Introduction
Corn snakes (Elaphe guttata guttata) are one of the most available
snakes in the pet trade today. Vast numbers of corn snakes are captive bred
annually, and are justifiably one of the most popular snakes of all time.
Corn snakes are relatively small, rarely exceeding five feet in length, active
feeders, tolerate a wide variety of environmental conditions, come in a dazzling
array of color morphs, and are very easy to breed. All of these factors combined
make the corn snake an excellent choice for both the beginning and advanced
reptile hobbyist.
Enclosure Size
Corn snakes are relatively small, and as such, they do not require large
enclosures. A baby corn snake can happily live in a ten gallon aquarium or
enclosure of similar size. Some people choose to keep baby corn snakes in
plastic shoe boxes with holes punched in the side. This type of enclosure
is acceptable as long as appropriate heating is provided. Upon reaching full
adult size (about three to four years), a corn snake will require an enclosure
with the minimum dimensions of a standard twenty gallon long aquarium. Larger
aquariums such as a thirty gallon breeder or fifty-five gallon tank are also
appropriate. No matter whether your corn snake lives in a humble home or a
palace, there are several important details to keep in mind when setting up
your new pet.
Substrate
The substrate of a cage is the material that is on the bottom. There are
appropriate and not so appropriate choices of substrate in corn snake housing.
Cedar shavings are unacceptable as they cause respiratory problems in snakes.
I personally do not recommend pine for the same reason, but others have used
this substrate without any problems. Corn cob bedding (manufactured
for use with birds) should not be used as a substrate because it causes excessive
drying of dermal tissues and can cause serious intestinal blockage if swallowed.
Acceptable substrates include reptile bark, butcher paper, paper towels and
Astroturf.
Reptile bark can be purchased in pet stores, and is attractive and natural
looking. Butcher paper can be acquired in many places such as home depot
or art supply stores. This substrate, while not particularly attractive,
allows one to keep the cage very clean by continuously replacing the soiled
paper. Paper towels have the same advantages and disadvantages of butcher
paper. Astroturf can be used, but it does tend to rot easily if wetted, so
it is best to have several pieces cut to fit the cage so you can rotate dirty
and clean pieces.
Appropriate Heating
There are several choices for appropriate corn snake heating. Whatever choice
of heating is used, it is very important to provide one area of the cage where
the ambient (air) temperature is 80-85 degrees F. Corn snakes, like all reptiles,
do not make their own body heat and rely on a behavioral mechanism called
thermoregualtion to regulate their body temperature. Thermoregulation means
that when a reptile is too cool, it moves to an area to warm itself, and
when it is too hot, it moves to a cooler area. Access to warm areas are critically
important to the health of your snake. Appropriate heating is required for
proper digestion and the effective functioning of the immune system.
If the tank has a screen top, a shop light or metal reflector may be placed
on top of the cage, to one side, with a heating bulb inside to create a basking
area of 80-85 degrees F. Another method of heating is the use of quality
under tank heating pads. Under tank heaters are plastic with one adhesive
side. The adhesive side of the heater is used to attach it to the bottom
of the outside of the tank, on one side of the cage. These heaters can only
be used with certain types of cages, so check the directions before purchase.
Hot rocks are not recommended for corn snake heating for several reasons.
Hot rocks provide a localized heat source that is often too hot. As a result,
the snake will curl itself about the rock in an attempt to raise its body
temperature, this can result in serious thermal burns. Think about this from
the snake's point of view. One tiny area of the cage is 100 degrees F, and
the rest of the cage is freezing. Without some type of heat, reptiles will
get sick, so the animal will use whatever source of heat is provided, even
if it is too hot. Some of the new hot rocks that have thermostats are a much
better choice if a hot rock must be used. If not, at least burying the hot
rock in some substrate will help to diffuse the heat. It is much better to
provide indirect heating, or heating that the animal has no direct access
to. This will prevent thermal burns from occurring.
Feeding
Corn snakes are rarely picky eaters if they have the proper heat and enclosure.
One important aspect of feeding that is often overlooked is the addition of
hiding areas to the cage. Corn snakes, like most snakes, like to feel secure
in their environment. One way of providing for this need to is put hiding
spots in the enclosure. Hiding spots can be made of anything, as long as
the snake can completely fit inside the area and hide itself from view. Old
cardboard boxes are good for this, but so are many of the commercially manufactured
hiding spots available in pet stores. A hiding spot should be placed both
on the warm end and the cool end of the cage, so that the animal can feel
secure in any spot. Corn snakes kept without appropriate hiding areas become
stressed and may refuse to eat.
Hatchling corn snakes begin eating pinkie mice, and progress up to adult
mice once they are mature. A good rule of thumb is to feed the snake a food
item that is the same, or close to, the snake's diameter. Feed an item that
is too large, and the snake will often regurgitate it. Snakes will also regurgitate
if they do not have a warm area or if they are handled too soon after they
eat. Corn snakes can be fed two times a week, but once is usually enough.
Clean water should be available at all times, corn snakes drink often.
Conclusion
Corn snakes are justifiably one of the most popular pet snakes of all time.
Corn snakes come in many beautiful colors, and are hardy and docile. This
care sheet is not all of the information required to care for a corn snake
properly, but it is a start. If you own a corn snake or plan on purchasing
one, it is YOUR responsibility to thoroughly research the needs of your pet,
doing so will make both your lives easier.
Pictures
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