Corn Snake

General Information

 * Scientific Name: Pantherophis guttatus
 * Lifespan: 16-22 years
 * Length: 4-5.5 feet
 * Carnivore
 * Nocturnal (Crepuscular)
 * Terrestrial

Geographic Range and Habitat
Corn Snakes are found in the South-Eastern United States, from New Jersey, south to Florida, and from Florida. west to Texas. Their main habitats in the wild are overgrown fields, forest openings, trees, and abandoned buildings and farms.

Availability
Corn Snakes are one of the most common pets in the reptile-keeping hobby and are usually available at any pet or reptile stores.

Behaviour and Handling
Corn Snakes are nervous and defensive animals until they get used to people, so it can be normal for them to flee or act defensively. When they are first purchased, they should be given about two weeks to adjust to their new environment and be successfully feeding before being handled. After this time it is appropriate to start handling them more and more. They are also very active snakes (when outside) and appreciate time outside of their enclosure. Like most snakes, avoid handling when they are shedding and also after they have eaten.

Housing and Substrate
Corn Snakes are very popular pets because they can be housed in very simple enclosures like rack systems. The minimum size of enclosure that an adult should be housed in is a 20-gallon long tank. A very important object for the living space of a Corn Snake is a good, dark hide on the warm and cool sides of the cage that makes them feel safe (about the size of their body while curled up). Climbing branches and rocks are welcome additions to a cage for a Corn Snake. The enclosure should be escape-proofed.

The most common substrate used by owners is aspen shavings because it can hold burrows well for snakes. Cypress mulch, and paper towel/newspaper also work.

Heating and Light
To create the hot spot, a heating pad is recommended. The warm side should be 85 degrees Fahrenheit and the cool side should be 71-74 degrees.

Diet
Corn Snakes can be fed rodents, frogs, and lizards, but the main part of the diet should be rodents. Adult Corn Snakes can be offered birds and small eggs. The rodent being fed should be frozen-thawed and the size of the opening of the mouth of the snake. Babies should be fed every 5-7 days and adults should be fed every 7-10 days.

Water and Humidity
There should always be a large, shallow water dish available in the cage. It is recommended to place the water dish in the corner, so it can be easily found when cruising along the perimeter. If the snake is having problems shedding, a moist hide box should be added to the enclosure.

Sites Used

 * http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Snakes/Corn-Snake/
 * http://www.thecornsnake.co.uk/corn_snake_care_sheet.htm