The Corn Snake Care Sheet
Scientific Name: Elaphe guttata guttata, Pantherophis Guttata Guttata
Common Name: Corn Snake, Red Rat Snake
Average Lifespan: 12-20+ Years
Hatchling Size: 9-15 inches
Adult Size: 2-6 foot
Origin: Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States
Introduction
Corn Snakes are an ideal snake for the beginner. This is because they are placid in nature, don’t grow too big and don’t require a large amount of space to keep.
Corn snakes originate from North America, with the most common and popular variety being the Carolina corn snake. All corn snakes you see at Cascade will have been bred in captivity. They usually grow to between 3 and 5 feet, with males usually ending up slightly larger. Corn snakes are easy to feed, and can become quite tame with regular handling. You can expect your corn snake to be fully grown after 4-6 years and they should live for around 12-16 years.
Varieties
There are now countless varieties, or “colour morphs” of corn snakes available. These are usually produced through selective breeding, although some occur naturally. Some examples of corn snake colour morphs are; Albino corn snakes(Amelanistic), Black corn snakes(Anerythristic), snow, amber and lavender corn snakes. Many of these colour morphs are incredibly striking, and can fetch quite a high price.
Housing
Corn snake set ups are generally quite simple and easily maintained. Hatchlings will require a small plastic container with a tight fitting lid (The largest Exo Terra Faunarium is ideal), a heat mat at one end, a small thermostat to regulate the temperature, some beech chippings to use as substrate, two small hides (one at each end) and a water bowl. An adult corn snake will require a 36”x15”x15” wooden Vivarium, with a spot bulb and bulb guard (to avoid burns) and a dimming thermostat to regulate the temperature. Again they will need two hides (of appropriate size), substrate and a water bowl. Adult corn snakes are also good climbers, so provide plenty of branches, vines etc.
Maintenance
Corn snake Vivariums are easily kept clean. You should “spot clean” the Vivarium daily and remove any obvious mess. The Vivarium should be cleaned out around once a month. The chippings should be discarded and the whole Vivarium and all decorations should be disinfected. (Cascade reptile disinfectant is ideal)
Feeding
Corn snakes feed well on thawed out frozen mice appropriate to the size of their mouth. They should easily manage a mouse approximately one and a half times the size of their head. Hatchling corns should be fed every 5-7 days, whilst adult corns should be fed every 7-14 days. It is best to let the mouse thaw naturally. Once the mouse is thoroughly thawed out and at room temperature, wiggle it in front of the snake’s head with a pair of tongs. This ensures the snake doesn’t mistake your fingers for food. Avoid handling your snake for a couple of days after feeding, as this can make them regurgitate their meal.
Corn snakes require a constant supply of fresh water in a heavy bottomed dish that should be changed daily. Keep this at the cool end of the Vivarium.
Shedding
As your corn snake grows it will shed the outer layer of it’s skin. This can happen as regularly as every 4 weeks in youngsters. You will know when your snake is getting ready to shed when it’s colours become dull and it’s eyes turn a blueish-grey. Take care not to handle your snake during this period as it will feel vulnerable and therefore be more defensive. Corn snakes usually shed in one long piece, but you’ll need to closely inspect your snake to make sure it’s all come off. Problems usually occur around the tip of the tail. If any remains, place some damp sphagnum moss into one of it’s hides.
Another Care And Advice Sheet
The corn snake is native to the woodlands and rocky hillsides of Central America up to North Mexico. It normally grows between 3 and 5 feet.
They are quite placid snakes and will become tame with regular handling. They are an ideal first snake.
When choosing your first snake you will have to decide as to whether you would like to start with a hatchling or a yearling. Breeders normally sell on hatchling snakes as soon as they have shed their skin and taken their first food. This can be anything from 3 to 10 days, so hatchlings can be very young.
Housing
A 30" x 15" x 15" vivarium should be big enough to house up 1 corn snake. Obviously the more corns you keep the bigger the vivarium you will need. Corns are nocturnal and do not need special lighting. For the size of the tank stated a 60 watt coloured light bulb with guard should be enough to provide the temperatures required through the day, which is, 78 - 88 degrees Fahrenheit and dropping five or ten degrees lower for the night time temperature. You will need to be able to regulate the heat by using either a dimmer thermostat or a dimmer switch. A thermometer placed inside the tank is essential to make sure the temperature is maintained.
Corns like to hide up during the day so make sure that you put enough dark hide areas in the tank. Use rocks, logs and artificial plants, these are ideal. Make sure to put a rock or stone underneath the basking area as the heat will be absorbed by the stone and will make a nice warm place for the snake when it is active during the night.
Make sure to keep a fresh supply of water in a sturdy drinking bowl for the snake. You might find that some snakes use the water to defecate so it is advisable to change it on a daily basis.
Provide several areas for the snake to climb on.
Feeding
It is advisable to feed snakes mice that have been frozen and thawed. Live mice can do a lot of damage to a snake.
How often and the number of mice fed depend upon the size of the snake. Hatchlings should have a pinkie (day old mice) about every 4 days but if they remain hungry then feed them two. As the snake grows older you should increase the size of the mouse and extend the feeding period so that eventually as an adult they will be fed weekly. Corn snakes cannot be overfed.
Whilst young, corn snakes shed their skin quite often. You will notice that they will be due to shed by the blue cast over their eyes, once this has cleared they will shed within a few days. You may also find that they will go off their food before a shed as well. Once they have completed their shedding they will return to eating properly.
General Information
If you are keeping more than one snake in a vivarium then separate them when it comes to feeding time. This will stop them fighting for the food. Once they have eaten you are able to put them back into the tank together.
Captive bred corn snakes come in a variety of colours.
