LEXCORN

Pantherophis guttatus          Corn Snake

Description

Corn snakes are found in the United States from New Jersey, Florida, Louisiana & parts of Kentucky. However, they are most abundant in Florida & the southeastern U.S.

This snake is of slender build with an approx. adult length of 182cm (6’). The ‘Nominat’ (Wild type) colouration are usually orange with large, black-edged, red saddle pattern on the dorsal area. On the belly there are alternating rows of black & white ‘checkerboard’ pattern.

The corn snake is considered the ideal ‘starter’ animal for those interested in maintaining a reptile collection. They are bred in a variety of colours & patterns, thereby affirming their position as the most popular species for both the hobbyist & professional breeder.

The cultivars range from Amelanistic (no black), Anerythristic (no red) to the Bloodred, Blizzard, Pewter, Lavender, Opal, Butter, Caramel, Amber & multitudes of Motley/Stripe varieties. The list is perpetual with new cultivars being produced each year.

A moderately small species which has been recorded as living to 23 years in captivity.

 

Average price

£55 - £1,000

Lifespan

6 - 23 years

Size category

Small

Feeding requirements

Defrost pinkies/mice of the appropriate size for the animal (1.5 thickest part of body).

Hatchlings/Yearlings - 5 day feeding schedule

Sub adult/Adult - 7/10 day feeding schedule

Housing requirements

Vivarium - 4‘ x 18“ x 18“ (¾ of the adult size of snake).

Heatmat - to cover 1/3 of the vivarium floor.

Thermostat - Day/Night or Pulse proportional. *Dth: 31C *Ntl: 21C

Optimum for digestion: 24C - 26C

Furnishings - Hide, Water bowl, substrate (woodshavings, repti-turf), Basking light (optional), Plastic plants, dowling or branches.

Ailments

Captive Bred animals are, ideally, parasite & virus free. Wild caught specimens can harbour problems & require blood or feceal testing by a Reptile Veterinarian.

Susceptibility to illness

Respiratory Tract Infections. Generally related to improper environmental conditions (too cold, wet, prolonged stress - provision of thermal gradient absent in enclosure).

Signs of Illness & Stress in Reptiles:

Lethargy; Failure to eat over several weeks; Regurgitation; Prolonged soaking in water bowl (idicative of parasitic infection); Aggression (if, normally, a passive species); Prolonged gaping (open mouth); Loss of muscle tone/strength; Tremors; Abcess/blisters/scabs.

These are signs of an underlying condition. Refer to a qualified Reptile Veterinarian to begin a regime of treatment.

CHOOSING

Selection of a corn snake. Look for an animal with a well developed body, no visible cuts or abrasions, clear alert eyes, tongue flicking, no signs of mites or ticks (usually seen in water dish in enclosure, under chin groove, small black mobile ‘dots’ on a white animal), no discharge from mouth, clean vent.

Energy

Determined by the season (breeding desire); photoperiod (primarily nocturnal, often active in early evening); temperature; feeding schedule.

 

Amount of exercise

These snakes are terrestrial, however, they do love to climb & it is advisable to offer climbing branches ( or a similar product from a reptile supplier) for the animal to exercise appropriately.

Handling of the snake is desirable at an early age to encourage a positive response to touch. Allow 2 - 3 days post feeding prior to handling.

Distress caused if left alone

A corn snake is a solitary animal by nature. He/she will actively search for others of the species during the breeding season. There is no requirement to provide a companion for your snake, unless you wish to breed them.

To maintain two animals together then two females will - if, of similar size & disposition - cohabit.

A male may resent the introduction of another animal into his domain unless it is of the opposite gender.

It is advisable to allow each animal its own vivarium to monitor health, feeding & other health care issues.

Ease of transportation

Simple

Provide a ‘fun bin’, Contico box, Faunarium or some such suitable container (with air holes & locking handles) to transport your pet. The use of cloth bags (pillow cases) can cause more stress to the animal whilst being transported.

Level of aggression

Low

Corns are ‘easy going’, however, snakes are individuals & are, therefore, subject to environmental influences which can alter their behaviour.

Compatibility with other animals

Will mix with small Boids, although I do not personally recommend this method of husbandry.

Be careful to quarantine all new animals prior to mixing with your established collection.

Suitable for children

High

Children over the age of 10 years, properly supervised

 

HYGIENE

How we keep our pets can affect our own health. Disease transmitted from animals to humans are called zoonoses.

Cleaning

General removal of debris (food, feceas, urates, blood, saliva etc) which helps reduce the amount of organic matter that contributes to the proliferation of bacteria & disease.

The best method is with hot, soapy water. Followed by a clean rinse which flushes any loose debris away. Complete rinse out by use of sponges, cloths or paper towels.

To disinfect (use as manufacturer advises on product) generously apply solution to the clean surfaces with a saturated cloth, sponge or spray bottle. Leave for 10 minutes (15 - 20 is better).

To sterilize - leave solution for 30 minutes (check instructions on product dilution ratio).

Rinse out thoroughly prior to re-introducing your reptile.

 

N.B. Never mix Ammonia & bleach. If using bleach to disinfect utensils, sink, water bowls. Carefully rinse all soap residue as many dishwashing soaps contain ammonia.

A separate set of cleaning equipment should be allocated for animal/reptile use.

Do not use soaps or cleansers which are abrassive, contain pine scents or phenols.

Reptile disinfectants can be purchased through animal supply catalogues or pet stores.

 

* Dth:  (Day Time High)

*Ntl:   (Night Time Low)

 

See: Caresheet