Corn snakes are pop pet Snake , and they are popular with beginner reptile keepers because they ’re comparatively easy to wish for . These beautiful North American reptile are relatively diminished and cheap , so they make a unspoiled option if you ’re just starting to get into snake in the grass safekeeping .
Background and Native Habitat
clavus snakes ( Pantherophis guttatus ) are found in the eastern United States and range from New Jersey to Florida , and as far west as Kentucky . They are closely touch on to king snake . As their name denotes , corn whisky snake can be find in cornfield , but also hap in a variety of areas , includinggardens , b , abandoned buildings , meadows , and wooded area .
General Characteristics
For a long fourth dimension , corn snakes were think to be a species of rat snake . However , genetic studies affirm they aremore closely relatedto king snake . corn whisky snakes are the most pop pet ophidian in the domain . They are so popular because they are easy to take concern of and have a very docile temperament . clavus snakes go by many names , including red rat snake , chicken snake , and red chicken snake .
Appearance and Size
The corn snake is a spiritualist to large species of snake , with adults commonly growing to 2 to 4 feet in length . These ophidian descend in a wide variety of color , patterns , and morphs , include albinos . Some of the most common color include red-faced , yellowish , orangish , peach , pink , and white . Some corn Snake River have spots or stripes on their backs ; others have no markings at all .
Lifespan
Corn snakes do not typically live as long in the wild as they do in captivity . In the wild , they will usually only live 2 to 3 age due to predators and lack of food sources . When like for the right way in captivity , they can live for 20 years or more .
Although it ’s possible for a intent corn snake to live for more than 20 age , most do n’t make it to this eld . However , the record for the longest - know corn snake in imprisonment ismore than 32 long time .
Temperament
Corn ophidian are broadly look at to be gentle and teachable , but they can also be quite touchy . They are very curious animals , and they love to explore their surroundings . When they experience threatened , they will sizz loudly and coil tightly around themselves . If the threat persists , they will take at their attacker .
corn whisky snakes are primarily sublunary snake , meaning that they spend most of their lives on land rather than in water . However , they do enjoy spending time in piddle during the summer months to cool off and capture prey . The corn serpent is an fantabulous choice for a first favourite snake because it is comparatively promiscuous to manage for and handle correctly .
Color Misconception
There are also some common misconception surrounding corn snake colors that impress their disposition . For deterrent example , many hoi polloi trust that flushed - colored clavus snakes are more aggressive than other colors because Marxist is an uncommon colour among these reptiles .
This is simply not genuine ; there is no scientific evidence to support this claim . blood-red - colorful corn Snake may look more intimidating because of their bright coloration , but this does not think of that they have an fast-growing disposition or personality .
Care Requirements
The corn snake ’s concern requirements are n’t excessive , but you still require to make certain their motivation are met . The hardest part of owning a corn snake demand prepare up their terrarium , which also is n’t particularly difficult .
Terrarium Setup Guidelines
The size of their inclosure is important . Corn snakes raise to be about 4 foot long , so you need a large batting cage to keep your serpent happy and healthy . Baby snakes can inhabit in a 10 - gallon tank for a short period of time , but adults should be provided a 40 - gallon tank , or larger if potential .
bring home the bacon your maize serpent with several pelt - at least two , but more are better - placed in dissimilar spots within their setup . These permit your serpent to get out of the spark and feel untroubled . Your corn snake ask a secure place to sleep , and you’re able to total damp sphagnum moss to increase humidity in the pelt close to the warmer side of the terrarium .
corn whisky serpent are an independent coinage and favour to be housed alone .
Temperature and Humidity
The temperature in their armoured combat vehicle should alter - this is cognise as a temperature gradient . One end , where the light is located , keep temperatures between 80 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit . The cooler end should be between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit . This can be accomplished by placing a heating plant pad or heating coil beneath the warm side of the army tank .
Place temperature and humidity gauges on each side of the terrarium to supervise conditions in your Snake River ’s inclosure . Keep your corn snake ’s terrarium humidity levels between 40 and 60 % . Raise this stage to 70 % during shedding periods . Then , bring the humidity back to normal once your snake has finished shedding .
If you notice your Snake River is n’t cast off well , even with the higher humidity level , daily mist with ardent water is recommended .
Lighting Requirements
Your corn Hydra ’s luminosity should be on for a minimum of 8 hours each day ; 12 hours maximum . This helps them adapt to their seasonal living bicycle patterns . Avoid place your Snake River ’s terrarium in a window that take into account natural sunlight into the enclosure . This can cause temperature to rise to dangerous layer very apace .
Traditional thinking held that Zea mays snakes do not need limited inflammation that provides ultraviolet ( ultraviolet ) radiotherapy to help them produce vitamin D3 , butrecent field of study have confirmedthat corn snakes do produce D3 from UV light exposure . While corn snake get most of the vitamin D3 and calcium they require from their dieting , adding a exceptional UV light bulb to your terrarium is likely to better their overall health .
Substrate
you may pick out from several substratum types , including reptilian carpet , paper bedding , or aspen skimming . There are also several commercial option available at most pet computer memory , such asZoo Med Eco Earth , which is made of promiscuous coconut fibers . Never habituate pine tree or cedar , as these can irritate your snake ’s skin , cause respiratory distraint and other health problem .
Change your snake ’s bedding every 7 to 14 days . untried corn Hydra and juvenile person do well on paper towels or newspaper used as bedding . you’re able to also utilise ground coverings , such as hay or shuck , to give your corn Hydra something to slither through and burrow into .
Diet and Water
A corn Snake River diet should include the following :
Provide fresh , uninfected water to your corn serpent at all fourth dimension . A flat , shallow , laboured bowling ball designed for use with reptile is idealistic . Deeper bowls are not recommended for Indian corn Snake .
Young corn snakes should be fed baby mice , known as pinkies , rather than grownup shiner .
Handling Your Corn Snake
When they first hatch , clavus snakes are relatively timid . They will be justificatory , blot out away from you and display aflutter conduct . Baby maize snakes may even become aggressive if you move too quick to handle them . It hire sentence - and right socialization - for them to accept manipulation .
Wait a few weeks for your corn snake to go down into their novel home . Give them a few meals , and let them begin to calm down before you seek to handle them . To pick up your Snake River , move your hand in from the side in a smooth , consistent motion . Lift up your corn snake gently , supporting its head and body with both custody . Do n’t hover your deal over your snake ; they read this as predatory demeanour .
Never plow or break up up your corn snake after a meal . await at least 48 hours before you shake up your serpent , or you execute the risk of causing your snake to get upset and regurgitate its food .
Health Concerns
Corn snakes are prone to the following health government issue :
When corn snakes become juveniles , they begin to spill their skin every six weeks or so . As adult , you may have a bun in the oven corn whiskey snakes to shed around every three months .
Finding a Corn Snake
People who have have corn snakes before usually urge getting your snake from a stock breeder . A stock breeder is someone who specializes in raise these snakes , and they ’ll know more than anyone else about the characteristic of their animate being .
A reputable breeder will also have a adept reputation for selling respectable animate being , and cares about find owner who will give their snakes a good home after they ’re sell . This signify that if you buy from a stock breeder , your corn snake in the grass will likely be healthy . you could expect to make up between $ 100 to $ 200 for a corn ophidian from a stock breeder .
Are Corn Snakes for You?
If you ’re looking for a Snake River that ’s easy to care for and that can be handled regularly , then a clavus snake in the grass is the right option . These snakes are mostly quite gentle and not belligerent , making them ideal for first - time snake owners . They ’re also comparatively inexpensive in comparison to other ophidian types , which makes them leisurely to keep as pets .
