Corn snake care sheet
Everything you need to know about the Corn snake
The corn snake is a fantastic option to the newcomer and the experienced keeper alike. Let's look at some of the husbandry and keeping requirements relevant of one of the most popular pet snakes in the industry.
Biology of the corn snake
The corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) is native to the Southeastern United States and is found in a variety of habitats including forests and fields, favouring agricultural areas where they will seek out shelter in barns and abandoned buildings. It will prey on vermin which is very beneficial to farmers. Other prey might include birds and lizards. They grow to an average size of this snake if around 1.2 - 1.5m, but they may grow larger in select individuals.
Housing
Housing young corn snakes is best done separately to safely regulate feeding time and maintain hygiene standards. They do well in small containers housed in a rack, where the small space creates the sense of a safe environment for the snake. A loose substrate such as different wood shavings or coco husk/Bark chips is recommended as this species will readily utilize it as a hide. I personally recommend the medium sized Nomoy pet tub available on our online store.
As the snake grows it will need to be transferred into a bigger enclosure. We always suggest making use of hides on each side and maybe some clutter to keep the snake comfortable. For yearlings and up we would suggest a standard 600mm cage, and up to 900mm for adults. Racking systems do well for larger scale keeping, especially if you are a breeder.
Always include a water dish on the cool side which should be cleaned regularly. Ensure the snake is able to fit in the water dish, since it might soak during shed cycled etc. Constant soaking must be inspected since it could indicate other problems like mite infestation or high temperatures.
Temperature and humidity
The ideal setup for any reptile will allow the animal to thermoregulate adequately. In order to do that the snake will need a hot spot on one side of the cage, a cool side on the other, and enough space in between to choose the right temperature. Keeping the hotspot at around 30 degrees Celsius in a well sized enclosure will encourage natural thermoregulation. The cool side should be kept around 24 degrees Celsius. Humidity levels of between 40 and 60% will ensure proper shedding and overall health. These snakes are extremely tolerable to variation in keeping conditions.
To achieve proper temperatures, you can make use of heat pads, heat lamps or ceramic heat emitters. Please ensure a thermostat has been connected to control the temperature. To avoid unnecessary burns, heat sources should be covered and not accessible to the snake. Find mesh guards for heat lights on our online store as well as some thermostat options.
Feeding
When buying a baby corn snake, or any snake for that matter, it is important to ensure it has been established and is eating consistently. Baby corns tend to establish easily enough on pinky mice but feeding method should be discussed prior to purchase. Feeding frozen thawed is always recommended especially with bigger meals that could potentially bite the snake. Yearlings might take fuzzy mice to hoppers, and adults will take young adult - adult mice. Young animals have very fast metabolisms, and their energy is directed towards growth, hence why they can feed more frequently than adults. Feeding juveniles every 5-7 days is preferable, while older animals may feed once every 10-14 days.
Conclusion
Corn snakes are a simple to keep colubrid. They come in many morphs and can make some really cool pets or breeding projects. Internationally, this species is a pillar in the history and development of the reptile industry. It still is a sought-after pet for new snake keepers, yet remains a great project snake for breeders. 