Care Guide Reference

Corn Snake Care
Pantherophis guttatus
East America

The most popular species pet snake in the world today is the Corn Snake. It has been domesticated and is bred in such large quantities in captivity, that wild numbers are unaffected by their popularity in the pet trade.

They are very calm and docile snakes and have very simple needs, making them ideal first snakes.

The corn snake is a member of the Rat Snake family and larger the COLUBRID family, containing species such as the King snake, the Garter snake and the Milk snake.

They originate from East America, living in corn fields, hence their name, hunting on small rodents. There have been many morphs bred and there are now over 80 morphs of this ever growing corn snake family.

Common Name: Corn Snake

Scientific name: Pantherophis guttatus

Activity: Crepuscular. They are quite shy creatures and spend most of their time in hides only coming out in the late evening and early morning to hunt.

Longevity (life expectancy): 20+ years

Position in Viv: Ground dwelling, but some do enjoy to climb.

Size: Corn snakes grow to an average of 5 feet in length, males being slightly smaller than females.

Sexing: You can quite easily establish the sex of your corn snake visually by comparison. Males’ tails taper gradually after the vent, where as females tails decrease sharply then taper. Popping of the hemipenes and probing are more exact methods of sexing, but not recommended to be carried out by anyone other than a suitably qualified herpetologist or vet.

Water Supply: A bowl of drinking water must be available at all times and should be changed out daily. The snake will also use this to soak.

Substrate: Substrates are greatly debated and argued over. The simplest substrates I recommend are either paper/kitchen towels or newspaper for hatchlings or juveniles, and reptile bark for adults.

UV Lighting: Corn Snakes do not need or benefit from full spectrum lighting. White light may be used during the day, but is not necessary if the vivarium is in a naturally well lit room. Providing red lighting at night allows their movements to be seen without disturbing its day/night cycle. Any lighting used must be guarded to prevent burns and controlled thermostatically.

Humidity Requirements: Fairly dry environment, but benefit from occasional misting and a moist hide when they are due to shed.

Temperatures and Heating Equipment: The temperature range should be between 70F to 85F (20C to 30C). Heat can be provided in a number of ways. One option is a heat mat. This should be placed underneath one end of the vivarium and should measure one-third to half the length, and should be used with a mat Stat. A ceramic lamp is a better choice; this should be used with a good quality Stat, i.e. a pulse proportional Stat and should be guarded, to protect the snake from burns.

Housing: Babies do better in small enclosures. For first few months a plastic box with holes drilled in the lid, or a small plastic aquarium, with water dish, hide box and kitchen towel as a substrate would provide a perfect home.

Adults prefer larger enclosures, 30x24x24 is ideal. Branches can be used to increase the space available. Some adults love to climb
As with all snakes, it is recommended that corn snakes be housed individually except during breeding, this way you can monitor each snakes health better

Decor: Preferably 2 hides, and branches etc to climb on.

Diet: Corns in the wild eat small mammals and eat much the same in captivity, being fed on pre killed rodents. The size of the prey item should be no bigger than 1.5 times the girth (width) of the snake. Hatchlings can be fed every 3 to 4 days, juveniles every 5 days, and sub-adults/adult every week.

General Ease Of Care: Corns are very simple to keep providing that their husbandry requirements are met.

Additional Information:

Recommended book: The corn snake manual, by Bill and Kathy Love.

Recommended Website: The Corn Snake Fan Club.

www.csftp.co.uk