Corn Snake Care Guide: What Every Owner Should Know

Corn snake care is easy and low-maintenance, making these pets a popular choice for both beginners and experienced reptile owners. Known for their calm and gentle nature, corn snakes are non-venomous and are easily handled. Their vibrant colors and patterns, from classic reds and oranges to unique shades like albino, snow and lavender, make them one of the most visually appealing reptile pets.

These poplular pets thrive in a simple setup, require weekly feeding and are relatively easy to keep healthy with basic attention. Looking for corn snakes for sale? Be sure to review this corn snake care guide to fully understand their needs before making a purchase.

Corn Snake: Overview & Characteristics

Corn snakes, native to the southeastern United States, play a crucial role in balancing ecosystems by controlling rodent populations. They are known for their gentle nature, making them a favorite among reptile enthusiasts. 

As hatchlings, they are about 12 inches long but they can grow to around 3 to 6 feet in adulthood. With proper corn snake care, they often live over 20 years in captivity. 

Here are some key characteristics:

• Weight: Adult corn snakes weigh between 1/2 to 1 pound.
• Appearance: Typically orange, red or yellow with distinctive black-bordered blotches along their backs. Because of their appearance, they are often mistaken for more dangerous species like copperheads. 
• Lifespan: Over 20-25 years in captivity with proper care. It’s 10-15 years in the wild due to natural challenges. 
• Temperament: Known for their calm nature, they are relatively easy to handle and adapt well to captivity. 

For more abou the size of the animals read our article, How big can a corn snake get?

Corn snakes come in a variety of types, each with unique colors and patterns, adding to their appeal. These variations or “morphs” range from classic wild-type to brightly colored and patterned ones. This offers many choices for prospective owners which we’ll be discussing next. 

Corn Snake Morphs and Variations

Corn snakes are one of the most popular pet snakes after ball pythons. It is mostly because of their manageable size and gentle nature. However, it’s also because of the variety of morphs available thanks to selective breeding. 

Here are some of the most popular corn snake morphs you’ll find in the market.

1. Hypo and Albino Corn Snakes

Hypo corn snakes have less dark pigments. It is because of the recessive genes, giving this snake brighter shades of red and orange. 

Similarly, Albino corn snakes display a light red or orange pattern on a cream background. They have ruby red eyes, which are enough for enthusiasts to tell that it’s an Albino. 

2. Black and Snow Corn Snakes

Black corn snakes, also known as anerythristic morphs, have a bold black-and-white appearance due to a lack of red pigments. It creates a monochromatic look that helps it stand out from the other ones.

The Snow morph, on the other hand, is a combination of albino and anerythristic traits. It features a vivid all-white color with delicate beige shades. This particular morph is ideal for those who appreciate subtle elegance and ethereal appearance.

3. Okeetee and Reverse Okeetee Corn Snakes

The next morphs in our guide of corn snake care are Okeetee and Reverse Okeetee morphs. Both of these are favorites among corn snake enthusiasts and are widely available. 

The Okeetee is known for its wild, natural look with bold red saddles and thick black borders. While Reverse Okeetee offers similar markings with reduced black pigment. 

4. Blood Red and Ghost Corn Snakes

The Blood Red morphs come with deep red and yellows covering nearly all white patches, which makes it one of the most saturated morphs. 

Conversely, Ghost corn snakes mix hypo and anerythristic genes, reducing the dark pigmentation. It makes them a popular choice for those who prefer a gentler color palette.

These morphs are frequently available, which allows collectors and enthusiasts to enjoy their unique charm.

5. Sunkissed and Honey Corn Snakes

Sunkissed corn snakes are another type of hypomelanistic reptile with reduced pigmentation. It allows bright reds, yellows, and oranges to pop up more. Meanwhile, the Honey morph combines the caramel and sunkissed genes, producing warm golden hues bordered by thin black outlines.

