Corn snakes are a popular choice for pet snakes because of their docile and predictable temperament, relatively low maintenance requirements, and striking appearance. However, if you are considering getting a corn snake as a pet, it is important to educate yourself on their specific needs and behaviors to ensure that you can provide the best possible care for your new companion.
Corn Snake Housing:
Tank/Terrerium
When it comes to housing a corn snake, there are a few main requirements to keep in mind. Firstly, you will need a terrarium that is appropriately sized for your snake’s age and size. As a general rule, a fully grown corn snake will need a minimum of a 20-gallon tank.
Heat Pad
The heat pad is a very good choice as it is cheap and snaked love to lie on them, though the heat lamp is more expensive it is much better as it more what the snakes are used to as it is coming down from the roof, you can put a rock under it as well so the rock can function as a heat pad if your snake will prefer that, it has a cage on it as sometimes snakes will find out some way of climbing on to it and they can sometimes end up burning themselves, the cage on the heat lamp will prevent that.
I would suggest this one: Tank, it is a 25 gallon reptile tank with a door on the roof so you can easily access your snake. while younger snakes can start in a smaller enclosure and be upgraded as they grow. You will also need to provide a heat source (such as a heat lamp or heat pad) to create a temperature gradient in the tank, personally I used these for my snake after I first got it: Heat pad Heat lamp The warm side of the tank should be between 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit, while the cool side should be between 70-75 degrees. Corn snakes also require a hiding spot, such as a hollow log or box, to help them feel secure. For substrate I would suggest anything along the lines of organic soil, sands or wood shavings.
Corn Snake Diet:
Corn snakes are carnivorous, meaning they require a diet of live or frozen rodents. The size of the food should correspond to the size of your snake – for example, a juvenile corn snake might eat one pinkie mouse every 5-7 days, while an adult snake might eat one adult mouse every 7-10 days. It is important to feed your snake pre-killed or frozen rodents, as live mice can injure or kill your snake. Another reason not to feed it live food is that it can encourage them to attack more so it will learn to strike stuff that moves, this can include you. Never feed your snake anything larger than the widest part of its body, as this can cause digestive issues or injury.
How to handle your Corn Snake
Corn snakes are generally easy to handle and will quickly become accustomed to being held. However, it is important to make sure that you handle your snake gently and with care to avoid injuring them. When picking up your snake, support their entire body and avoid squeezing or gripping them too tightly. Make sure that you wash your hands before and after handling your snake, as they can carry salmonella bacteria which can be harmful to humans. To avoid hurting your snakes when trying to get them out of their cage I would suggest getting a snake hook like this one, Hook, it is extendable and is not sharp on the tip so you should not have to worry about hurting your snake with it, just make sure to put the hook under the snake when picking it up with the hook so you don’t jab it in the side.
Corn Snake Health:
As with any pet, it is important to keep an eye on your corn snake’s health and behavior to ensure that they are happy and thriving. Look out for signs of illness such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or respiratory issues, and seek veterinary care if you suspect any issues. It is also important to maintain a clean and sanitary environment for your snake, including regular spot cleaning and deep cleaning of the tank at least once a month.
Conclusion:
Caring for a corn snake can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, provided that you are prepared to meet their specific needs and requirements. By providing appropriate housing, diet, handling, and health care, you can ensure that your snake lives a healthy and happy life.