Read About Corn Snake

The Corn Snake can be a great choice for a beginning snake owner. Everything you need to know about them is contained in this article.

Corn Snake - Facts

  1. Description:

    Corn snakes are colorful reptiles found mainly in the southeastern United States. They reach up to 4 feet in length and live an average of 15 years in captivity.
  2. Varieties:

    Corn snakes, scientifically named Pantherophis guttata, are a species of the Rat Snake, also known as the Great Plains Rat Snake.
  3. History:

    Corn snakes have been bred in captivity for many years and are one of the most popular snakes as a pet.
  4. Physical Traits:

    Corn snakes come in many beautiful colors due to selective breeding and are usually less than five feet in length.
  5. Other Defining Characteristics:

    Corn snakes are named for the Indian Corn pattern on the belly.
  6. Habitat:

    Corn snakes live in wooded areas and are often found in abandoned buildings and trash piles.

Corn Snake - Concerns

  1. Benefits:

    Corn snakes are usually very gentle, fairly easy to care for, and do not grow very large.
  2. Liabilities:

    You must provide mice as food for this snake.
  3. Health Issues:

    Corn snakes are usually healthy and free of disease, but they may suffer from mites, shedding problems, and regurgitation problems if not fed properly.
  4. Specific Care Needs:

    A corn snake needs clean water, a place to hide, something to climb on, and a source of heat that keeps the temperature between 70-85 degrees F.
  5. Reaction to Children and other Pets:

    Corn snakes can be rather docile, but children should always be supervised. Other household pets should not be allowed access to the snake.
  6. Special Household Needs:

    Corn snakes do not need any special lighting. When full-grown, they should be fed one mouse or rat every 7-10 days.

Corn Snake - How to Choose

  1. What to Look for:

    You should look for a captive-bred snake that has clear eyes, no signs of parasites, healthy skin, and is alert.
  2. Supplies:

    A corn snake should have a "hide box" that is just big enough for the snake to curl up in. A branch or other item to climb on should also be provided.
  3. Expense:

    A corn snake is one of the most inexpensive snakes available. The snake alone can be purchased in the $20 range. However, the main expenses in owning a corn snake will come when providing mice and rats as food.