Corn Snake Habitat: Wild and Captive Environments

Corn snakes can thrive in a variety of environments, making them highly adaptable and resilient. These reptiles are active and enjoy exploring their habitat, burrowing and climbing. They are generally crepuscular, which means they are most active during the early morning or evening. Here’s the overview of how they act in the wild. 

1. Natural Habitat in the Wild

In the wild, they can be found in:

• Forests and Woodlands: Corn snakes are commonly found in pine forests, oak hammocks and other wooded areas where there’s plenty of ground cover and opportunities for climbing. 
• Fields and Grasslands: They are often spotted in open fields, grasslands and even agricultural areas where there are ample rodent populations for food.
• Abandoned Buildings and Farms: These snakes frequently inhabit abandoned buildings, barns and other man-made structures where they can hide and hunt for rodents. 

2. Captive Habitat Setup

Creating a habitat similar to the wild is essential for corn snakes in captivity. A natural setup helps them feel secure, reduces stress and supports healthy behavior like hiding and exploring. By providing the right temperature, humidity and hiding spots, you can keep your corn snake comfortable and thriving. 

How to Set Up a Captive Habitat for Corn Snakes? 

Here’s how you can set up a captive habitat:

• Enclosure Size: Juveniles can be kept in smaller enclosures such as a 10-gallon tank, but for adults you need at least a 20-gallon long tank, around 30 inches in length. A larger enclosure is ideal as these snakes enjoy having space to explore.
• Substrate: Substrates like DIY naturalistic mix, coconut fiber, Aspen, or reptile-safe bedding are ideal, as they allow it to burrow, which is a natural behavior. Avoid substrates like cedar or pine, as these can release harmful oils.
• Hiding Spots: Include multiple hiding spots throughout the enclosure, such as small hide boxes, caves, or hollow logs, to help them feel secure. Place at least one hiding area on the warm side of the enclosure and another on the cool side.
• Temperature and Humidity: Maintain a temperature gradient with a warm side around 85°F and a cool side around 75°F. At night, temperatures can drop to the low 70s, but they should not go below 65°F. Humidity should be kept around 40-50%, with slightly higher levels during shedding periods.
• Lighting: These small reptiles do not require specialized UVB lighting, but a day-night cycle of 12 hours each is recommended. Simple low-wattage lights can help maintain the cycle and provide warmth.

Corn Snake Care Animal Health: Guide to Skin, Internal Health and Parasite Control

To keep your pet healthy, you need to visually inspect its skin and eyes as well as guard against parasites. Each of these aspects is important for your pet’s well-being and longevity. Here’s a look at what to keep an eye on and how to keep your pet healthy. 

1. Appearance and Shedding

To provide the best corn snake care, you need to take care of your snake’s skin. Healthy skin should appear smooth and free from abrasions, swelling, or discoloration. A rough or patchy appearance may signal dehydration, poor humidity or other health issues.

Corn snakes shed periodically. This process is natural and should result in a full and intact skin shed. A proper shed indicates balanced humidity levels and good hydration. Signs that shedding is about to begin are:

• Dull and Cloudy skin
• Blue or Cloudy eyes
• Reduced activity
• Loss of appetite
• Increased irritability

Check for “retained shed” pieces, especially around the eyes and tail tip. It indicates that the enclosure’s humidity is too low and may need adjustment.

The humidity level should be around 40-50%. If the environment is too dry, your snake may have difficulty shedding or develop flaky skin. Offer your corn snake a humidity box or moist hide when it begins the shedding process.

2. Parasite Control

Parasite control is important for keeping your pet healthy. Parasites can weaken a snake’s immune system which makes it hard for them to fight off other illnesses. Regular checkups and treatments help prevent parasites from harming your pet.

a). External Parasites (Mites)

You may spot mites around the eyes, mouth or under the scales. To check for mites, inspect your snake’s skin, especially around the head and eye area. These mites are often visible as tiny moving dots.

