Do Corn Snakes Make Great Pets? (Answered!)

Many people wonder if corn snakes make great pets or not. If you are looking for a pet snake that is easy to care for and doesn’t require a lot of space, then a corn snake is the perfect pet for you!

With so many benefits, it’s no wonder they are one of the most popular types of pet snakes.

In this article, I will go over many reasons why corn snakes make great pets.

Key Takeaway

• Corn snakes are considered to make great pets, especially for beginners, due to their docile nature, easy care requirements, and tolerance towards humans.
• While a corn snake bite may cause minor discomfort, similar to a paper cut, there is generally no need to be afraid as these snakes are non-venomous and their bites pose no serious threat.
• While corn snakes do not require social interaction, they generally tolerate and can become accustomed to handling, which offers them exercise and exploration opportunities.

Do Corn Snakes Make Great Pets?

Yes. Corn snakes make great pets. They are small, docile, low-maintenance reptiles suitable for beginner pet snake keepers. They eat mice, which can easily be purchased from pet stores or online. Even experienced snake owners love them for the beautiful colors they produce when bred.

Their bite is not venomous nor are they aggressive, making them safe to have around the home. Since they are low maintenance, they make great pets for owners who don’t have a lot of time to dedicate to taking care of a pet.

Corn snakes do not require a lot of space, so they are perfect for small apartments. A single corn snake can live happily in an enclosure as small as a 20-gallon tank.

Corn snakes come in a variety of colors and patterns and are relatively affordable compared to other snakes. Their size makes them ideal for children who want to learn about caring for a snake without having to worry about it getting too large.

They can live into their twenties when kept at home as pets, therefore you should only get one if you intend to commit to raising one long-term.

Corn snakes hibernate, so if you live in an area where the winters get cold, this is something you don’t have to worry about. Plus, they can be left alone during the day while you are at work and will be fine.

Should You Be Afraid of a Corn Snake Bite?

Generally speaking, corn snake bites are not something you need to worry about. Corn snakes are non-venomous, so their bites don’t pose any serious health risks. Additionally, corn snakes have relatively small mouths, so their bites usually aren’t very painful.

You should avoid behavior that provokes your corn snake into biting, and you shouldn’t panic if it bites you. Corn snakes are quite harmless. They have small teeth therefore injuries inflicted by corn snakes will not be severe.

As they are constrictors, corn snakes latch on to their prey when they bite. It is likely that your corn snake will react in the same manner if it bites a human. If this happens, do not try to yank it off.

Give it time to latch on and then release you of its own will. If you try to pull it off, you will only hurt yourself more because the snake’s teeth, which penetrate in a backward position, will not exit easily at all. The teeth will rip your skin when you yank the snake free.

In addition, corn snakes are slender and small. The force involved in yanking one will most likely harm it. Instead of yanking, pour freezing water or alcohol on the area the snake has latched onto says PetHelpful.

Wash the wound with soap and water as soon as possible. This will help reduce the risk of infection. Second, keep an eye on the bite for signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Do Corn Snakes Like Being Handled?

Yes. Though timid, corn snakes can grow accustomed to being handled. They have a pleasant temperament, they rarely display aggressive behavior and when you handle them, they will crawl up and down you.

Corn snakes can become ill-tempered and bite if you handle them when they are hungry or cold. Before you handle your snake, first take care of its heating and feeding needs.

Even though corn snakes generally enjoy being handled, it’s important to remember that each snake is unique, so some may be more or less comfortable with being handled than others. Always exercise caution when handling any snake, and never pick up a snake by its head.

If you’re new to owning a corn snake, start by gently handling your snake every day. This will help them get used to being touched and will make future handling easier. As your snake becomes more comfortable with you, you can start handling him for longer periods of time.

Remember, always use caution when handling any snake and never pick up a snake by its head. With a little bit of patience and care, your corn snake will soon enjoy being handled.

Do Pet Corn Snakes Get Sick Easily?

Yes. Corn snakes are hardy animals when in the wild, but they can easily succumb to illness when kept as pets. They can suffer from mouth rot (stomatitis), parasitic infections, breathing problems, eye and nose infections, vomiting, respiratory problems, lack of energy, and weight loss.

