Corn snakes make fascinating pets for adults and children of all ages. They are easy to keep and care for once set up in a correct environment. They are easy to handle and following regular handling will become fairly tame.
Corn snakes can grow to 1.5m long and will often live for around 20 years so will be a long term commitment for anyone thinking of keeping one. These snakes are crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk, so they will hide and sleep during the daytime when the light is switched on and will then come out when the lights are turned off, also they tend to be terrestrial meaning they spend most of their time on the ground, however they will enjoy climbing around the vivarium given the chance.
Corn snakes do not have the same needs for companionship as most mammals do, so are happily kept on their own. At times it is advised to keep singularly as aggression can be shown between individuals; it would never be advised to try keeping different species together at any time.
Corn snakes come from the Americas and are typically found in the South-eastern United States. In the wild they tend to live in over-grown fields, pine forests and areas of agriculture. Like most reptiles, they are normally housed in an enclosed cage with glass doors, known as a vivarium. They have specific requirements, therefore it's essential that the environment within the vivarium is controlled precisely and monitored at all times.
Young Corn snakes should not be housed in large vivariums as this can be stressful for them and they can be less inclined to eat. Corn snakes are not highly active and do not need huge enclosures. A medium sized vivarium will house your snake comfortably. As a rough guide, the vivarium can be half to thwo-thirds the length of the snakes total body length. Snakes are excellent escape artists, so care must be taken when planning their enclosure. Make sure your vivarium has a tight fitting lid and tightly fitting doors. Snakes are very strong and can push a loose fitting lid from a vivarium.
There are many options in regards to substrate that you can keep your snakes on. We would advise cage carpet, Aspen bedding or dried bark chips. The substrates are very easy to keep clean, which is paramount in order to stop possible health issues.
Corn snakes do not tend to be aggressive and are not venomous. Once used to regular handling they will very rarely bite due to their relaxed and passive nature. They are rather inquisitive and they will move all around their vivarium to explore the surroundings.
Corn snakes are carnivores and opportunist feeders. In the wild they would normally hunt small mammals, birds, and other reptiles. However, in captivity these types of snakes will solely feed on rodents, with the best choice being mice. Mice are available to buy frozen, they should be fully defrosted before use. As long as the correct environment and diet are provided, corn snakes are hardy and problem-free to keep as pets.