Corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) care sheet

Written By Ellie Hills

Within the pet trade:

Corn snakes are one of the most popular pet snakes within the hobby. They are an easily manageable size, come in a variety of pretty and vibrant colours and have simply care requirements compared to other species. Most corn snakes have a docile temperament and are easy to feed and house.

Figure 1: Corn snake Sleeping in cork bark hide.

Natural history:

Corn snakes are a small and non-venomous species of colubrids native to America. Their range is wide, from New Jersey down to Florida and into parts of the Midwest. They are adaptable and can utilise a range of habitats such as woodlands, fields, rocky hillsides, farmland and barns. They are semi-arboreal and are efficient climbers, but will also burrow.

Corn snakes primarily feed on small mammals such as rodents; they will also take birds and reptiles. They take down prey by constricting. In the wild, they are generally solitary and most active at dawn and dusk (crepuscular), although they have been seen basking during the day.

Figure 2: Corn snake in a forest (Stock image).

Lifespan:

Corn snakes mature quickly, reaching full size between 1.5 years and 3 before their growth slows. With proper care and responsible breeding, corn snakes can thrive in captivity for up to 30 years. Often 30 years is rare, but it is not unheard of that corn snakes make it into their late teens and 20’s.

Enclosure size:

Hatchlings/Babies: Can be housed in small tubs or enclosures (e.g., small Exo Terras).

Adults:

    • Minimum: 40-gallon tank for an adult male.

    • Large females: 4 ft x 2 ft x 2 ft enclosure to allow full stretching.

Setup:

  • Provide multiple hiding spots throughout the enclosure (logs, caves, cork bark).

  • More hides = a more confident and active snake.

  • Hide should be small enough that the corn snake feel snug and secure.

  • Ensure hides are available in both warm and cool areas.

  • A humid hide to help with shedding and provide a humid microclimate. Using sphagnum moss in a plastic, waterproof hide with a lid and entrance is an easy and cost-effective way to do this.

  • They need a water bowl with fresh, clean water. They should be able to soak in the water dish.

  • A snake should be able to travel across the enclosure unseen if it wants.

Figure 3: Corn snake resting in moss.

Substrate:

Suitable options: Aspen bedding, dry shavings, coconut husk (Eco Earth), forest floor, jungle bedding, or paper bedding.

  • Depth: Several inches to allow burrowing and access to humid layers.

Temperature and heating:

Ambient air temperature: 72–80°F (22–26°C).

  • Warm basking spot: 80–86°F (26–30°C).

  • Nighttime: Heating is usually not needed unless temperatures drop below 60°F (15°C).

Heating Methods

  • Preferred: Low-wattage heat lamp.

  • Alternative: Heat mat (with thermostat).

  • Always place heat on one side of the enclosure to create a gradient.

 Lighting

UVB: Low-level UVB (e.g., Reptisun 5.0, ~1 UVI) is recommended for better vitamin D and immune health.

LED daylight spot: Bright white LED lighting mimics natural sunlight and supports natural activity.

Day/Night cycle: 12 hours on, 12 hours off.

Feeding:

Prey size: About 10% of snake’s body weight, or just slightly larger than the widest part of its body.

  • Hatchlings: Pinky mice every 5 days.

  • Juveniles: Move to every 7–10 days.

  • Adults: Feed every 10–14 days, adjusting based on body condition and appetite.

  • Watch weight and adjust frequency up or down if needed. Corn snake are very prone to obesity as they will eat more then they need when offered food too frequently.

Cleaning:

Spot clean: Remove waste as soon as it’s found.

Full clean: Every 1–2 months — replace all substrate, disinfect enclosure, wash water bowls.

Disinfectants: Reptile-safe cleaners or products like leucillian and safe4

Top tips:

Always monitor shedding — retained eye caps or skin signal humidity issues.

Handle gently; corn snakes are generally docile but may be active.

Watch for signs of illness: wheezing, lack of appetite, lethargy, or mites.

Hybrids

Corn snake genetics display remarkable plasticity; the corn snake now has an impressive variety of colour and pattern morphs. One of the most striking examples is the palmetto morph, which originated from a single wild-caught male discovered in a garden.

Within the reptile-keeping hobby, corn snakes have also been selectively bred and hybridised with other American colubrids, including milk snakes, king snakes, and other rat snakes, further expanding the diversity of appearances available.

Figure 4: Female corn snake cross thayers king snake.

Ellie Hills
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Hognose Snake Care sheet