It’s possible to miss the symptoms, therefore close inspection is important when cleaning, feeding, or playing with your pet corn snake.

There are a few things you can do to help keep your pet corn snake healthy and reduce the risk of illness, however. Make sure your snake has a clean enclosure with plenty of fresh water to drink; also be sure to provide a variety of healthy food items, including live prey.

If you take good care of your pet corn snake and provide it with a healthy environment, you can expect it to be a low-maintenance and long-lived companion.

Are Corn Snakes Great Pets For Kids?

Corn snakes make great pets for kids for a number of reasons. They are relatively small, so they don’t require a lot of space. They are also docile and not aggressive, so they’re not likely to bite. Corn snakes are also easy to care for, and they don’t need a lot of expensive equipment.

Lastly, corn snakes are interesting to watch and can be handled without too much risk. All of these factors make corn snakes great pets for kids.

If you’re thinking about getting a pet snake for your child, a corn snake is a good choice. Just be sure to do your research ahead of time so you know what type of care your new pet will need.

And remember, even the best-behaved snake can bite, so always be careful when handling your pet. With a little bit of preparation and caution, though, snakes make great pets for kids.

Snakes may also carry other harmful microorganisms responsible for causing botulism, a rare but dangerous condition that attacks the nerves causing paralysis and/or death. Bowel infections are also common infections passed on by snakes.

Do Corn Snakes Hibernate?

No, Corn Snakes don’t hibernate. Instead, they undergo a process called brumation, which is similar to hibernation but occurs at a lower body temperature. Corn snakes typically enter brumation in late autumn and remain inactive until early spring.

During this time, their body temperature drops significantly and they don’t eat or drink.

In the wild, Corn snakes brumate during some weeks of winter but don’t go the entire winter season. During this time, they decrease the amount of food they eat as the cold temperature slows down their metabolism.

You can mimic these wild conditions for your pet if you want it to go into brumation. This is especially if you want it to breed. Cold weather provides conducive temperatures for breeding. You can provide water but do not feed your snake during brumation.

While corn snakes can survive without food or water for several months, it’s important to provide them with a suitable hiding place during brumation. A dark, warm place like a box or container lined with newspapers is ideal. You should also check on your snake periodically to make sure it’s still alive and hasn’t become trapped under something.

If you’re interested in keeping a corn snake as a pet, be sure to research brumation so you can provide your snake with the proper care during this time period. And remember, never touch a hibernating snake – they may not be able to react quickly enough to defend themselves.

Do Corn Snakes Burrow?

Yes. Sometimes Corn Snakes prefer to burrow and hide to get away from people and others. In fact, they will burrow whenever they get this urge to be unseen. They can burrow underground or in long grass, piles of leaves, or any above-ground space that provides good coverage.

Temperature regulation is also another reason why corn snakes burrow. They will do so during hot weather to keep their bodies cool.

Small surroundings can cause stress in a corn snake, causing it to avoid activity and hide. As your corn snake gets bigger, you need to change its enclosure to a bigger one. Every now and then, you should also consider switching up the arrangement of objects inside the enclosure so that your snake has a “new” environment to explore.

More importantly, burrowing is a corn snake’s way of protecting itself from predators, and also a stealth move to stay concealed during hunting.

However, corn snakes do not really like to burrow in the wild.

There are three main types of corn snake habitat: forested areas, swamps, and scrublands. Of these three habitats, only scrublands are known for having large amounts of burrowing animals. Corn snakes have been found in all three habitats, but they are most commonly found in forested areas. This is likely because there is more cover from predators and more places to find food.

So while corn snakes can technically burrow, it is not something that they do in the wild very often.

Is It Advisable to Keep Two Corn Snakes Together?

No. it is not advisable to keep two corn snakes together. You might be tempted to do so in order to save money or to avoid cleaning out two cages, but you shouldn’t. Corn snakes, like other snakes, aren’t social. They do not like to be around other snakes.

This is especially so if you have two male corn snakes (they will be aggressive towards each other), or a male and a female (they will start breeding).In addition, diseases and parasites spread faster when snakes share a cage.

There is also the risk of the smaller snake being eaten by the bigger one. This is typical snake behavior, where one snake can turn on another member of its species when hungry.

