Badgerland Reptile Rescue

Corn Snake Care Guide

Corn Snake

Pantherophis guttatus

Native Range

Corn snakes live in the eastern United States from southern New Jersey south to Florida and west to Louisiana and parts of Kentucky.

History

Corn snakes are often considered to be the first snake species widely reproduced in captivity and been bred in ever-increasing numbers since the 1960s.

Enclosure

The absolute minimum size enclosure for an adult corn snake is the equivalent to a 40-gallon breeder tank (36″ x 18″ x 16″). Corn snakes are best kept in enclosures that are 4′ x 2′ x 2′ (or even larger, if possible).

While some individuals may be tempted to allow two or more corn snakes to live together in the same enclosure, Badgerland Reptile Rescue strongly advises against cohabitation for this species.

There are many different substrates available for corn snakes, including paper towels, newspaper, cypress mulch and coconut husk. We do not recommend using reptile carpet or pine/cedar shaving substrates.

Heating & Humidity

Adult corn snakes should be provided a hotspot of 80-85° during the day. Night-time temperatures should typically be between 65-75°. In most cases, the ambient humidity should be between 50-60%

Please note that a reliable thermostat must always be used with any heat source!

UVB Lighting

Because corn snakes are crepuscular, UVB lighting is not required. However, you may find that including UVB lighting promotes more natural behaviors. We recommend the following: Arcadia ShadeDweller 7%, Zilla Tropical 25, ZooMed ReptiSun 5.0

Diet

Corn snakes are obligate carnivores, which means they need to eat whole animals in order to get the right nutrition. Most corn snake keepers feed appropriately-sized mice or rats, though other sources like African soft furs, chicks, and quail may be offered as enrichment. Badgerland Reptile Rescue only recommends feeding only pre-killed prey that has been frozen & thawed, as live rodents can severely injure or kill a snake.

Average Lifespan

15-20 years

Signs of a Healthy Animal

  • Alert and energetic
  • Bright, clear eyes
  • Intact skin without any ulcerations or stuck shed present
  • No shaky or “wobbly” movement
  • No swelling or bumps throughout body
  • Clean vent
  • No discharge appearing from nose or mouth
  • No open mouth breathing
  • Relaxed demeanor, regularly flicking tongue

Sources

Dukart, Seri. “Corn Snake.” Creature Care Cards, www.creaturecarecards.com/cornsnake.html.

Hallatt, AJ, and Nicole D’Avignon. “Corn Snake Care Guide.” BeWild Reptile Rescue, bewildnc.org/corn-snake/.

Healey, Mariah. “Corn Snake Care Guide.” ReptiFiles®, 20 Sept. 2017, reptifiles.com/corn-snake-care-guide/.

“Husbandry Handbook: Corn Snake – Panthertophis Guttata.” Zilla Reptile, www.zillarules.com/information/care-sheets/corn-snake.

Love, Kathy. “Corn Snake Care Sheet.” Reptiles Magazine, 30 Nov. 2011, reptilesmagazine.com/corn-snake-care-sheet/.

Mede, Erica. “Corn Snake Care.” Edited by Susan Horton, Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital, www.exoticpetvet.com/cornsnake-care.html.

Pollock, Christal. “Basic Information Sheet: Corn Snake.” LafeberVet, 25 Feb. 2011, lafeber.com/vet/basic-information-for-corn-snakes/.