Corn Snake/Frequently Asked Questions
From WikiPets
[edit] My snake sits with its mouth open like it has something stuck in it, is there something wrong?
This is how snakes react to a respiratory infection. You should consider taking it to a vet ASAP. Respiratory infections can become fatal if appropriate treatment is not provided. Alternatively try increasing the temperature a few degrees and remove the water bowl for a few days at a time. This should help clear away any infection.
[edit] Can I feed my Corn Snake live food?
Yes, but defrosts are a much better alternative. Live rodents can do some serious damage to a snake while fighting for their lives. Most wild snakes have serious battle scars from feeding accidents. Another reason is parasites, the freezing process kills all of the parasites so you are at no risk of your snake getting any but with live foods there is a potential risk.
[edit] Can I hold my Corn Snake while it’s in pre-shed?
Yes, you should be careful not to rub it too hard though as the skin underneath will be soft.
[edit] How old do Corn Snakes get?
Corn Snakes will live around 13-15 years in captivity and maybe even reach 20. The oldest recorded Corn Snake lived for over 32 years!
[edit] What sex is my Corn Snake? How can I sex my Corn Snake?
I have written a guide that you can read.
[edit] How big should my Corn Snakes vivarium be?
Adults will live happily in a 36x15x15 vivarium but you may get away with a slightly smaller vivarium with regular handling. Younger hatchings should be kept in smaller containers such as a shoe box so that they feel secure and do not get stressed.
[edit] What substrate should I use for my Corn Snake?
Adults: The best substrates to use have to be paper towels or newspaper. Simply because they are very easy to clean up and are cheap. Aspen is also good to use especially for older snakes but feces can be quite hard to spot if it gets covered up. Astroturf or repti-carpet is alright but needs to be cleaned regularly. Sand can cause impaction and cedar chips can cause serious infections. Other bad choices are sand, soil, corncob and pine shavings.
Hatchlings: Substrate for small corns should ideally be paper towels, newspaper or similar. Floorings such as aspen are also acceptable provided you feed them outside of their home to prevent ingestion of the substrate.
[edit] Why are Corn Snakes called "Corn Snakes" ?
They are well known for hunting mice in farmers corn fields.
[edit] How many hides will my Corn Snake need?
Place two or three hides in the vivarium with at least one at each side (warm and cold) so that the Corn Snake can choose to be warm or cold. Hides must be a bit of a squeeze for the snake to feel secure; if a hide is too spacious the snake will probably feel exposed.
[edit] Do Corn Snakes like to climb? Should I place in a branch or two?
Yep, corns love to climb and the rough surface will also come in handy when shedding time comes along. Remember all decor items should be thoroughly disinfected by soaking in a 1:10 bleach solution and rinsing and all branches are securely fastened.
[edit] Do Corn Snakes require any specific special lighting such as UVB?
No. Corn Snakes do not require special lighting. Simply provide with 12 hours of light, either from an outside source or a fully secured and protected in-tank light bulb. They cannot see red light and do not require UV lights. Never put enclosures in direct sunlight as this can cause the temperature to rise above normal acceptable temperatures.
[edit] What should I feed my Corn Snake?
There are several ideal food sizes of mice and rats that can be fed to Corn Snakes. Adults will eat weaner rats and hatchlings will eat pinkie mice. Remember never feed food items bigger than 1.5X the girth of the snake and do not handle your snake 2 days after feeding.
[edit] How old until my Corn Snake is mature?
I get this question quite a lot. A Corn Snake can mature as young as 10months old but for breeding a female will not have enough body mass to safely become gravid. Much like us humans mature as young as 10 years old, it would be unwise and even fatal to become pregnant at that age.
In my opinion, a male Corn Snake should be two years old before being put into a breeding programme. The main reason being, sperm production seems to be lower in younger snakes leading to a higher number of unfertile eggs. A female Corn Snake however must be at least three years of age, 90cm long and have a good amount of body mass before brumination.
