There are lots of amazing snakes that we can keep as pets. From Boa constrictors to Pythons – they all offer something completely different. Corn snakes are a popular first pet snake due to their fairly easy husbandry and docile nature.
Let’s have a look at the correct environment for a corn snake to be happy and healthy.
Table of contents
What is a corn snake?
Corn snakes got their name from the similar pattern found on corn or maize in South America. Corn snakes originate from the states, including North Carolina, Florida and Georgia. They have a distinctive pattern and are available in a variety of colour combinations. The lifespan of a properly cared for corn snake is between 15 – 20 years, so make sure that you’re in it for the long run!
What enclosure does a corn snake need?
A corn snake enjoys exploring both the ground and the trees above, making them both a terrestrial and arboreal species. A vivarium that is made from either wood or glass is ideal and it should be an adequate size for the snake to explore both the ground and up high. An enclosure that has an equal height and width would be ideal.
A glass vivarium would be a perfect enclosure for a corn snake as it keeps in humidity. Humidity levels should be maintained between 40% – 60% and can be tested with the use of a hygrometer.
Temperature
Corn snakes require heating in order to regulate their body temperatures. Snakes are ectothermic, meaning that they need an external heat source in order to function correctly. There should be a temperature gradient provided in the enclosure so that the corn snake can move between the two temperatures as required.
The hot side of the enclosure should allow the corn snake to bask, with temperatures maintaining between 29 – 32 degrees celsius. The cooler end of the enclosure should stay between 21 and 24 degrees celsius. The temperature in the evenings should not fall below 21 degrees celsius.
An accurate thermometer should be used in order to achieve the correct temperatures.
Substrate
Corn snakes should have a suitable substrate that holds moisture in order to support humidity levels. Bioactive enclosures are becoming more popular within the reptile and amphibian community and these contain a bioactive substrate which has isopods and springtails within it. These are known as a ‘clean up crew’ and will eat mould and faeces. A bioactive substrate is usually made up of sterile topsoil, wood bark and sand.
- Aspen bedding – Pet safe aspen bedding is made up of wood chippings and is commonly used for reptiles. It is easy to spot clean and maintains good humidity levels.
- Coconut coir – This is an eco friendly product that is produced from coconut husks. It also retains moisture well, helping to increase humidity within the enclosure.
- Reptile carpet – For ease and cleanliness, reptile carpets can be a good alternative substrate. However, I am a huge advocate for making an animal’s enclosure as close to their natural environment as possible, so would highly recommend a bioactive substrate.
Decoration and hiding areas
No matter what animal you have they need to be mentally stimulated, otherwise it’s a pretty boring existence. Dogs and cats have toys and scratching posts, hamsters have chew toys and wheels – so a snake is no different!
Obviously, snakes need a different type of enrichment. There should be plenty of hiding places including rocks, caves and logs for them to explore. As they like to climb, it may be worth having taller sticks or even live plants that they utilise. Pieces of driftwood also make a great addition to an enclosure.
Mental stimulation is important for any animal. Once you’ve got over the initial shock of feeding corn snakes mice and rats, it may be worth considering how to replicate natural hunting behaviour. By no means should you feed your corn snakes live rodents, this is neither recommended nor legal.
However, if you feed your snakes with feeding tongs, it may be worth replicating the movement of the rat or mouse for the snake to hunt. This will satisfy their hunting needs.
Companionship
Corn snakes do not need a companion. In fact, they prefer to live alone and only come together in the breeding season in the wild. If you keep corn snakes together, there is the chance of aggression, fighting and even cannibalism.
It is not recommended to keep more than one corn snake in the same enclosure.
Final thoughts on corn snake care
Corn snakes are a fantastic pet to keep and make a great option for a beginner who is wanting to own reptiles. The care of a corn snake should not be underestimated and their enclosure should replicate the natural world as much as possible. Also, with corn snakes being an exotic species, make sure that you know where your closest exotic vets is located.
Most of all, give your corn snake the respect that they deserve. It is a privilege to own an animal and they should be given the highest standard of care possible.
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