This black and white checker pattern is similar to Indian corn which is where the name corn snake may have come from. The belly has distinctive rows of alternating black and white marks. The natural corn snake is usually orange or brown bodied with large red blotches outlined in black down their backs. The record for the oldest corn snake in captivity was 32 years and 3 months. In the wild, it usually lives around ten to fifteen years, but in captivity can live to an age of 23 years or more. Description Īs an adult the corn snake may have a total length (including tail) of 61–182 cm (2.00–5.97 ft). The corn snake is also referred to as a red rat snake. The Oxford English Dictionary cites this usage as far back as 1675, whilst other sources maintain that the corn snake is so-named because the distinctive, nearly-checkered pattern of the snake's belly scales resembles the kernels of variegated corn. The corn snake is named for the species' regular presence near grain stores, where it preys on mice and rats that eat harvested corn ( maize). The corn snake is beneficial to humans because it helps to control populations of wild rodent pests that damage crops and spread disease. Though superficially resembling the venomous copperhead ( Agkistrodon contortrix) and often killed as a result of this mistaken identity, the corn snake lacks functional venom and is harmless. It is found throughout the southeastern and central United States. The species subdues its small prey by constriction. The corn snake ( Pantherophis guttatus), sometimes called red rat snake, is a species of North American rat snake in the family Colubridae. Once the corn snake begins to realize that you are not going to eat it, and also that it needs to calm down to regain the security of its quiet cage, it will usually tame quickly and become very used to handling.A close-up portrait Gravid female Young corn snake If needed, use lightweight cotton gloves to bolster confidence for as long as needed. Hesitation scares the corn snake, and makes it likely to hide or bite. Be sure to approach the corn snake from the side rather than the top like a predator would do. After three or four successful meals, start handling your corn snake for short periods, except for the first two to three days after a meal. It is important to give a new corn snake a few weeks to settle into its new home and into a regular feeding routine before stressing it with unnecessary handling. A white mouse or a cat that plays too roughly with its owner can do far more damage than even the largest corn snake. Although it is normal for baby corn snakes to flee, hide or defend themselves, it is also true that they have no real ability to harm you. Fearless babies were eaten quickly long ago and never passed their genes onto future generations. Hatchling corn snakes are naturally nervous and defensive. Place the bowl in a cage corner so it can be easily found as the snake cruises the cage perimeter at night. Clean out the bowl every few days or sooner if it is soiled. Temperatures can vary quite a bit within just a few inches, so thermometer and hide box placement is important.įresh water should always be available in a shallow, heavy reptile water bowl. Be sure to check the temperature inside the warm end of the hide - not on the glass. One long, skinny hide, such as a hollow log or PVC pipe, can be placed so one end of the hide is cool and one end is warm. On the warm end 85 degrees Fahrenheit is perfect, and room temperatures (low 70s) are fine for the cool end. Provide a temperature gradient with a light, or undertank heat pad or cable. Be careful to avoid direct sunlight shining into the cage, or the temperatures could quickly become lethal. No special lighting is required, but natural light from nearby windows will help your corn snake adjust its day and night cycles, and its seasonal cycles. Snake habitat products like climbing branches may be appreciated, but a couple of dark, tight reptile hides are essential to help the snake feel secure. All snakes are escape artists, so make sure the cage is absolutely escape proof. Snakes are not social animals, so cagemates are quite stressful. Adult corn snakes need a cage at least the size of a 20-gallon long reptile terrarium, but bigger is even better. Corn Snake Cagingīaby corn snakes can easily live in a plastic vivarium the size of a large shoebox for the first several months of their lives. They are often reproductive until 10 to 12 years of age and sometimes longer. With proper care, a corn snake could live at least into its latter teens, and it may well live into its 20s.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |