Corn Snake: The Ultimate Care Guide including Enclosure, Food, Substrate

Corn snakes, also known as red rat snakes, are an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced reptile enthusiasts. Their striking appearance, gentle temperament, and relatively easy care requirements make them a popular choice among pet owners. In this comprehensive care guide, we will cover all aspects of corn snake care, from background information to enclosure setup and feeding guidelines. By the end of this article, you’ll be well-prepared to provide your corn snake with the best possible care.

Background Information on Corn Snakes

Corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) are native to the southeastern and central United States, inhabiting woodland and forest regions as far west as Kentucky and Louisiana and as far south as Mexico. They come in a wide variety of color morphs, making them visually appealing and highly sought-after in the pet trade.

Mature corn snakes typically measure between 3 to 6 feet in length and weigh around 1 to 2 pounds. They are nonvenomous and pose no threat to humans, making them an ideal pet for beginners. With proper care, corn snakes can live for 15 to 25 years or even longer.

Corn Snake Background Key Takeaways

• Native to the southeastern and central United States
• Nonvenomous and safe for humans
• Grows between 3 to 6 feet in length
• Weighs between 1 and 2 pounds
• Can live for 15 to 25 years with proper care

Legal Considerations and Costs

Before acquiring a corn snake, it’s essential to check your local laws, as some states within the United States have restrictions or prohibitions on keeping corn snakes as pets.

In terms of cost, corn snakes are relatively affordable. Prices for a healthy corn snake from a reputable breeder can start around $50 for a standard color pattern and go up to $500 or more for rare color morphs. Additionally, you should expect to spend a minimum of $300 for a proper enclosure setup, including substrate, lighting, heating, and decor. However, costs can exceed $1,000 for more elaborate setups.

Where to Buy a Corn Snake

When purchasing a corn snake, it’s essential to choose a reputable breeder with a track record of providing excellent care and reasonable prices. Avoid pet stores, as many employees may not be adequately trained to care for these unique pets, and the snake may have undetected health issues.

Instead, search for online breeder reviews or attend a reptile expo to meet breeders and see the snakes in person. Prices for a baby corn snake can range from $40 to $750, depending on the rarity of the morph.

Corn Snake Purchasing Key Takeaways

• Corn snakes can cost between 500, depending on the morph
• Search for a reputable breeder or attend a reptile expo
• Avoid purchasing from pet stores
• Expect to spend at least $300 on habitat setup

Diet and Feeding Guidelines

A corn snake’s diet is relatively affordable, with the weekly cost typically amounting to just a few dollars. In the wild, corn snakes hunt prey such as small mammals, frogs, fish, and birds, often during their peak activity hours around dawn and dusk. In captivity, they are generally fed a diet of mice and rats, with the frequency of feeding decreasing as they grow older.

To ensure a well-rounded diet, it’s a good idea to supplement their meals with calcium or vitamin supplements occasionally. Hatchlings should be fed once every 7 days, juveniles once every 7 to 14 days, and adults once every 14 to 21 days. Weighing your snake weekly with a kitchen scale can help you determine the best feeding schedule for their needs.

Corn Snake Diet Key Takeaways

• Affordable diet of mice and rats
• Supplement with calcium or vitamin supplements occasionally
• Feeding frequency depends on age: hatchlings (weekly), juveniles (every 7-14 days), adults (every 14-21 days)

Habitat and Tank Setup

Providing a suitable habitat is crucial for your corn snake’s overall health and well-being. Ensure you plan out every detail before bringing your snake home, or make the necessary adjustments to your current setup.

Size of the Enclosure

A minimum of a 30-gallon aquarium is recommended for adult corn snakes, but larger enclosures with more room to explore and climb are preferred. As they grow older, corn snakes become more curious and active, so providing vertical space for climbing and a thick layer of substrate for burrowing is essential.

Type of Enclosures

Many owners house their corn snakes in glass aquariums, which can work well if three of the four glass walls are blocked off for privacy and security. A tight-fitting screened lid is also necessary, as corn snakes are known for their escape abilities. Alternatively, a front-opening terrarium provides a secure, accessible, and well-insulated environment for your snake.

