Description
About Corn Snakes
Corn Snakes are a type of rat snake and get their name from the pattern of their belly scales that resembles corn. They can be found in the Southeastern United States ranging from New Jersey to the Florida Keys in overgrown fields, forest openings, trees, logs, and abandoned or seldom-used buildings and farms. Corn Snakes are one of the most popular pet snakes. They have hundreds of beautiful colours and patterns, are incredibly easy to care for, and are extremely docile. The size of mature Corn Snakes is just right; big enough and hardy enough to accept regular handling, yet not too large to intimidate a beginner.
Traits & Behaviour
Corn snakes are exceedingly calm and docile snakes. They are not prone to biting, defecating, or constricting when under stress and they enjoy being handled from time to time. Baby Corn Snakes can nip, but most will settle down after some gentle handling. They are not venomous and have tiny teeth. Any bites will do little to no harm to their owners.
Corn Snakes are not particularly active. In fact, they’ll spend the vast majority of their time resting or sleeping. They’ll often spend their time coiled up in a hiding space.
Environment
Housing: A young snake may live in a 10-gallon tank (or larger if possible) for the first few months as it is an appropriately sized and shaped habitat to accommodate normal behaviour and exercise. Corn snakes reach adult size in 2-3 years. Owners need to increase the size of your snake’s habitat as they grow.
Adults require a tank with a secure, locking lid to prevent escape. Since habitats should be large enough for an adult corn snake to stretch out fully, a 40-gallon breeder or larger tank is recommended.
Hiding Space: Corn Snakes can be shy and need at least 2 – 3 spaces that is just large enough for the snake to curl up.
Substrate: Newspaper or wood shavings are good as they are absorbent, soft and hold their shape when the snake burrows. Avoid sand as it can cause problems when ingested.
Lighting & Heating: A temperature gradient (30°C for the warm end; 21°C for the cool end). Temperatures in the tank should be monitored daily with at least two thermometers (one in the cool zone and one in the basking zone) or with a point-and-shoot thermometer.
UVA/UVB lights are needed by reptiles to naturally produce vitamin D3, which helps them absorb calcium. Approximately 10-12 hours of light is ideal for them.
Humidity: Maintain 40-60% humidity; higher (70%) during shedding. A shallow open bowl of water, a piece of moist paper towel or sphagnum moss, and daily misting with warm water can aid in shedding. A hygrometer will help in monitoring the ambient humidity in the enclosure.
Nutrition
Staple Food: Corn Snakes are carnivorous and should be fed appropriately sized rodents that are thawed or warmed above room temperature. Hatchling snakes will eat about 2 times a week. Adults can be fed every 7 – 10 days.
Live prey should not be fed, as rodents commonly bite snakes and the wounds can lead to life-threatening infections.
Water: Fresh and clean water must be available at all times. A large water bowl is needed as the snake will sometimes coil inside it to cool down.
Habitat Maintenance
Daily maintenance should consist of spot cleaning by removing soiled substrate and cleaning their water bowl thoroughly and refilling. The entire enclosure should be cleaned every couple of months.
Corn Snake Maintenance
Snakes will regularly shed their skin; ensure the enclosure’s humidity is at an appropriate level (70% while shedding) to allow your corn snake to shed properly. Normally, snakes should shed their skin all in one piece. Provide a couple of dark and tight hiding spots to allow the snake to hide and feel comfortable.
Supply Checklist
Here are some necessary supplies owners will need to keep their Corn Snakes happy and healthy~
- Appropriate size and well-ventilated terrarium
- Bedding
- Hides
- Large water bowl
- Toys
- Thermometer
- Hygrometer
- Pinkie mice, rats, or defrosted mice
Important Notes
- Give your snake a week or two after you get it before you start handling it.
- Never handle them 48 hours after they have eaten. If you handle them after a meal, they will most likely regurgitate their food.
- Cedar and pine shavings should are toxic to all reptiles and should be avoided.
- Make sure the enclosure has a tightly sealed lid. Corn Snakes are known to be escape artists.
And you’re set! All the best to you and your Corn Snake!
Have more questions? Contact us at 03-7733 7469 or drop by our shop and speak to our team!