As promised, we’re focusing on snakes this week. Today’s entry is all about corn snakes (Elaphe guttata) like the little guy pictured below.

Corn snakes are very popular within the reptile enthusiast community because they are very hardy, versatile, and pretty creatures. Available in seemingly endless color morphs and variations, corn snakes are fun to breed and this means people tend to acquire multiples and see what comes of the pairings.

Able to live well into their 20s with proper care, corn snakes are about eight to ten inches long when they hatch and can grow up to five and a half feet in length.

 

When small, they can be kept in a shoe box-sized enclosure, but as they grow, a 20 gallon tank is appropriate. Aspen shavings are the best substrate for a corn snake, however reptile carpet will also suffice. They can be burrowers and do like to hide, so make sure that you either have a substrate that they can burrow in to or some type of hiding spot(s).

 

Feed your corn snake as you would any other snake – appropriately-sized thawed mice should be your go-to food. Babies eat once a week and adults can be fed every ten days or so. A large, shallow water bowl should also be provided and water should be kept clean and fresh.

Backwater Reptiles currently offers various corn snake color morphs for sale, but we also have standard corn snakes for sale starting at $29.99.