Two corn snakes can only live in one enclosure if they are both females, the same size, and are both acquainted with each other.

Can Corn Snakes Love Their Owner?

No. Snakes get attached to their owners’ smell and voice. If you handle them often, they will prefer you over strangers and other members of your household. But this doesn’t mean that they feel affection for you. They simply associate you with their survival.

The idea of a corn snake loving its owner might sound far-fetched to some, but it’s not entirely out of the realm of possibility. While corn snakes are not known for being particularly affectionate creatures, they can form strong bonds with their human caretakers.

This is most likely due to the fact that corn snakes are highly intelligent and learn to associate their owners with food and good care.

You shouldn’t take this inability to show affection personally. Snakes are just naturally that way and if you accept their nature, you will have a great time raising a corn snake.

If you’re thinking about getting a corn snake as a pet, be prepared to put in the time and effort to build a trusting relationship with your new reptilian friend. Provide them with plenty of food and clean water, handle them frequently, and give them a comfortable place to live

Do Corn Snakes Shed?

Yes. Corn Snakes do shed their skin periodically as they grow. In fact, juveniles will shed more frequently than adults as they undergo rapid growth spurts. It is a normal process, although it is understandable if you are worried about it as your snake’s appearance and behavior might change during this period. Common symptoms of shedding include decreased appetite, shying away from handling, and dull skin.

Their eyes also discolor, causing blurred vision, meaning that they feel insecure and therefore display defensive behavior. Shedding is a process that occurs quite naturally. However, it’s normal to be worried and want to help out your snake.

If you’re keeping a corn snake as a pet, it’s important to be aware of when your snake is due to shed so you can help facilitate the process.

You can make shedding easier for your corn snake by raising the humidity of their enclosure. Higher humidity will help to loosen old skin. another way to help is to inspect your corn snake, particularly around the eyes, to ensure that no old skin is left.

If there is any old skin, put your corn snake in a warm bath and remove the skin with a pair of tweezers.

Once your corn snake has shed its skin, you’ll notice that its colors will be brighter and its body will appear smoother. If your snake is having trouble shedding, it’s important to seek professional help as this can lead to health problems down the road. With proper care, however, shedding is a natural and normal process for corn snakes.

FAQs

Q: Are corn snakes good pets?

A: Yes, corn snakes make great pets. They are relatively easy to care for and handle, making them a popular choice for beginner snake owners.

Q: What is the average lifespan of a corn snake?

A: Corn snakes can live for an average of 15 to 20 years with proper care and a healthy diet.

Q: How big do corn snakes get?

A: Adult corn snakes typically reach a length of 3 to 5 feet, with females being larger than males.

Q: What do corn snakes eat?

A: Corn snakes are carnivores and feed primarily on small rodents such as mice and rats. They can also be fed with appropriately sized frozen/thawed prey.

Q: How often do I need to feed my corn snake?

A: Young corn snakes should be fed every 5-7 days, while adult corn snakes can be fed every 10-14 days.

Q: Do corn snakes require any special housing?

A: Corn snakes should be housed in a secure and escape-proof enclosure, such as a glass terrarium or a reptile tank. They also require a heat source, a hiding spot, and a water dish.

Q: Do corn snakes require any special lighting?

A: Corn snakes do not require UVB lighting like some reptiles. However, they need a consistent day-night cycle and a temperature gradient within their enclosure.

Q: How often should I clean my corn snake’s enclosure?

A: It is recommended to spot-clean your corn snake’s enclosure regularly and perform a thorough cleaning every 4-6 weeks.

Q: Are corn snakes prone to any specific health issues?

A: Overall, corn snakes are hardy reptiles and not prone to many health issues. However, they may suffer from respiratory infections, mites, or digestive problems if not provided with proper care and environment.

Q: Can corn snakes be handled?

A: Yes, corn snakes are generally docile and can be handled regularly. However, it is important to handle them gently and make sure to provide them with a secure grip to prevent accidents or escape.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, corn snakes are widely recognized as ideal pets, particularly for those new to snake ownership.

Their relatively docile nature, manageable size, and simple care needs make them a popular choice. While they don’t crave social interaction, they can tolerate handling, offering owners a chance to interact with their pets.