Where Corn Snakes Like to Live

Corn Snakes should be housed in a vivarium with a secure top, as they make excellent escape artists. Allow a minimum of 1 square foot to each foot long your snake is. A hide box should also be provided; a branch for climbing and resting on; and a rock or log for basking and lying around on. With corn snakes no special lighting is required; and they do not need a specific humidity level either. However, they may appreciate a light misting of their vivarium to aid them during the shedding process. A heat mat will be needed too.

Handling

Corn Snakes do not wrap snugly around your arm like other snakes; they tend to pick a direction and go for it. Although they are relatively small in body mass, they are quite strong. When handling, always support the body and give free rein to the head. If the head starts going somewhere you don’t want it to go, gently guide it into another direction. Many snakes can get nervous when introduced into a new situation with new people; so give them a couple of days to settle down before letting new people handle them.

Health & Hygiene

Corn Snakes are a tough species, so are generally quiet resilient; and with a good diet and a routine will remain quite healthy.

Shedding

As a reptile grows, its old skin becomes too tight and worn. A new skin awaits just below the old. As a snake gets ready to shed, its eyes will turn a milky blue over the course of several days, and the body color will start to dull and develop a whitish sheen. Once the eyes have cleared, the snake is ready to shed. To assure proper hydration, soak the snake in warmish water after the eyes clear; this should enable to snake to shed easily within the next 24 hours.

Mites

These are small black parasites that live on your Corn Snake and feed on their blood. If affected by mites, they will be visible around the eyes, mouth and under his scales. Symptoms will include lethargy and loss of appetite. If mites are discovered, bathe your Corn Snake immediately in warm water. Remove all the contents from the vivarium and fully disinfect it. Replace substrate with kitchen roll and keep furnishing to a minimum. You will need to use a mite treatment to rid the tank of all mites, and medical attention is recommended.

Respiratory Infections

Bacterial infections are typically caused by poor cage conditions, low temperatures or too much humidity; but they can also transfer between snakes. Symptoms include a wheezy breathing sound; excessive saliva and nasal discharge. Mild infections will generally go away once living conditions are improved, but veterinary advise is recommended for serious infections. If you are concerned about your Corn Snake’s health, our Pet Care Advisors are on hand to help, although veterinary attention may be recommended.

Regurgitation

This may occur if your Corn Snake is handled too soon after eating; or if their food is too large. However, it may also be a sign of digestive problems. If regurgitation occurs, monitor it closely for other symptoms. Also, if your Corn Snake repeatedly regurgitates it’s meal; shows signs of excessive weight loss or shows any other signs that are worrying, seek medical attention.

Cleaning the Habitat

Corn Snakes generally require little cleaning as they rarely go to the toilet. Remove feces and soiled bedding as necessary. If your snake defecates in its water bath, it should be disinfected straight away. A full deep clean every four weeks, with a mild disinfectant will ensure your Corn Snake remains healthy.

Hygiene

Hand washing is very important when owning any reptile. Washing your hands before and after handling your Corn Snake will help keep you and your pet healthy. If you wash your hands before handling you reduce the risk of passing anything on to your pet.

Salmonella

As with all reptiles, Corn Snakes have the potential to carry pathogens such as salmonella; so children under five should not handle them and hands should be thoroughly washed before and after.