Corn Snake Care
Before purchasing a corn snake, it is important to understand the care they need to live happy, healthy lives. Some corn snakes have been reported to live over 20 years in captivity which suggests that these reptiles can do very well if taken care of properly.
Buy and read a good book on corn snakes and talk to others.
This care sheet is only intended to get you started and is not intended to represent all that you need to know about caring for your new family member. It cannot replace the wealth of knowledge you can get from a well written book or others who are experienced handlers of corn snakes.
Vivarium Size and Construction
The Vivarium needs to be at least 2/3 the length of the corn long and at least 1/3 the length wide. Solid glass or plastic on all sides except the opening is best. Injury can occur if a large mesh is used. Solid walls also help in regulating the temperature. The opening should be very secure as corns are excellent escape artists.
Temperature and Humidity
75◦F on the cold side to 85◦F on the hot, the higher temperature is required for proper digestion. This is usually achieved by placing an under tank heater (UTH) on one side of the tank. A thermostat should be used as well to control the temperature and protect from overheating. Heat rocks and lamps are not recommended for controlling the temperature. 40-60% humidity is generally accepted.
Lighting
Corn snakes do not need UVA/UVB lighting or any other special lighting other than indirect light from the room. If you do wish to light the viv, take into account temperature changes and do not place the light inside or where it will heat up surfaces which your new corn may come into contact. It is also important that lights are dimmed or turned off at night to simulate a natural day/night cycle.
Substrate
Aspen, reptile carpet, and paper towels all work very well. Spot clean aspen when you notice it has been dirtied and thoroughly clean and disinfect once a month. Clean and disinfect whenever dirtied if using reptile carpet or paper towels. CEDAR SHOULD NEVER BE USED as it has been proven to be toxic and pine is not recommended either.
Hides
Hides are places your new corn can go and “hide” of all things. It is recommended for there to be a hide on each the cold and hot sides of the viv and they should be big enough for the entire corn to get into and feel safe. I do not recommend hollow logs since corns will wedge themselves in there right when you need to take them out.
Water and Food
Do not feed larger meals than recommended, more frequently than recommended, or on substrate that could cause an impaction and do not handle your snake for 48 hours after he has eaten.
A large enough water bowl for soaking should be provided. The bowl should be disinfected and water changed at least once a week and immediately if your new corn has pottied in it.
The best way to feed a corn snake is in a separate container without substrate, and return him to his viv a few minutes after he has finished dinner.
Mice/rats are the best choice for feeding corns. The size of the meal should be the same thickness of the corn or up to 1.5 times that. If you are not sure, it is better to feed 2 smaller mice at the same time than one that is too big. Corn snakes less than a year old are usually fed once every 5 to 7 days and older corns are usually fed once every 7 to 10 days.
It is not recommended to feed live rodents since they can bite back and cause serious injury and infection. When feeding frozen/thawed mice to your snake, make sure to thaw it COMPLETELY. One way is to let your tap get hot and then fill the sink half way. Place the mouse in a plastic bag and put the bag into the sink for 15 to 20 minutes. The mouse should be completely pliable and warm to the touch. If you are not sure if it is THAWED AND WARMED to about 70 to 100◦F, you can insert a thermometer into the mouse/rat, NOT YOUR SNAKE, to check.
Handling
If you are afraid of getting bit, a snake is probably not the best choice. Although corn snakes are notorious for being “friendly” and are not venomous, they can bite.
Avoid handling your corn snake when you notice he is going to shed soon. This is usually noticed by his colors fading and his eyes getting a blue haze look to them. Again, don’t handle him for at least 48 hours after he has eaten.
You should wash and sanitize your hands thoroughly before and after handling your corn snake.
