Geographical Region

North America – Arizona, Carolina and Florida.

Habitat

Semi arid areas, dislikes humidity and likes to burrow.

Colour

Various colour morphs now available, anything from all white to all black.

Size

Adult males rarely reach over 4ft, while females grow a little longer.

Captive Environment

36l x 15d x 15h for a single specimen

36l x 18d x 18h inches  for an adult pair – usually better to go larger if possible, as this allows more room to move and thermoregulate (control body temperature).

Dry substrate such as aspen bedding or reptile hemp bedding as this allows for a more naturalistic burrowing behaviour. Provide a few hides at each end of the vivarium as well as a water bowl at the cooler end. Branches and plastic plants are added extras but are not essential.

Heating/lighting requirements

Ambient temperature between 78 - 84°F. All warmth should be situated at one end of the vivarium with a heatmat and a normal tungsten light bulb of around 40 – 60w providing a basking area. It is essential that vivarium temperature has a gradient from warm to cooler to allow thermoregulation. Corn snakes are nocturnal and do not require ultraviolet lighting. Turn lighting off at night to allow for a naturalistic night time temperature drop. Always use a thermometer to check the temperatures at the warm and cooler ends.

Photoperiod

Autumn/winter – 10 hours light – 14 hours dark.

Spring/summer – 12 hours light – 12 hours dark.

Feeding

Hatchlings are sold feeding on defrosted pink mice – 1 every 5-7 days.

As the snake grows the prey item should increase in size- ask use for advice.

Currently feeding on one large pinkie every 7 days

Sexing

Males have a longer, more slender tail that tapers gradually from a wide base.

Females have a shorter tail that tapers more abrupt from a thinner base.

Can be kept singularly or 2 females or a male and female, 2males is not recommended.

Shedding

Snakes periodically shed their skin, their colouration tends to become dull and they usually go off their food during this time, and their eyesight is poor. Keep handling to a minimum during this time.