Corn Snake
Pantherophis guttatus
Overview
Corn snakes are native to the southeastern United States and are widely considered the best beginner snake. They are docile, hardy, easy to care for, available in countless color morphs, and reach a manageable size of 4-5 feet. They are named for their presence in cornfields where they hunt rodents.
Ambient Temp
70-75°F (21-24°C)
Basking Spot
85-88°F (29-31°C)
Night Temp
65-70°F (18-21°C)
Humidity
40-50%
UVB
Not required; ambient room lighting or day/night cycle
Lifespan
15-20 years
Enclosure Sizes by Life Stage
| Life Stage | Minimum Enclosure Size |
|---|---|
| Hatchling0–3 months | 10-gallon (20x10x12") |
| Juvenile3–12 months | 20-gallon long (30x12x12") |
| Adult12+ months | 40-gallon breeder (48x18x18") or larger |
Housing
- Enclosure type
- Terrestrial glass or PVC enclosure with very secure locking lid; escape artists
- Substrate
- Aspen shavings preferred (corn snakes like to burrow). Cypress mulch, paper towels, or newspaper also work. Avoid cedar, pine, and sand.
- Hides
- At least two hides: warm side and cool side; snug-fitting hides recommended
- Notes
- Minimum 20-gallon long for juveniles, 40-gallon for adults. Provide at least two hides, climbing branches, and secure locking lid. They are escape artists!
Temperature
- Ambient / cool side
- 70-75°F (21-24°C)
- Basking spot
- 85-88°F (29-31°C)
- Nighttime
- 65-70°F (18-21°C)
- Heating method
- Under-tank heater, heat tape, or heat lamp with thermostat
Humidity & Lighting
- Humidity range
- 40-50%
- Maintenance
- Increase to 50-60% during shed by misting or adding humid hide. Corn snakes tolerate a wide range of humidity.
- UVB
- Not required; ambient room lighting or day/night cycle
- Photoperiod
- 12 hours on / 12 hours off
- Lighting notes
- No UVB required. Provide normal room lighting or day/night cycle with ambient light.
Feeding
- Staple food
- Frozen-thawed mice or small rats
- Variety
- Size appropriately to snake; no live prey
- Frequency
- Hatchlings: every 5-7 days (pinky mice). Juveniles: every 7 days (fuzzy to adult mice). Adults: every 10-14 days (large mice to small rats).
- Supplements
- No supplements required when feeding whole prey.
- Notes
- Carnivore: Feed frozen-thawed mice or rats. Never feed live prey which can injure the snake.
Water & Hydration
- Water bowl
- Bowl large enough for soaking; change every 2-3 days
- Notes
- Provide water bowl large enough for soaking. Change water every 2-3 days. Corn snakes occasionally soak before shedding.
Handling
- Disposition
- Extremely docile; rarely bite; excellent for frequent handling
- Recommendations
- Extremely docile and tolerate handling well. Handle 2-3 times per week. Avoid handling 48 hours after feeding. They may musk when defensive but rarely bite.
Common Health Issues
Respiratory infections, scale rot, mites, mouth rot, and regurgitation from improper temps or handling too soon after feeding.
Special Notes
Corn snakes can live 15-20 years. They are excellent escape artists and can squeeze through very small openings - ensure enclosure is fully secure. Hatchlings may be nippy but calm quickly with gentle handling. One of the most forgiving species for beginners.
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