How to Care for a Corn Snake

Corn snakes are a very hardy reptile and a good first snake to buy. They reach an average adult length of 4 feet and come in a variety of colors. Corn snakes live an average of 10 years in captivity. The corn snake is nocturnal and will provide plenty of viewing pleasure if you equip the cage with night lighting.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Enclosure
• Locking screen top
• Substrate
• Reptile heating pad
• Heat lamp
• Lighting timer
• Thermometer
• Water bowl
• Feeder mice and rats
• Hiding area
• Branches

1. Purchase an appropriately sized container for an adult size corn snake. The tank size should be 30 gallons and with a locking screen lid.

2. Cover the bottom of the cage with any of a variety of substrates like newspaper, mulch, pine and bark.

3. Place a reptile heating mat underneath one side of the cage to maintain a heat of 95 degrees Fahrenheit and keep the rest of the cage in the 80 degree range using a heat lamp.

4. Use a water bowl that is large enough for the snake to fully submerge its body. Keep it filled at all times with clean non-chlorinated water.

5. Clean and disinfect the cage and bowls on a weekly basis to prevent fungal and bacterial buildups. Remove the snake before using any cleaners in the tank and rinse the cleaners away thoroughly.

6. Feed your snake once every week with an appropriately sized feeder mouse. If you buy frozen mice, they must be thawed and warmed in hot water before feeding.

7. Provide a hiding area for your snake. A hollow rock or log makes a great hiding area. Provide a branch or two for climbing and basking.

Tips & Warnings

• Allow your snake a few days in its new surroundings before trying to handle it. This will help it calm down so that it is less likely to strike you.

• Place the heat lamp on a timer to simulate day and night lighting. You can also add night bulbs for nighttime viewing since the corn snake is nocturnal.

• Watch your snake closely when feeding live mice and rats. The snake must completely eat the animal, or it may actually kill your snake.

• Do not use cedar shavings as they are toxic to corn snakes.

• Avoid feeding your snake in its normal enclosure. Have a separate place, like a cardboard box, where the snake is actually fed. If not, your snake may begin to strike at your hand any time it is in the cage because the snake will see it as food.

Resources

• King Snake has a corn snake forum where you can meet other corn snake owners and discuss their pets.