Latin name: Elaphe guttata guttata
Native to: United States
Maximum length: 4 - 6 feet
Approximate life span: 10 - 15 years
GENERAL INFORMATION
Cornsnakes have remained one of the most popular snakes by beginners
and experienced reptile keepers alike. Their gentle nature, ease of
care and affordable price are the main reasons. Another reason: there
is a wide variety of captive bred color morphs available. In fact,
there is probably a larger selection of differing color morphs with
Cornsnakes than any other reptile. Regular, albino, snow, ghost,
motley, okeetee, zig-zag and black are just a few examples.
Interestingly, with all these color varieties, all Cornsnakes are
classified under the same Latin name no matter how different they look.
ENCLOSURE
10 gallon or larger sized aquarium is
adequate for babies. Rule of thumb: The snake should never be more than
twice as long as it's enclosure. Provide climbing branches and hiding
places.
SUBSTRATE
For substrates there are a variety of
choices. For any of them start with a layer of news paper for easy
clean up and extra absorption. On top of that use a Zoo Med REPTI™ CAGE
CARPET, pine shavings or the newspaper by itself.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY
Cornsnakes occur naturally
in the southeastern quarter of the United States. They prefer
temperatures at night between 75 - 80°f and a daytime temperature of 80
- 85°f.
HEATING
Use a Zoo Med REPTITHERM® UNDER TANK HEATER (U.T.H.). Do not turn the
tank heater off, leave it on 24 hours a day and use it in conjunction
with a Zoo Med RHEOSTAT™ for easy heat control. Or use a Zoo Med
CERAMIC HEAT EMITTER with a Zoo Med RHEOSTAT™.
LIGHTING
High UVB levels are not necessary for
Cornsnakes. A Zoo Med REPTISUN 2.0 bulb will work fine. With it's high
UVA levels, your Cornsnake will show it's colors well. All reptiles and
amphibians need a photo period. A plug in timer (for your lights only,
do not use a timer for your heating devices) works well to develop a
regular photo period (light cycle) of 8 - 10 hours of light, 14 - 16
hours of darkness. Reptiles and amphibians cannot see the red light
spectrum, so a red bulb is ideal for nighttime viewing of your
Cornsnake.
FOOD & WATER
Cornsnakes will eat pinkie mice as
babies and gradually move up to adult mice and baby rats. Feed all
snakes separate. Remove them from their enclosure, place them in a
secure container with their food. Be sure the container has good
ventilation. Place the container in a warm area. Do this preferably
before you go to bed. Snakes like it to be quiet and calm when they
eat. Don't expect the snake to go immediately over to the food and
start eating. (Although this may happen, it's not the norm). It is not
recommended to feed snakes in their enclosures. They will become
conditioned to respond in a "hunger-mode". They will think there's food
coming and may bite. This is not an aggressive behavior. They are
acting on instinct. If, every time you opened the enclosure, you
reached in and picked up your snake, instead of dropping food in, it
would realize food is not approaching. Feed Cornsnakes once every week.
When feeding weaned mice, it's always best to feed pre-killed mice to
avoid severe bites to your snake. Never handle snakes after handling
rodents. The scent on your hands may invite a bite.
NOTES
Always wash your hands before and immediately
after handling reptiles and amphibians. Never leave live food long term
with reptiles & amphibians. They can inflict severe harm, even kill
your pet. If your animals take some time to eat or you feed them at
night, leave a slice of potato, carrot or dry dog food for the live
food items to eat. Your local pet shop is an ideal source for reptile
and amphibian related books and supplies. Please make sure you read and
become familiar with any instructions provided with reptile support
products you may purchase.
For further information on reptiles and amphibians we
recommend you read REPTILES MAGAZINE and THE VIVARIUM. California
Zoological Supply hopes you have enjoyed reading this reference sheet
on Cornsnakes. We hope that our guidelines will assist you with the
care or possible purchase of your new pet.
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