Makin Ophidian Morphs
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Popular Snake Species
  • boa
  • ball python
  • corn snake
  • hognose
  • king snake
  • milk snake
  • garter snake
  • water snake
  • green tree python
care guide
  • Snake care guide
  • disabled snake care guide
Makin Ophidian Morphs
Home
About us
FAQ
Feeder rats
Popular Snake Species
  • boa
  • ball python
  • corn snake
  • hognose
  • king snake
  • milk snake
  • garter snake
  • water snake
  • green tree python
care guide
  • Snake care guide
  • disabled snake care guide
More
  • Home
  • About us
  • FAQ
  • Feeder rats
  • Popular Snake Species
    • boa
    • ball python
    • corn snake
    • hognose
    • king snake
    • milk snake
    • garter snake
    • water snake
    • green tree python
  • care guide
    • Snake care guide
    • disabled snake care guide
  • Home
  • About us
  • FAQ
  • Feeder rats
  • Popular Snake Species
    • boa
    • ball python
    • corn snake
    • hognose
    • king snake
    • milk snake
    • garter snake
    • water snake
    • green tree python
  • care guide
    • Snake care guide
    • disabled snake care guide

About Corn Snake's

Key Characteristics

  

  • Non-venomous: Kill prey by constriction.
     
  • Medium size: Adults usually grow 3–6 feet (0.9–1.8 meters), similar to ball pythons.
     
  • Docile and easy to handle: Very popular as beginner pet snakes.
     
  • Variety of colors and patterns: Many captive-bred morphs exist.
     

Where They Live

 

  • Native to forests, fields, and farmland in the southeastern U.S.
     
  • Often climb trees and hide in burrows or under logs.
     
  • Adaptable to many environments, which is why they’re common near human settlements.

Diet

 

  • Mainly small rodents: mice, rats, and occasionally birds.
     
  • Hunt primarily at night (nocturnal/crepuscular).
     
  • Eat infrequently: adults may eat once a week or less.

Behavior

  

  • Docile and calm: Rarely bite, even when handled.
     
  • Good climbers: Can be semi-arboreal.
     
  • Fast-moving: More active than ball pythons.

Are They Dangerous To Humans

   No—they are harmless. Corn snakes are excellent pets for children and beginners because of their gentle temperament. 

As Pets

 

  • Easy to care for.
     
  • Need secure enclosures, moderate heat, and hiding spots.
     
  • Can live 15–20 years in captivity.

corn snake care guide

introduction

Corn snakes are small-to-medium, non-venomous constrictors native to the southeastern United States. They are one of the most popular pet snakes due to their gentle nature, ease of care, and wide variety of color morphs.

Adult Size

  3–6 ft 

temperament

 docile, curious, active 

Lifespan

 15–20 years 

Lifestyle

 semi-arboreal and terrestrial 

activity level

nocturnal and crepuscular


Enclosure set up

tank size, and enclosure type

tank size

 

  • Hatchlings: 10–20 gallon
     
  • Juveniles: 20–40 gallon
     
  • Adults: Minimum 40 gallon (36–48 inches long)
     
  • Taller enclosures are a plus because they like to climb.

Enclosure type

 

  • Glass terrariums or PVC enclosures both work well
     
  • Must be escape-proof—corn snakes are skilled at wiggling out
     
  • Good ventilation is important 


Heating & Lighting

Temperatures, Heating Equipment, and Lighting

Temperatures

 

  • Warm side: 85–90°F (29–32°C)
     
  • Cool side: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
     
  • Nighttime: can drop to 68–72°F (20–22°C)

Heating Equipment

 

  • Under-tank heat pad
     
  • Ceramic heat emitter
     
  • Heat lamp (use with caution; can dry enclosure)
     
  • Use a thermostat with all heat sources

Lighting

 

  • 12-hour day/night cycle
     
  • UVB not required but can be beneficial


Humidity & Water

Humidity

 

  • Ideal range: 40–60%
     
  • Increase to 60–70% during shedding
     
  • Use a digital hygrometer

Water

 

  • Medium-sized water dish
     
  • Should be sturdy and hard to tip
     
  • Replace water every 2–3 days


corn snakes may occasionally soak, but it's not common.


Substrate (Bedding)

Spot clean Weekly; full clean every 1-2 months. Corn snakes enjoy burrowing, so choose a substrate that allows it.

Recommended

 

  • Aspen shavings
     
  • Coconut chip or fiber
     
  • Cypress mulch
     
  • Reptichip
     
  • Paper towels or newspaper (quarantine)

Avoid

 

  • Pine or cedar
     
  • Sand (risk of impaction)


Enclosure Furnishing

Corn snakes are active explorers and enjoy environmental enrichment.

Tank Items

  

  • Two hides minimum: warm and cool sides
     
  • Branches for climbing
     
  • Cork bark, logs, or half logs
     
  • Fake or real plants
     
  • A moist hide for shedding
     
  • Plenty of clutter to reduce stress


Cleaning and Maintenance

cleaning Tips

 

  • Daily: spot clean waste
     
  • Every few days: replace water
     
  • Monthly: clean enclosure and replace substrate
     
  • Use reptile-safe disinfectants


Handling

Handling Tips

 

 

  • Very docile and tolerate handling well
     
  • Support body evenly and let the snake move at its own pace
     
  • Avoid handling during shed
     
  • Avoid handling on feeding days
     

Corn snakes are excellent beginner-friendly snakes.


Health & Veterinary Care

Find an exotic veterinarian experienced with snakes.

Signs of good health

 

  • Bright, clear eyes
     
  • Smooth scales
     
  • Healthy appetite
     
  • Active and alert

Signs of illness

 

  • Wheezing or clicking (respiratory infection)
     
  • Mites or ticks
     
  • Refusal to eat for several weeks
     
  • Regurgitation
     
  • Discolored or damaged scales


Shedding

Never pull the shed; assist only if stuck on the tail or eyes. A full, one-piece shed indicates proper humidity.

Shedding Tips

 

  • Young snakes shed every 4–6 weeks
     
  • Adults shed less frequently
     
  • Pre-shed indicators: dull color, blue-gray eyes
     
  • Provide a moist hide
     
  • Increase humidity slightly


Safety Precautions

tips to protect you and your snakes

 

  • Wash hands before/after handling
     
  • Keep enclosure securely locked
     
  • Never cohabitate corn snakes
     
  • Supervise children
     
  • Quarantine new snakes 60–90 days


Record keeping

Documenting

 

  • Feeding log
     
  • Shed dates
     
  • Weight tracking
     
  • Health notes
     
  • Vet visits

sneklog is amazing for tracking weight and when they last ate

Add a footnote if this applies to your business

Feeding Guide

Diet

 

  • Frozen-thawed rodents
     
  • Mice for most corn snakes; large adults may take small rats
     
  • Prey size: same width as the snake’s mid-body

Feeding Schedule

 

  • Hatchlings: every 5–7 days
     
  • Juveniles: every 7 days
     
  • Adults: every 7–14 days


Feeding Tips

 

  • Feed inside the enclosure or outside—either is fine
     
  • Use feeding tongs
     
  • Avoid handling after eating. Juveniles 3-5 days, adults 5-7 days


Still unsure about what to feed your snake? 

you can contact us and we will help!

Contact Us

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