Corn Snake Care Sheet
About
Our Corn Snake care sheet provides the expert guidance you need to ensure you can effectively look after your Corn Snake.
The Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus) is one of the most popular reptiles kept in captivity. They are relatively easy to care for, have a calm temperament and, although they can reach up to 6ft in length, they remain slender and are therefore easily housed and handled.
In the wild they display mottled shades of orange, red and black. In captivity, many generations of selective breeding have produced hundreds of colour and pattern variations (morphs), making them hugely popular pets among keepers, collectors and breeders.
Corn Snakes can live for up to 20 years, so long-term commitment to their care is essential.
Housing
Corn Snakes are best housed in a high-quality sealed wooden vivarium, which retains heat effectively and provides good security.
Hatchlings are very small and grow gradually over 2–3 years. It is usually easier and more secure to house young snakes in a smaller hatchling enclosure before upgrading as they grow.
A 2ft enclosure such as the Monkfield 24" Terrainium is an excellent starting point and can house a juvenile Corn Snake until around 18 months old.
Once your snake is ready for a larger home, it can move straight into its adult enclosure. We recommend a minimum size of 120 × 60 × 60cm for an adult, though many keepers choose to go larger.
Corn Snakes should be housed individually except during supervised breeding; cohabitation is not recommended.
Heating
Corn Snakes require a warm area of around 30–32°C and an ambient temperature range of 24–28°C throughout the rest of the enclosure. Night-time temperatures should not drop below 18°C.
For smaller snakes, a heat mat and thermostat are a simple and effective choice, especially when used in a terrainium where mats sit neatly in the base slot. These should always be monitored with a digital thermometer.
For larger snakes and in full vivarium setups, ceramic heaters work well for providing consistent warmth. Always use a heater guard and control the output with a pulse or dimming thermostat.
Arcadia Deep Heat Projectors (controlled by a thermostat) are becoming increasingly popular. They emit Infra-Red-B, providing deep, penetrating warmth and heating decorations below, which release heat back into the enclosure. Overhead heating also reduces the risk of burns associated with heat mats placed under deep substrate.
Lighting
Studies now show that UV lighting is beneficial for Corn Snakes. A UVI of around 1–2 is ideal, with full shade zones available.
For smaller enclosures, the Arcadia ShadeDweller ProT5 provides this output at 25–40cm. For terrainiums, the Mini-UV kit is suitable for shorter distance installations (around 15–20cm).
For larger setups, a reflected Arcadia 6% T8 tube provides similar results, or you may opt for a 6% T5 or ProT5 kit if you have 40–45cm of height to work with.
Lights should remain on for 12–14 hours per day and be switched off at night.
Humidity
Corn Snakes originate from areas with relatively low humidity. A dry setup is normally ideal. You may monitor humidity at the cool end if you wish, but most UK homes naturally provide acceptable conditions.
A moist hide, filled with damp sphagnum moss, is beneficial—particularly for juveniles and during shedding.
Decoration
Decoration is both functional and enriching. Good décor ensures your Corn Snake feels safe, secure and stimulated.
Provide at least one hide on the warm side and one on the cool side.
Branches, resin décor, rocks and artificial plants all create climbing and hiding opportunities. Corn Snakes are more active and curious than many people expect, especially at night, and will make full use of well-structured environments.
Food
Corn Snakes should be fed appropriately sized, fully defrosted mice or rats. See our separate Snake Feeding Guide for detailed information on prey size and frequency.
Water
Fresh drinking water should be available at all times in a shallow, stable bowl and refreshed daily.
Cleaning and Hygiene
Spot clean daily to remove waste. A full clean every 4–6 weeks is recommended, including replacing substrate and washing décor where safe to do so.
Reptiles, like all pets, can carry bacteria such as salmonella, as well as internal parasites. Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling or cleaning to prevent cross-contamination.
An annual faecal check is sensible, especially if you notice loose stools or changes in appetite. Diagnostic services are available from PALS Veterinary Laboratory.
Your Responsibilities
This Corn Snake care sheet provides a basic overview and a quick reference point for many common care questions. There are often several effective methods to achieve the same outcomes, and husbandry advice evolves as new knowledge becomes available, so continued research is encouraged.
As a pet owner you must ensure your animal is provided with:
- Freedom from hunger or thirst — access to fresh water and a diet that maintains full health
- Freedom from discomfort — an appropriate, secure environment
- Freedom from pain, injury or disease — prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment
- Freedom to express (most) normal behaviour — sufficient space, suitable décor and enrichment
- Freedom from fear and distress — appropriate handling and a stable environment
If in doubt, always seek professional or veterinary guidance.
Disclaimer: This care sheet is provided as a general guide based on our experience. Advice may vary between keepers, and best practices may evolve as new research and products become available. Always carry out your own research and consult professional or veterinary guidance where required. We will endeavour to keep this information up to date as husbandry knowledge develops.
If you have other reptiles, be sure to explore our full range of care sheets, including Bearded Dragon, Crested Gecko, Hognose Snake,
