Corn Snake Care Guide

Introduction

Our comprehensive Corn Snake care guide ​provides​ all the necessary information to ensure proper care for your pet Corn Snake.

The Corn Snake (Pantherophis⁤ guttatus) is ⁣one‍ of the most ‍popular reptiles kept in captivity. ⁢They are relatively easy to care for, have a calm temperament, and can reach up to 6 feet in length. Despite their ‌size, they are slender ‌and easy to ​handle. ⁣In the wild, they⁤ have⁣ a mottled‌ orange, red, and ​black color, but selective breeding⁣ has resulted in ​hundreds⁣ of different​ colors and patterns⁤ (morphs), making them highly sought after by pet owners, collectors, and breeders. These snakes can live‍ up to 20 years in captivity, so⁤ it is important to make a long-term commitment⁣ when deciding to own one.

Housing

Corn Snakes are best kept in a high-quality, sealed, wooden ‍vivarium. This provides proper heat retention and security for ‍the snake. As hatchlings are small and grow slowly, it is recommended to start with a smaller ⁤enclosure and upgrade as the snake grows. ⁤A 2ft enclosure, such as​ the Monkfield ⁣24inch terrainum, is a​ good starting point. Once the snake ‌is ready‍ for a larger home, it can be moved‍ directly into its adult enclosure. It is important to provide plenty of ‌secure hiding areas for ‌a smaller snake in a larger enclosure. We recommend a 120x60x60cm enclosure for adult Corn Snakes, but⁣ larger ‌enclosures can also be used.

Corn Snakes prefer ‌to live alone and ⁤should⁣ not be housed with other snakes, except for short periods during breeding season.

Heating

Corn Snakes require a warm area in their ⁣enclosure, with a temperature ⁢of ‍approximately 30-32C. The ⁤rest of the enclosure should have an ‌ambient temperature range of 24-28C to create a suitable thermogradient.​ Nighttime ‍temperatures should not drop below 18C. ⁣For smaller snakes,⁣ a heat mat and thermostat can be ⁣used. These can be placed in the ‍specially made slot of a terrainum and monitored with ‍a digital⁢ thermometer. However, it is important ⁣to ensure that the ambient‍ (air) temperature is also⁢ adequate, as heat mats do ‌not warm the air. For larger snakes,⁣ ceramic heaters are ⁢a popular choice.‌ These should always be protected with a heating ​guard to prevent burns,​ and the temperature should be controlled with a pulse or dimming thermostat. Another option is the⁣ use of an Arcadia⁤ Deep Heat Projector, controlled ‌by a thermostat. This type of heater provides a deep, tissue-penetrating heat (Infra-Red B) and can also ⁣warm‌ decorations beneath it, creating additional heat in the‌ enclosure.⁤ Providing heat from above can also help prevent accidental burns ⁤or overheating, which can occur with heat mats, especially‍ if they are buried under substrate.

Lighting

Like most animals,‌ Corn Snakes can benefit from access to UV lighting. A UV Index of‍ around⁢ 1-2, along with shaded areas, will ensure that the ⁢snake can access ‍the UVB light it⁢ needs for healthy development. For smaller enclosures, an Arcadia Shade Dweller ProT5 light ​can provide this UV Index​ when installed at ⁤a ⁣height of 25-40cm. For terrainiums, the‍ mini-uv kit is recommended, as ⁣the less powerful reflector is ‌suitable for distances of 15-20cm. For​ larger​ enclosures of the same height, a mirrored Arcadia 6% T8 ⁢tube can provide the same output. If​ there is more space to work with (40-45cm),⁢ a 6% T5‍ or ProT5 kit can be used. The‍ light should ‍be kept on⁤ for 12-14 hours per day and turned off​ at night.

Humidity

Corn Snakes come from areas with relatively low humidity, so a dry setup is recommended. Humidity ‍can be ⁣monitored in the ⁢cool end of the enclosure, but ⁢as long as the ⁢vivarium is warm and well-ventilated, there‌ should not be ⁢any issues in most⁢ UK households. A higher ​humidity hide (moist box)⁣ can ⁣also ⁣be ⁤beneficial, and many baby ⁤Corn Snakes will spend a lot of time in these‍ if⁢ given access.

Decorations

Decorating a vivarium is not just about making it visually appealing. It also serves a functional purpose, providing ‌an environment that makes‌ the Corn⁢ Snake feel safe ⁣and secure.‍ It is important ‌to‌ have a hide on both the warm and cool‌ sides of the⁣ enclosure. Rocks, resin ​decorations, branches, and ​plastic plants can all be⁢ used as climbing ⁣and hiding areas for Corn Snakes, which are ⁣surprisingly active, especially ⁣at⁢ night.

Feeding

Corn Snakes should be fed appropriately sized, defrosted mice or ​rats. ⁢See⁢ our separate ‌snake feeding guide for more‌ information.

Water

Fresh drinking water ‌should be available at all ⁤times in a shallow bowl and changed daily.

Cleaning‍ and Hygiene

Spot clean⁢ the enclosure daily, removing any waste matter​ to keep the enclosure clean at all times. A full vivarium⁣ clean⁤ should be done every 4-6 weeks, replacing all substrate and cleaning and disinfecting⁢ the enclosure and decorations ‍where⁤ safe⁢ to do so. Like⁤ cats, dogs, ⁢and other pets, reptiles can carry bacteria (including salmonella), worms, and parasites. To prevent the​ spread of⁣ infection between yourself and ​the animal, or between ‍different animals in your care, always wash your hands thoroughly‌ before and‌ after handling or cleaning. It is also recommended to have a fecal test done annually, or at any ‌time‌ if there are any concerns, such as runny stools. ‍See https://www.palsvetlab.co.uk for more information.

Your Responsibilities

This Corn Snake care guide is designed ⁢to provide ​a basic overview and ​quick reference ⁣for ⁢the most common questions related ⁣to care and setups.⁣ There may be multiple methods to achieve the ⁢same results, and this guide should⁣ be read in‍ conjunction with other research, professional advice, and new⁣ developments in knowledge and research. As a pet owner, you are ⁣legally responsible for ensuring⁣ that any animal in your care is properly cared⁤ for. Your responsibilities include:

• Freedom from hunger or thirst by providing access to ⁢fresh water and a diet that maintains full health ​and vigor
• Freedom from discomfort by⁢ providing a suitable environment, including shelter and a comfortable ⁣resting area
• Freedom from pain, injury, or disease by preventing or promptly ‌diagn