My brother and I have had corn snakes as pets for the past ten years or so. Through our experiences, these snakes make exceptional pets. Corn snakes ( Elaphe Guttata ) are the perfect snake for the beginner since they are very easy to care for, easy to tame and feed. Corn snakes also come in an array of beautiful color combinations, which is what makes these snakes so popular. Best of all, snakes in general are very clean animals and emit no odor whatsoever, making them hypo-allergenic, a good quality for those of us with allergies.
Corn snakes can be found in pet stores, and in the wild, all over the U.S. and can easily be shipped globally. They are usually sold at relatively low prices making them ideal for the first-time snake owner. Normal Corn Snakes usually cost no more than $25. Albinos (corn snakes which lack pigment or colors, usually called Snow Corns), are sold for around $50 - &75.
A Corn snake's need for space is moderate and will feel just as happy in a small to medium-sized terrarium as in a large one. When purchasing a new corn snake, one should buy a 10 gallon size terrarium. When the snake gets larger you should upgrade to a 20 or 30 gallon. Aspen shavings, screened pine or hardwood chips should be used as a bottom material since they are easy to change and rather inexpensive. Because of the texture of aspen, you should not feed your snakes in it, but in a separate container with holes. For more information about Feeding and Diet please click here.
NOTE: Avoid using aromatic wood shavings such as cedar or pine as bedding since these may cause digestive problems if eaten. Also avoid using decorative citrus or cedar branches.
A water container, slightly bigger than your snake is a must. Climbing branches, some rocks or decorative cork to hide under are optional, and a low powered heating pad with a dimmer under the cage should also be added to your Corn snake's cage. ( see photo A below for the ideal set-up.) For more information about Heating and Lighting please click here.
NOTE: We do not recommend the use of Heating Rocks in your snake's cage. For one they do not spread the heat evenly in the terrarium; Two, it may cause damage to your snake if it basks directly on top of it; Three, the cord form the rock may aid in your snake's escape!
The Corn Snake Habitat (photo A below)
Home Sweet Home: Rosie explores her new home. A 10 Gallon terrarium with sliding screen (with lock), aspen shavings as bottom material, a hiding place, a water dish, a thermometer, and a heating pad underneath ( not shown ). The complete habitiat should cost around $75, snake sold separately.
Corn snakes can be tamed quickly and easily. When held often, corn snakes will learn your touch and enjoy being handled. If your snake seems aggressive during your presence you may first want to hold it wearing gloves until it gets used to being held.
Overall, Corn snakes are the perfect snake for those of all ages, so if you are considering the purchase of one...you're making the right choice.