The best way to get rid of them is by cleaning the closure thoroughly, as they can spread easily, and soak the snake in a medicinal bath. In severe cases, mites can cause anemia or bacterial infections. If you suspect something’s wrong, consult a reptile veterinarian for treatment options like reptile-safe sprays or medicated baths.

b). Internal Parasites (Worms)

Worms are internal parasites that can inhabit a snake’s digestive tract. Symptoms of it include:

• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Lack of appetite
• Unusual runny stools

To detect it early, check the stool samples regularly. Many reptile vets recommend bringing stool samples during yearly check-ups to monitor for internal parasites. 

Regular deworming is generally not necessary unless a problem is detected. However, if internal parasites are found, a vet may prescribe deworming medications specific to reptiles. 

3. Internal Health

To keep your corn snake healthy from the inside, you need to have a proper feeding schedule for it as well as correct prey size to help support the digestive health. Make sure your snake has time to digest in a warm environment. 

Watch for signs of digestive distress, such as vomiting, bloating, or irregular stools. Always consult a vet if you see any of these symptoms. Additionally, they can also develop respiratory infection. Signs of this include wheezing, nasal discharge, or open-mouth breathing. 

Keep temperatures within the recommended range and avoid high humidity to prevent any respiratory issues.

Corn Snake Care: Handling and Temperament

Corn snakes are generally calm and tolerate handling well. To keep both you and your snake comfortable, follow these handling tips:

• Start with a Gentle Tap: Start handling by gently tapping your snake with a specialized hook or light instrument. This action is like a signal to your snake that it’s time for handling and not feeding yet.
• Approach from the Side and Lift: Approach the snake from the side and avoid any sudden movements. Lift from the middle while supporting its body fully, and don’t grab the head or tail at all. It’s done to minimize stress. 
• Support and Stabilize: Keep a large portion of the snake’s body supported and, if possible, close to your body, adding stability and comfort. 
• Allow Exploration: If your corn snake shows curiosity, allow it to explore. Let it sniff around and even find places to perch along your arms. You’ll get an idea of how comfortable it is with you through its behavior. 
• Body Language Cues: Corn snakes show discomfort through musking, defecating, hissing, tail shaking and holding the head/neck in an “S” shape. 
• Setting Expectations: These reptile pets may enjoy coiling around your arm or resting for a short period. However, limit the interactions to short, comfortable sessions to maintain a positive relationship. 

Dos and Don’ts of Handling Your Corn Snake

Here are some things you should do and the ones you shouldn’t while taking care of your corn snake pet. 

Why Corn Snakes Make Great Pets?

Corn snakes are a fantastic choice for anyone interested in keeping an exotic pet. Why? This is due to their low-maintenance nature, gentle demeanor, and fascinating colors. Their manageable size and easy-to-meet corn snake care requirements make them a pet that’s as rewarding as it is enjoyable.

Whether you’re new to snake ownership or looking to expand your reptile family, corn snakes offer a long-term, engaging and visually pleasing reptile pet experience. Here are a few reasons why they make such great pets:

• Gentle Temperament: They are known for their calm and gentle nature, which makes them easy to handle and ideal for beginners and families.
• Manageable Size: Unlike larger species, these reptiles grow to a manageable size of about 3 to 6 feet. 
• Low Maintenance: Corn snakes have simple care requirements compared to many other reptiles. 
• Long Lifespan: With proper corn snake care, these can live for 20 to 25 years in captivity. 
• Diverse and Beautiful Morphs: From classic orange patterns to rare albino or scaleless variations, there’s a morph to suit every aesthetic preference.

Conclusion – Corn Snake Care Sheet 

Corn snakes make wonderful pets thanks to their gentle nature, manageable size and ease of care. With a range of beautiful morphs, they’re a joy to look at and handle. Corn snake care is also easy and involves basic needs like a secure enclosure, a steady diet and regular health checkups. These small reptiles are perfect for both beginners and experienced keepers. 

If you’re ready to welcome a corn snake into your home, XYZReptiles has a wide range of beautiful and healthy corn snakes available. Whether you’re looking for a classic morph or something unique, we offer a variety of choices to suit your preferences. We’re here to help you find the perfect companion!