9 Things to Know About Corn Snake Care
Corn snakes are among the most popular snakes globally and are a great choice for a pet snake. They are relatively easy to take care of and very docile, making them ideal for handling.
They are a type of rat snake native to the southeastern United States. Here are a few things you need to know to keep your snake healthy and happy.
Housing
Corn snakes need a spacious enclosure. A 20-gallon tank is a good size for a baby corn snake, but an adult corn snake will need a tank that's at least 40 gallons. The tank should have a tight-fitting lid, and it should be outfitted with a few hiding places. Corn snakes are escape artists, so it's important to make sure their enclosure is escape-proof. You can buy special snake-proof lids or make your own by attaching hardware cloth to the inside of the lid with zip ties.
Temperature and Humidity
Corn snakes need a warm environment, with a temperature between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the night. Using a basking spot lamp and ceramic heat emitter, you can create a temperature gradient in their enclosure. It's important to maintain the proper humidity level in their enclosure. Corn snakes come from humid environments, so they need an enclosure that's between 50 and 60 percent humidity. You can raise the humidity level by misting their enclosure with water or using a humidity box.
Diet
Corn snakes are carnivores, and their diet should consist mainly of rodents. Baby corn snakes should be fed pinky mice, and adult corn snakes should be fed adult mice. You can buy live or frozen mice from a pet store or catch your own mice if you live in an area where mice are plentiful. Corn snakes should be fed once a week, and they should be allowed to eat as much as they want. After they eat, they may not want to eat again for a week or two. This is normal, and you shouldn't be concerned unless they stop eating altogether.
Water
Corn snakes need a water bowl in their enclosure, and they should be given fresh water every day. The bowl should be large enough for them to soak in if they want to, but it shouldn't be so deep that they could drown.
Shedding.
Corn snakes shed their skin periodically, and they should be given a warm bath when they start to shed. This will help them shed their skin more easily. After their bath, you should help them remove any loose skin left on their body by gently rubbing their body with a soft cloth.
Lighting
Corn snakes do not need special lighting, but the enclosure should be kept in a room that gets natural daylight.
Substrate
Corn snakes can be kept on various substrates, such as newspaper, paper towels, Astroturf, or reptile carpet. Avoid using sand or gravel, as these can be harmful if ingested.
Handling
Corn snakes are generally docile and make great pets. They can be handled a few times a week, but it is important to be gentle and to support their entire body.
Common Health Problems
One of the most common health problems observed in corn snakes is respiratory infections. These can be caused by several factors, including poor cage conditions, unclean water, or a lack of vitamin A in the diet.
Another common health problem is mouth rot, an infection of the mouth and gums. Mouth rot can be caused by feeding your corn snake live prey that has been infected with bacteria or by housing your snake in a dirty cage. If you suspect your corn snake is sick, it is important to take it to a reptile veterinarian for treatment.
Conclusion
Corn snakes are easy to care for and make great pets. With proper care, they can be a rewarding and low-maintenance pet! Contact us to learn more about how to care for your corn snake.