Corn Snake Habitat Key Takeaways

• Minimum of a 30-gallon tank required
• Provide climbing and burrowing opportunities
• Choose between glass aquariums or front-opening terrariums

Temperature and Humidity Requirements

To keep your corn snake comfortable, provide three distinct temperature zones within their enclosure:

• Basking surface: 90°F
• Ambient (air) temperature: 78-82°F
• Cool zone: 75°F

Nighttime temperatures can safely drop to 68°F, which can be maintained with a ceramic heat emitter if necessary.

Ideal Humidity Levels

A humidity level of 40% to 50% is recommended for corn snake enclosures. Monitor the humidity levels closely and adjust as needed. Increasing humidity can be achieved by adding a moist hide or placing the water bowl over the under-tank heating element. Maintaining appropriate humidity levels is crucial to prevent shedding issues and respiratory infections.

Lighting and Substrate

Corn snakes require a distinct day/night cycle in captivity, with 12 hours of “daylight” per day. If housing your snake in a dark room with few windows, provide supplemental lighting to mimic natural daylight. While UVB lighting is not strictly required for most snakes, recent studies suggest that it can be beneficial for their mental and physical health.

As for substrate, corn snakes enjoy burrowing, so provide a thick layer of a suitable material such as aspen shavings or chips, cypress mulch, coconut fiber, or orchid bark. Avoid using pine and cedar shavings or wood chips, as they can cause neurological issues in reptiles.

Decor and Accessories

Enriching your corn snake’s environment with decor and accessories is essential for promoting exercise and mental stimulation. Some excellent choices for your snake’s enclosure include:

• Heavy water dish: Provide a large, heavy, ceramic-style dish for drinking and occasional soaking.
• Hides: Offer at least two hides, one on the warm side and another on the cool side, to give your snake a safe place to rest.
• Climbing branches: These provide an opportunity for your snake to exercise and engage in a natural behavior.
• Plants: Real or artificial plants can enhance the enclosure’s appearance and provide additional sensory stimulation for your snake.

Corn Snake Decor Key Takeaways

• Provide a water dish, at least two hides, climbing branches, and plants
• Use a suitable substrate for burrowing, such as aspen shavings or cypress mulch
• Avoid pine and cedar substrates

Health Concerns and Prevention

While corn snakes are generally hardy and easy to care for, they can still suffer from certain health issues, particularly if their husbandry is inadequate. Two common ailments affecting corn snakes are dysecdysis (poor shedding) and pustular dermatitis (blister disease or scale rot).

Dysecdysis

Poor shedding can result from low humidity, inadequate soaking opportunities, handling during the shedding process, and low temperatures. Address stuck shed promptly by soaking the snake and carefully removing the shed, as it can cause permanent injury if left untreated.

Pustular Dermatitis

Pustular dermatitis is characterized by small, blister-like lesions on the snake’s underside. This condition can progress to severe skin damage, septicemia, and death if not treated promptly. Maintaining proper humidity levels and cleanliness in the enclosure can help prevent scale rot.

Corn Snake Health Key Takeaways

• Common health issues include dysecdysis and pustular dermatitis
• Proper husbandry and cleanliness can help prevent these conditions
• Address stuck shed and scale rot promptly

Handling and Bonding Tips

After bringing your new corn snake home, allow them approximately two weeks to settle in before handling. Begin with short, 5-minute handling sessions, gradually increasing to 30 minutes over time. Avoid handling your snake within 48 hours of eating or during shedding.

When picking up your corn snake, approach from the side and support as much of their body as possible. Avoid grabbing the tail or restraining the head. Corn snakes are curious and active, so expect them to climb and explore during handling sessions.

Corn Snake Handling Key Takeaways

• Allow a settling-in period before handling
• Start with short sessions and gradually increase duration
• Approach from the side and support the snake’s body
• Be prepared for climbing and exploration

Is a Corn Snake Right for You?

Corn snakes make fantastic pets for first-time snake owners due to their easy care requirements and gentle nature. Experienced hobbyists will also appreciate the variety of color morphs and patterns available in this species. With proper care and attention, a corn snake can be a rewarding and long-lived companion. By following the guidelines outlined in this care guide, you’ll be well-equipped to provide the best possible care for your corn snake.