corn snakes care - Noah's Ark Pets
Scientific Name: Elaphe guttata
Distribution: south central and southeastern United States
Average Length:3' to 4'6"
Average Life Span: 12 - 15 years average with some making it past 20 years
This is an ideal first snake, as it generally has a good disposition. This snake is also very capable of withstanding a large temperature range so it is very hardy making it an excellent first snake.
Captive Environment:
A single adult corn snake can easily be kept in a long 30 gallon aquarium with a tight fitting screen lid. Suitable substrates for you snake's home include reptile carpet or reptile bark. Provide branches for climbing and basking also provide a hide box. It provides your snake with security and peace of mind. Do not place the hide box in a warmer section or a colder section as this will force them to reside in areas of less than ideal temperature. Placing a hide box both in the warm section and the cool section gives it a choice. If you must use only one hide box, place it in an area of transition between the warm and cold sections.
Temperature:
The corn snake should always be kept at a temperature range between 75 and 85 degrees. This is necessary for the corn snakes metabolism and immune system to function properly. There are several methods for establishing the proper temperature range for your reptile. Using spotlights of variable wattage incandescent bulbs on the outside of the enclosure, under tank heaters or heat rocks or any combination of these. When using spotlights for 24 hour heat use red, night bulbs or a ceramic heating element to maintain day / night light cycle. Never place lights inside the enclosure where the reptile could come in contact with them and get burned. Use a thermometer to ensure proper temperature range is maintained.
Lighting:
UVB emitting full spectrum lighting is optional for snakes. However it may prove to be beneficial to the long term care of your pet reptile. The light should be positioned less than 18" from your pet for maximum effect. Glass blocks ultraviolet light, and air circulation, therefore it should never be used as a top for the enclosure. A 12- hour day/ night lighting cycle is a good start for your pet reptile. Using a timer is the best way to ensure that the proper amount of light is received.
Food:
In captivity corn snakes are best fed mice. Hatchlings can be fed new born pinkies and adults can be fed large mice. Intermediate sized corns should be fed proportionately sized mice. Feed juvenile corn snakes every 3 - 4 days Adults every 7 - 10 days.
Water:
Corn Snakes enjoy periodic soaks to help with shedding so provide a large enough container for soaking and drinking.
NOTE: This care sheet is a general guide, to learn more about your pet consult a book about it.
