CORN SNAKE
Family: Colubride
Adult size: 4-6 ft long
Range: They cover most of the Eastern United States as north as New Jersey and west into parts of Utah and Colorado.
Habitat: The name 'corn snake' is derived from the fact it is commonly found in corn fields.
Captive life span: 12-20 years
Care level: beginner
Corn snakes are one of the most popular pet snakes and all for a good reason. Their extremely variable and gorgeous colours and patterns, easy to care for and easy to breed, generally docile dispositions have earned them their rightful, premier place in herpetoculture. The size of mature corn snakes is just right, big and hardy enough to accept regular handling, yet not large enough to intimidate a novice or child. Easy to breed and care for with an endless array of genetic traits, corn snakes offer something for the newest keeper, but can also challenge those with years of experience.
INFORMATION ABOUT FEEDING
The primary natural food for corn snakes is appropriately sized rodents. Hatchlings normally eat pinkie mice, as they begin to grow so will the size of the rodent until they reach adulthood (adults usually eat small adult mice). Always offer pre-killed frozen thawed mice. Babies should be fed every 5-7 days and then adults should be fed every 7-10 days. Do not try and handle for at least 3 days after feeding as this can lead to your snake regurgitating it's food.
SUBSTRATE
Most breeders use aspen as bedding because it is absorbent, soft and holds shape when your snake burrows. You can use other substrates but corn snakes will burrow whenever they're given the opportunity. Using sand should be avoided as this can cause impactation within your snake and this can be fatal.
HOUSING
Baby corn snakes can easily live in a plastic tub the size of a shoe box for the first several months of their lives. Adult corn snakes need an enclosure that is at least 3ft long, the bigger is better. Corn snakes will do better living alone as having mates/other snakes can be very stressing for each snake. All snakes make good escape artists so make sure you have checked and covered all means of escape. Snake habitat products such as climbing branches may be appreciated but also hides are essential to help your snake feel secure. Aim to provide a temperature of 85.F with a heat mat connected to a thermostat on one end of the enclosure and then the other side you should aim for temperatures of around the low 70.F.
HANDLING AND TEMPERAMENT
Hatchling corn snakes are naturally nervous and defensive. Although it is normal for a baby corn snake to flee, hide or defend themselves, it is also true that they have no ability to harm you. A cat or pet mouse/rat that plays too roughly with it's owner can do far more damage than even the largest corn snake. It is important to give your new corn snake a few weeks to settle into it's new home and get into a regular feeding schedule before stressing them out with unnecessary handling. After 3-4 successful feeds, start handling your corn snake for short 10 minute intervals, except from the first 3-4 days after feeding. Be sure to approach your corn snake from the side rather than above like a predator would. When lifting them up do it slowly but confidently because hesitation scares them and makes it more likely to bite and/or hide. If needed use lightweight cotton gloves to bolster confidence for as long as needed. As soon as your corn snake begins to realise that you are not trying to eat it and also that they need to calm down to regain the security of their enclosure they will usually tame quickly and become very used to being handled.
AVAILABILITY AND SIZE
They are readily available from pet shops, reptile shows (directly from breeders) and online pet stores. Captive bred is always the best because the greater likelihood your corn snake will be parasite free, healthy for you to enjoy for years.
Corn snake hatch at 8-12 inches long and can eventually reach 4-5.5ft in length.