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The Corn Snake is not the purest cream of Corn, but the name that the European settlers decided to give to the snakes that they found in the corn plantations in North America. They thought they ate their Corn and hardly knew that they helped maintain the estate by feeding on the rats, the real “predators” of the grain.
The species is commonly found in deciduous forests, rocky slopes, and agricultural areas of the southern United States, where the temperate climate predominates. However, Corn Snakes can tolerate our tropical climate well too.
They live on average from 15 to 20 years and can reach up to 1.5 meters in length. There are almost 20 color classifications, most of them found in the classic form, with an orange color with red spots outlined in black. In this post, we will learn more about Taking care of corn snakes.
Characteristics
An adult corn snake can reach two meters and live more than 20 years in captivity.
However, in the wild, they generally live three times less, as do most animal species.
As for their reproduction, they are snakes that breed readily in captivity, which is why they have been very successful as pets. Its reproduction begins in winter, so the conditions of the terrarium are usually modified to mimic the seasons.
The corn snake lays between one and two dozen eggs, which are deposited in a warm, hidden area.
This heated hiding place is necessary as it does not incubate your eggs. The shell that protects the chicks is flexible, so they need to break it.
How to Take Care of Corn Snake?
Basic care
As a cold-blooded animal, the Corn Snake needs heat and light to survive, mainly to perform digestion. It consumes a lot of water, so it is recommended to leave a bowl with a large amount available. The temperature and humidity should vary from 23 to 30º C and 50 to 60%.
Space for creation
The area for a snake must be compatible with its size. Huge locations can contribute to the animal’s stress, especially when they are still young. The place must be equipped with hot stones for reptiles, where the snake acquires heat for digestion. Besides, a bowl with water, thermometers for temperature control, adequate lighting for heating the place, UV emission, and hiding places for the hibernation season, such as logs, roots, etc. must also be part of your environment. The substrate for a terrarium can be humus, wood chips, or even paper towels.
Food
Corn Snake should be kept at the ideal temperature for digestion. When a puppy, up to 20 weeks old, feed every five or seven days. If it is healthy, it should digest and defecate after three days of eating the prey. Adult Corn should be fed every 15 days, and the guardian should always provide food according to the diameter of the snake, explains by a veterinary doctor specializing in wild animals and exotic pets from a home care provider in the area.
Corn Snake’s diet may vary between live and dead food. Frozen food can be provided as long as it is at the proper temperature for Corn – ie, not too cold or too hot. If feeding it with live prey, be careful that the victim does not hurt the snake. Generally, Corn Snakes eat rodents, like mice. Remembering that mice should always be purchased from a reliable breeding site so as not to contaminate your Corn with possible parasites.
Enclosure and habitat
Your terrarium should have a capacity of at least 90 liters and be a place of “maximum safety” as Corn Snakes are known for their ability to escape. It is also essential to provide hiding places, so your Corn can take refuge. The substrate – which may be natural or synthetic – should always be cleaned to prevent the emergence of fungi and bacteria.
The temperature of the terrarium should be between 25 ° C and 28 ° C, and, regardless of the heating method used (carpets, stones, or lamps), it is essential to protect these objects from contact with the snake to prevent it from burning. Also, always keep a neat container of fresh filtered water in your coldest part of the terrarium for your Corn to hydrate and new – and it is entirely reasonable if you find it in the water pot.
Abnormalities and legislation
As with other pets, if you notice that something goes wrong with your Corn Snake, look for a specialist. Any defects, such as difficulty in changing skin, frequency of defecation, or appetite disorder, take the animal to a veterinarian specializing in exotic animals.
And always be aware of our country’s legislation regarding the animal world. Corn snakes are considered exotic animals and are not allowed the sales and breeding in our national territory.
