CORN SNAKE
(Pantherophis guttatus)
FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER, 20% OFF ALL SIZES & MORPHS, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.
We are pleased to announce the Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus,) is our Animal of the Month for September, 2018!
The Corn Snake is arguably the most popular pet snake in the country. This is likely due to to the fact that they have a very docile nature, are easily kept and bred in captivity, and are available in a wide variety of unique colors and patterns. The species is native to the fields and forests of the Southeastern and Central United States, where it received it’s common name after individuals of the species were frequently discovered near feed & grain stores, which would also be home to healthy populations of small rodents, the Corn Snake’s primary food source.
Scales ‘N Tails highly recommends Corn Snakes as we believe they make great pets for beginners and experts alike. With an average adult size of 4 to 5 ½ feet, they’re just the right size for most owners. Years of captive breeding have resulted in countless color and pattern morphs, giving people many different options to choose from. They are also easy to care for, and very hardy in captivity when kept properly. Just like all snakes, they can bite, but they are typically very docile in nature and are easily handled.
CARING FOR A PET CORN SNAKE
Caring for a pet Corn Snake is straight-forward and relatively simple. For most situations, we recommend keeping babies in a 10-gallon terrarium, juveniles in a 20-gallon long terrarium, and adults in a 40-gallon breeder terrarium. Zoo Med Shredded Aspen Bedding is a perfect substrate to use, at a depth of about 2 to 3 inches, as it is soft and absorbent, and loose enough to be burrowed into. Add a good sized water dish and a Zoo Med Habba-Hut they can use to burrow/hide beneath, and the interior of your snake’s home is complete. Further decorative items can be added to make the setup more attractive you, but this is not necessary for the health of the animal.
You’ll need to provide it with an 82-86 degree basking spot, so a supplemental heat source will be necessary. The ambient cage temperature should remain right around 72 degrees. High humidity levels are not required for Corn Snakes. Please note that providing your Corn Snake the proper environment is crucial to its health. We strongly recommend using a Thermometer & Humidity Gauge to ensure conditions are right as it is very hard to guess these things with any accuracy. Once it’s environmental needs have been met, offer your snake an appropriately sized, pre-killed Mouse weekly, and you’ll have a happy, healthy pet.
If you provide the right environment for your Corn Snake, then you’ll be able to enjoy your pet for a long time. Captive animals can easily live into the late teens under the proper conditions, and many individuals have lived well into their 20’s.
Finally, we wouldn’t be doing our Animal of the Month justice if we didn’t make it an affordable pet option. So for the month of September, while supplies last, we will have well started, baby Corn Snakes, in a variety of different color/pattern morphs available at a 20% discount! So if you’re interested in a new pet snake, there has never been a better time to get one!
