk about the level of humidity your corn snake enclosure should have, how to maintain it, and how to measure it. The ideal humidity levels for a corn snake are between 40-60% of humidity. To help maintain or raise the levels of humidity you can use a wide variety of methods such as having absorbent substrate or bedding and decorations, having a water bowl on the warm end of the enclosure, and spraying the enclosure to name a few. To measure the humidity level in your corn snake enclosure you will have to purchase a hygrometer specifically designed for use in reptile enclosures and record the levels of humidity in the morning and afternoon to make sure that the humidity levels are stable throughout the day. You only have to place one hygrometer per enclosure, also, make sure to place it in a visible area where you can see the measurements.
Cleaning and Hygiene
Hygiene is extremely important not only for your pet’s corn snake’s health but, also for your health. In this section, we will talk about how to maintain your corn snake’s enclosure clean and, how to maintain general hygiene to protect your corn snake’s health and your health. The enclosure should be spot cleaned roughly every day removing any waste your snake may have produced and, fully cleaned every month or so removing all decorations and substrate. If you have a bioactive enclosure for your corn snake make sure to spot-clean it every other day and monitor it, as well as, doing a full clean of the enclosure a few times a year.
When cleaning your enclosure make sure to remove your animal, decorations, and the substrate. Afterward, spray the entire enclosure with a reptile-friendly disinfectant as well as the decorations. Then let it settle and after make sure to wipe it off every surface with a paper towel. You may want to repeat this process to make sure the enclosure has been thoroughly cleaned. Make sure to clean during daylight hours so that when you are done cleaning, your snake returns to a warm enclosure for at least a few hours before the lights are turned off for the night. Finally, make sure to always wash your hands before and after cleaning your enclosure or handling your snake to prevent the spread of disease or infection between you and your pet.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing
Corn snakes pricing ranges from 5-20$, however, note that these prices do not apply for the different types of morphs of corn snakes.
Availability
Corn snakes are widely available in pet stores, reptile expos, online reptile shops, and breeders. You can buy wild-caught snakes as they can adapt quite well to the change of captivity, still, it is recommended to buy captive-bred snakes because you are more likely to have a healthy, parasite-free snake, as well as, details regarding their age, history, and parentage to help you take greater care of your pet snake.
Handling and Temperament
Corn snakes are one of the most handleable and well-tempered snakes out there which is one of the reasons they are so popular. We will talk about their temperament and how to properly handle them to avoid injuring your pet snake. the temperament of corn snakes is great as contrary to many snakes they are quite docile and rarely very aggressive towards their owners. Handling your corn snake should begin after roughly a week after purchase to give your snake some time to adapt to its new home. When handling your corn snake, keep it well supported, avoid sudden movements, and limit handling time to 10-15 min. If the snake becomes aggressive or you have touched prey items recently avoid handling your pet corn snake.
In conclusion, providing proper care for your corn snake is essential to ensure its health, well-being, and longevity. By following the sections outlined in this care guide, you can create a suitable habitat, feed your snake a balanced diet, handle it responsibly, and maintain good hygiene practices. Remember to monitor your snake’s health, seek veterinary care when necessary, and always prioritize the specific needs of your snake. With dedication and attention to detail, you can create a thriving environment for your corn snake and enjoy the fascinating companionship of this beautiful reptile for many years to come.