Corn snakes get their name from corn granaries that attracted mice that attracted predatory snakes such as corn snakes. A great pet for beginner snake owners and experienced keepers alike, corn snakes have long been prized due to their ease of care, low level of aggression and not becoming very large over time. Their name comes from being drawn from corn granaries where these predatory reptiles would prey upon mice that attracted corn snakes; therefore making an excellent pet snake! Generally docile and easy to care for; making them perfect especially suitable for beginner snake owners! Native to the Southeastern United States where land-dwelling environments make these reptiles active at dusk/dawn.
Corn Snake Behavior and Temperament
These placid serpents generally allow people to handle them and are generally peaceful creatures. But when threatened in the wild, they may vibrate their tails in self-defence – much like rattlesnakes do.
Corn and rat snakes, like other snakes, are expert at finding ways to escape their enclosures. Their highly evolved senses allow them to sniff out weaknesses in a lid to find ways in which it may open, so the fit of your lid becomes very important in protecting these snakes from getting out. A loose snake could end up lost or injured if released into the wild; in addition, any escapee is sure to give household visitors quite the thrill!
Housing the Corn Snake
A 20-gallon long glass tank makes an excellent housing solution for corn snakes. When selecting one, make sure it features a secure-fitting lid which can be clamped shut from above.
Corn snakes need places to hide in order to feel secure, such as an upside-down cardboard box that provides enough space for their bodies. A hide box (any enclosed container such as this) should be just large enough for them to curl into; anything larger may cause them to feel unsafe. Pieces of bark placed atop substrate can also provide hiding spaces; pieces buried underground provide burrowing areas. Ideally there should be hiding places available at both cooler and warmer ends of their enclosure, with forked branches for climbing purposes as an added extra.
Maintaining an ideal temperature for your corn snake’s home is of utmost importance. An overhead incandescent heat lamp is generally the preferred method, though not essential due to their temperate climates; temperatures between 80-85 F are ideal; basking sites should reach 85 to 88 F during basking sessions while night temperatures should only go as low as 75 F. Under tank heating pads or heat tape can also be used but will make monitoring the enclosure’s heat difficult; instead use thermometers inside for accurate results.
Humidity
Corn snakes tend to prefer the humidity found in most household settings; between 35-60 percent is ideal for their enclosure, as this will ensure healthy shedding. Be sure to monitor their enclosure with a hygrometer in winter months, especially as misting or refilling an evaporating water bowl may become necessary more frequently.
Substrate
Snakes love burrowing and hiding places, so providing an enclosure with a layer of loose substrate (floor lining) is crucial. Different materials may be used as this bottom layer – inkless newspaper is the classic go-to material since it is easy to clean up afterwards, although its appearance leaves something to be desired in most cages. Indoor/outdoor carpeting (Astroturf) may also work; cutting two pieces will enable you to swap out dirty pieces at cleaning time; wash and thoroughly dry them both before reuse!