Discover the Ultimate Guide to Raising and Keeping Corn Snakes - Everything You Need to Know!

Are you a reptile enthusiast looking to add a new member to your family? Look no further than the charming and low-maintenance corn snake! Corn snakes make excellent pets with their vibrant colors, gentle temperament, and relatively straightforward care requirements. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of raising and keeping corn snakes, from their natural habitat and diet to essential tips for providing a healthy and happy life for your scaly companion.

About Corn Snakes

Corn snakes, scientifically known as Pantherophis guttatus, are non-venomous colubrid snakes native to the Southeastern United States. They are named after the corn-like pattern on their bellies, which has led many people to mistakenly believe that they are corn-eating snakes. In reality, corn snakes are carnivores and primarily feed on small rodents in the wild.

With a typical lifespan of 15-20 years in captivity, corn snakes are relatively long-lived pets, requiring long-term commitment from their owners. They can grow to be around 3-5 feet in length and come in a wide variety of beautiful colors and patterns, including amelanistic (albino),snow, caramel, and peppermint.

Raising and Keeping Corn Snakes: The Essential Guide for Dummies

by John Oliver(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1413 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	45 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Housing Setup

Creating a suitable living environment is crucial to the well-being of your corn snake. As arboreal species, corn snakes require a vertically-oriented enclosure that allows for climbing and exploring. A large glass tank or a specially designed PVC enclosure can be ideal for providing ample space, ventilation, and visibility.

Your snake's habitat should include a substrate that mimics its natural environment, such as aspen or cypress mulch. This substrate will provide a comfortable and moisture-retaining bedding for your corn snake. Additionally, a temperature gradient is essential, with a basking area maintained at 85-88°F and a cooler side around 75-80°F. This temperature gradient allows your snake to regulate its body temperature as needed.

It's crucial to include hiding spots for your corn snake to help reduce stress and give them a sense of security. You can use artificial caves, half-logs, or even repurposed household items like cardboard boxes. Just ensure that the hides are secure and won't collapse on your snake.

Feeding Regimen

Providing a well-balanced diet is essential for the health and growth of your corn snake. In captivity, corn snakes primarily eat mice or rats, which should be appropriately sized to match your snake's girth. Juvenile snakes will usually require pinky mice, progressing to larger prey as they grow.

The frequency of feeding varies with the age and size of the snake. Young corn snakes typically need to be fed every five to seven days, while adults can go longer between feedings. It's essential to monitor your snake's body condition and adjust feeding schedules accordingly to prevent obesity or malnutrition.

Some owners opt for pre-killed or frozen-thawed prey to minimize the risk of injury to their snake during feeding. Live feeding should be done with caution and under close supervision to prevent any harm to the snake.

Maintaining Health and Hygiene

Keeping your corn snake in optimal health requires regular monitoring and maintenance. Ensure that the enclosure's humidity levels are maintained between 40-60%, as a dry environment can lead to shedding issues. Providing a shallow bowl of water will allow your snake to hydrate and soak as needed, aiding in shedding and overall well-being.

Periodic health check-ups with an experienced reptile veterinarian are recommended to detect any potential health concerns early on. Regular examinations help identify common health issues such as respiratory infections, mites, or parasites. Maintaining cleanliness within the enclosure by regularly spot-cleaning waste and replacing dirty substrate will also aid in preventing any health risks.

Handling and Bonding

Corn snakes are generally docile and well-suited for handling, making them excellent pets for beginners and experienced reptile owners alike. When handling your snake, it is essential to approach them calmly and confidently. Support their body, especially their midsection, to provide stability and reduce any stress on their spine and internal organs.

Handling sessions should be kept brief at first to allow your snake to acclimate and gradually increase in duration as they become more comfortable. Regular handling promotes trust and bonding between you and your corn snake. However, it's crucial to avoid excessive handling during shedding or after feeding to minimize any potential stress or digestive issues.

Breeding and Reproduction

If you are interested in breeding corn snakes, it's vital to understand the specific requirements and responsibilities involved. Breeding generally occurs during the winter months, with a cooling period necessary to simulate winter conditions. This cooling process lasts for several weeks and aids in inducing reproductive activity.

Female corn snakes can lay eggs after breeding, and their eggs must be incubated at appropriate temperature and humidity levels until hatching. This process requires careful monitoring and attention to ensure the successful development of the eggs and the subsequent hatching of healthy offspring.

Corn snakes are fascinating and rewarding pets that can beautifully complement any reptile enthusiast's collection. By providing a suitable habitat, a balanced diet, and regular care and attention, you can ensure the longevity and happiness of your corn snake. Remember to always research and consult with experts to guarantee that you are meeting your snake's specific needs. With proper care and affection, your corn snake will become a cherished companion for years to come!

Raising and Keeping Corn Snakes: The Essential Guide for Dummies

by John Oliver(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1413 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	45 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Raising and Keeping Corn Snakes is a book with a difference! While there has been a tremendous amount written about these awesome and extremely popular snakes, much of it is aimed at those who want to breed their snakes. There isn't much available for those of us who just want a PET snake. Nevertheless, this book is suitable for anyone just starting down the road of Corn Snake ownership.

So much of the available information requires you to sift through a lot just to find an answer to a simple question, which can be tedious and time consuming to say the least. Wouldn't it be great if you could simply think of your question and find it answered? No mess. No fuss. Well, look no further! Raising and Keeping Corn Snakes is designed to make finding answers to the most commonly asked questions easy and simple.

The questions have been gathered over time from countless new owners from around the world, which means you are sure to find your questions answered simply and plainly. The book is set out in such a way as to ensure that it is easy to use, and will appeal to both young and old alike.

If you have a Corn Snake, or if you are thinking of getting one, be sure to add Raising and Keeping Corn Snakes to your library!