Corn Snake Care Sheet
From Exotic Pet Wiki Pedia
Contents |
General
Latin Name:
Elaphe guttatta
Description:
The corn snake, also known as the red rat snake, is one of the most popular snakes in the pet trade. This is because they are very versatile, hardy, handleable, adapt well to captivity and come in a huge array of colours. The "wild" colouration is a red and brown, with a chequered underside, but with decades of captive breeding programs, colours range across the spectrum.
Size:
Corn snakes vary in size from 3 foot up to 5 or 6 foot. Corn snakes in the larger end of the spectrum, or exceeding 6 foot, may be hybridised.
Longevity:
Conservative estimates state 10 to 15 years but there are reports of colubrids exceeding 30 years in captivity.
Active during:
Primarily nocturnal but is an active snake and can often be seen during the day.
Behaviour:
This is usually a calm and placid snake as adults. Hatchlings can be feisty, but tame down easily. Corn snakes are inquisitive and will explore all things possible. They can escape from tanks quite easily should they not be secure, and secure lids, or sliding glass locks, are strongly recommended.
Temperament
Adult corn snakes are usually placid if handled frequently.
Ease of care
These are a good beginners species, hardy and basic to care for.
Housing
Vivarium:
Depending on the size of the snake, anything between a 36 to 48" vivarium would be recommended. A minimum height and depth would be 15", but 18, or even 24" would provide a better amount of space. Hatchlings can be housed in small hatchling tubs or starter kits before being moved to their adult homes.
Accessories:
Provide hiding areas such as caves, fake plants, branches or hollows in the hot and cold side of the tank. Provide ample decor and climbing apparatus where possible.
Humidity
There are no special humidity requirements.
Heating
A heating source should be provided that is thermostatically controlled to provide an ambient of 75 - 88 F.
Light
No lighting is required. A small basking spot can be provided to increase daytime temperatures. This should be well guarded so the snake does not receive burns from it.
Substrate
Paper towel or newspaper can be used for ease of cleaning. For a more natural vivarium, aspen or bark chips are recommended.
Diet:
Food
Feeds readily on defrost rodents. These snakes are not known to be fussy feeders once started.
Water
Provide a medium sized bowl of fresh water at all times.
Frequency
Feed once per 5-7 days as hatchlings and 7-10 days as adults.
Supplements
No supplements are necessary.
Breeding
Requirements
Females should be at least 3 years old and males at least 2 years old. Females should be of good body weight and tone, and feeding well. A recommended weight is 300 grams for females. Males have been known to breed from as young as 9 months and females from 18 months - but this can be quite damaging to a female, and it is best to house them seperately until she is of a good breeding weight.
Courtship in the way of jerking and dancing may ensue for several hours, or even days, before copulation occurs. Mating should be repeated to ensure fertilisation.
Colubrids can be brumated to increase fertility but there is debate as to whether this is strictly necessary.
Seasons
Mating in early spring.
Incubation
56-66 days at 84-86 degrees F.
