Corn snakes
Corn snakes are beautiful snakes with a gentle disposition. Over the years, captive breeding of this species has created an amazing variety of color morphs that are now available to beginning hobbyists. They were given the name “Corn” snake because they were commonly found in barns where corn was being stored. They enjoy the shelter that barns create, and the mice and rats that are attracted to the corn.
- Common Name: Corn Snake or Red Rat Snake
- Scientific Name: Elaphe guttata
- Distribution: Eastern to Central United States
- Size: 3″-6″
- Life Span: 15-20 yrs.+ years
HABITAT
HEATING
LIGHTING
SUBSTRATES
NUTRITION
HABITAT
- Hatchling to juvenile corn snakes (under 2′) can be housed in a 10 gallon terrarium.
- Adult Corn snakes will need at least a 20-40 gallon terrarium. We recommend keeping corn snakes in an enclosure that is no shorter than half the length of the snake.
- A secure, lockable slidingscreen lid is essential for safely housing these snakes.
- Zoo Med’s ReptiHabitat™ terrariums are an excellent choice for Corn snakes.
- A Repti Shelter™, Habba Hut™, or Cork Bark will provide a secure hiding place to help reduce stress.
HEATING
- Daytime Terrarium Temperature 75-79°F
- Basking Temperature 85-88°F
- Nighttime Terrarium Temperature 72-75°F
- Create a thermal gradient in your snake enclosure by placing a heat lamp and an Under Tank Heater on one side of the terrarium. Zoo Med’s Daylight Blue Reptile Bulb is a good choice for heating snake enclosures. By placing the heating elements on one side of the cage, you will naturally provide the proper thermal gradient.
- Any of Zoo Med’s Thermometers will help you keep a close eye on terrarium temperatures.
- Keep all hides, such as a Repti-Shelter™ or Habba Hut™ on the cool end of the enclosure.
LIGHTING
- Snakes typically do not require UVB to meet their vitamin D requirements. However, many snakes receive UVB and sunlight in their natural habitat and there is new evidence that they benefit from UVB lighting in captivity.
- Zoo Med’s NatureSun® fluorescent lamp can be used to illuminate your terrarium and bring out the full natural colors of your beautiful Corn snake.
SUBSTRATES
- Corn snakes will do best on Zoo Med’s Aspen Snake Bedding™, Forest Floor™ cypress mulch, or ReptiBark®. We recommend a substrate layer of 2-3″ in depth.
- Provide moistened New Zealand Sphagnum Moss in a Repti Shelter™ to create a humidity chamber. This chamber will help your snake loosen its skin before it sheds.
Zoo Med’s Eco Carpet™ can be used as a safe, environmentally friendly, and easy-toclean substrate.
NUTRITION
- Corn snakes can be fed exclusively mice and small rats throughout their lives. Rodents provide snakes with the needed calcium and vitamins. We recommend feeding only frozen/thawed rodents.
- Have fresh water available at all times. ReptiSafe® Water Conditioner is a good choice for removing Chlorine and Chloramines from tap water.
- Zoo Med’s Corner Bowls are an excellent choice water bowl for all snakes.
- When choosing the proper sized food item for your snake select a mouse/rat that is the same size, or slightly bigger than the girth of your snake.
- Hatchlings: Will eat 1 pinkie mouse per week.
- Juveniles: Will eat 1 hopper-adult mouse per week.
- Adults: Will eat 1 appropriately sized rat, or 2 adult mice per week.
