Species Overview

  • Common name: Corn Snake

  • Scientific name: Pantherophis guttatus

  • Origin: Southeastern USA — woodlands, grasslands and farmland edges

  • Lifespan: 15–20 years (some over 25 with excellent care)

  • Adult size: 90–150 cm (3–5 ft)

  • Temperament: Docile, calm, easy to handle

  • Activity: Primarily crepuscular/nocturnal; occasionally active by day

Housing and Enclosure Setup

Enclosure Size

  • Hatchlings: Ideally, a cluttered 2ft vivarium; however, as babies are agoraphobic, sometimes a RUB suits them better.

  • Juveniles: 3ft vivarium.

  • Adults: Ideally, a 4x2x2ft vivarium.

  • Larger enclosures are recommended for enrichment and natural behaviour.

  • Must be secure and escape-proof, as corn snakes are strong and curious.

Substrate

  • Aspen, lignocel or a soil/sand mix for burrowing behaviour.

  • Provide a few centimetres of depth for digging and thermoregulation.

  • Avoid pine or cedar shavings (toxic oils).

Furnishings & Enrichment

  • Provide at least two hides — one at each end of the thermal gradient.

  • Include branches, cork bark, and foliage for cover and climbing.

  • Ensure you have a water bowl large enough for bathing.

  • Provide enrichment by changing the enclosure layout periodically.

Temperature, Lighting & Humidity

Temperature Gradient

  • Warm end 30–32°C Controlled by thermostat

  • Cool end 22–25°C

  • Night 20–22°C

  • Always use a thermostat (whether using a heat mat or ceramic bulb).

  • Monitor with digital thermometers at both ends.

Lighting

  • Corn snakes benefit from a low-level UVB (2.4–7%) for a natural circadian rhythm.

  • Maintain a 12 h light / 12 h dark cycle.

Humidity

  • Keep humidity between 40–60 %.

  • Provide a slightly moist hide during shedding periods.

  • Avoid excessive dampness — this can cause scale rot.

Diet & Feeding

Diet

  • Feed appropriately sized thawed frozen rodents (either mice or rats, depending on size and BCI of your corn).

  • Prey should be approximately the size of the snake’s mid-body width.

  • They will do best on primarily mice, although a mix of mice, rats and chicks would be great to promote natural behaviours.

Feeding Frequency

  • Hatchlings: Every 5–6 days

  • Juveniles: Every 7 days

  • Adults: Every 10–14 days

  • Always defrost prey fully before feeding.

  • Feed using tongs to avoid accidental bites.

Water & Hydration

  • Provide fresh water daily.

  • Replace immediately if soiled.

  • A suitably sized bowl should allow for soaking, especially before shedding.

Handling & Behaviour

  • Calm, regular handling helps maintain a docile temperament.

  • Handle for short sessions (10–15 minutes), several times weekly.

  • Always support the full body and avoid sudden movements.

  • Avoid handling for 48 hours after feeding to prevent regurgitation.

  • Snakes in shed should not be handled unnecessarily.

Cleaning & Hygiene

  • Daily: Spot clean faeces/urates and refresh water.

  • Weekly: Wipe down glass and decor with F10 disinfectant.

  • Monthly: Replace substrate and deep clean enclosure.

Health & Welfare Monitoring

Common Health Issues

  • Respiratory infection: Wheezing, mouth open and mucus. Review the temperatures and book them a vet check.

  • Mites: Tiny black dots and signs of irritation, such as soaking. Quarantine them, clean all decor, change substrate to a clean paper towel and remove and pourus decor.

  • Retained shed: Dull patches or visible eye caps. Give them a humid hide or warm bath.

  • Scale rot: Discoloured belly scales. Monitor them, apply a topical providone iodine and if you don’t see improvement, seek vet care. This is caused by incorrect substrate and increased moisture.