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Corn Snake Care Sheet
Introduction
Corn Snakes (Elaphe guttata) are a perfect first time snake that stays relatively small,
has a good temperament, and is readily available in a wide variety of colors and
patterns at affordable prices. Topping out around five feet long, these snakes are
perfect for children, as well!
Enclosure
Bigger is not always better. The enclosure should be relative to the size of the snake.
Hatchlings can be housed in a 1- gallon tank for quite some time. Adults can live in a
40 gallon tank without discomfort for their entire life (20+ years).
Substrate
Economically, newsprint or paper towels will work as a good choice of substrate.
However, aesthetically, shredded aspen makes the perfect bedding choice. Corn
snakes enjoy being able to burrow down, which aspen is great for - and it smells much
nicer, too! NEVER use pine or redwood as a bedding as these emit chemicals
naturally that can irritate the snakes skin, causing health problems.
Water and Humidity
Be sure to provide a water dish large enough for your snake to soak in. While not
necessary for survival, your corn snake will appreciate it during its shedding period.
Corn snakes come from a relatively dry area, so humidity can be kept in the 35% to
55% range. This is similar to most household humidities, so although no misting is
necessary, it is good to raise humidity levels in your enclosure during periods of
shedding.
Heat and Light
By placing an appropriately sized heat pad under one side of the enclosure, the
proper temperatures can be maintained. The hot side of your snake’s home should be
85 degrees Fahrenheit and the cool side between 75 and 80 degrees. A ten degree
temperature drop at night is also advisable. Place athermometer at each end of the
enclosure to observe temperatures. Corn snakes are nocturnal, meaning they are
active at night, so no artificial lighting is necessary.
Hides and Décor
Corn snakes are semi-arboreal so placing some branches and decorations in your
enclosure makes for wonderful observations, but they are not necessary for your
snake to thrive. Hides, however, provide a place for your corn snake to rest out of
sight. This is important because your snake needs to feel secure in order to thrive.
Most reptile shops carry caves, hollow logs, half logs, or other reptile hides. A shoebox
with a hole cut in the end works just as well as any of these.
Food
A rule of thumb with snakes is to feed prey items the same girth as the widest part of
the snake, and this is applicable to corn snakes. Hatchlings take pinkie mice, sub-
adults will take mice, and a full grown adult snake will take a small rat. To avoid injury
to your corn snake, get it to feed on frozen thawed prey as soon as possible. See the
article “Tricks of Frozen Thawed” for more information.
Conclusion
Corn snakes are beautiful, friendly, small snakes that make wonderful pets and are a
perfect “first-time” snake! The variety of colors and patterns seems to be endless. If
you are thinking of a pet snake for your children, or you are simply interested in
expanding your snake collection, the corn snake is the perfect addition.
Introduction
Corn Snakes (Elaphe guttata) are a perfect first time snake that stays relatively small,
has a good temperament, and is readily available in a wide variety of colors and
patterns at affordable prices. Topping out around five feet long, these snakes are
perfect for children, as well!
Enclosure
Bigger is not always better. The enclosure should be relative to the size of the snake.
Hatchlings can be housed in a 1- gallon tank for quite some time. Adults can live in a
40 gallon tank without discomfort for their entire life (20+ years).
Substrate
Economically, newsprint or paper towels will work as a good choice of substrate.
However, aesthetically, shredded aspen makes the perfect bedding choice. Corn
snakes enjoy being able to burrow down, which aspen is great for - and it smells much
nicer, too! NEVER use pine or redwood as a bedding as these emit chemicals
naturally that can irritate the snakes skin, causing health problems.
Water and Humidity
Be sure to provide a water dish large enough for your snake to soak in. While not
necessary for survival, your corn snake will appreciate it during its shedding period.
Corn snakes come from a relatively dry area, so humidity can be kept in the 35% to
55% range. This is similar to most household humidities, so although no misting is
necessary, it is good to raise humidity levels in your enclosure during periods of
shedding.
Heat and Light
By placing an appropriately sized heat pad under one side of the enclosure, the
proper temperatures can be maintained. The hot side of your snake’s home should be
85 degrees Fahrenheit and the cool side between 75 and 80 degrees. A ten degree
temperature drop at night is also advisable. Place athermometer at each end of the
enclosure to observe temperatures. Corn snakes are nocturnal, meaning they are
active at night, so no artificial lighting is necessary.
Hides and Décor
Corn snakes are semi-arboreal so placing some branches and decorations in your
enclosure makes for wonderful observations, but they are not necessary for your
snake to thrive. Hides, however, provide a place for your corn snake to rest out of
sight. This is important because your snake needs to feel secure in order to thrive.
Most reptile shops carry caves, hollow logs, half logs, or other reptile hides. A shoebox
with a hole cut in the end works just as well as any of these.
Food
A rule of thumb with snakes is to feed prey items the same girth as the widest part of
the snake, and this is applicable to corn snakes. Hatchlings take pinkie mice, sub-
adults will take mice, and a full grown adult snake will take a small rat. To avoid injury
to your corn snake, get it to feed on frozen thawed prey as soon as possible. See the
article “Tricks of Frozen Thawed” for more information.
Conclusion
Corn snakes are beautiful, friendly, small snakes that make wonderful pets and are a
perfect “first-time” snake! The variety of colors and patterns seems to be endless. If
you are thinking of a pet snake for your children, or you are simply interested in
expanding your snake collection, the corn snake is the perfect addition.
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