Corn Snake
From The Reptile File Wiki
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Current revision (03:40, 19 August 2009) (view source) (→Handling) |
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== Introduction == | == Introduction == | ||
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| + | [[Image:Okeetee.jpg|thumb|left|Photo by [http://www.thereptilefile.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=225 heart4herps]]] | ||
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Corn snakes are often found in forest areas, rocky hillsides, and farm land throughout most of the Eastern and central United States. The best time to find a corn snake outside is during dawn and dusk, as this is the point when they are most active. These snakes are mostly ground-dwellers, but can sometimes be seen as semi-arboreal. They come in a wide range of colors. | Corn snakes are often found in forest areas, rocky hillsides, and farm land throughout most of the Eastern and central United States. The best time to find a corn snake outside is during dawn and dusk, as this is the point when they are most active. These snakes are mostly ground-dwellers, but can sometimes be seen as semi-arboreal. They come in a wide range of colors. | ||
== Difficulty == | == Difficulty == | ||
| - | Corn snakes are considered the beginner snakes of all beginner snakes because they are so easy to handle and they're eager feeders. Most are docile with very few exceptions of aggressive behavior. They take well to | + | Corn snakes are considered the beginner snakes of all beginner snakes because they are so easy to handle and they're eager feeders. Most are docile with very few exceptions of aggressive behavior. They take well to feeding and even enjoy being taken out for some social time. A highly recommended first time snake. |
--[[User:Prism wolf|Prism wolf]] 20:11, 29 February 2008 (EST) | --[[User:Prism wolf|Prism wolf]] 20:11, 29 February 2008 (EST) | ||
== Basic Info == | == Basic Info == | ||
=== Size === | === Size === | ||
| - | These snakes are generally 3 to 5 feet in length | + | These snakes are generally 3 to 5 feet in length, with some reaching 6 to 6 1/2 |
=== Lifespan === | === Lifespan === | ||
=== Handling === | === Handling === | ||
| - | + | As already stated - these snakes are easy to handle. The more you interact with them the more at ease this snake becomes. Make sure you give at least a couple of days after feeding before you handle your corn (with the exception of replacing it in the cage from the feed box if you use one). Handling too soon can result in a stressful regurgitation of their meal. Make sure, too, that your hands do not smell like the prey. Using tongs is the best way to avoid the scent remaining on your hand. | |
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| + | --[[User:Prism wolf|Prism wolf]] 20:17, 29 February 2008 (EST) | ||
== Housing == | == Housing == | ||
=== Humidity === | === Humidity === | ||
| - | Humidity is not a general concern for corns it needs to be 40-60% humidity its the same that you will find in your home. | + | Humidity is not a general concern for corns it needs to be 40-60% humidity its the same that you will find in your home. Humidity is needed for proper shedding and contributes to adding moisture to the air for proper lung function. Too much humidity can result in respiritory illness and scale rot among other medical issues. |
=== Lighting === | === Lighting === | ||
| - | + | Corn snakes are a diurnal animal which means a good part of their waking hours is during daylight times. Although a UTH is the most common means of heat, a bright light overhead should also be used for a healthy photoperiod. This has effects on temperament, and overall good health. A low wattage house bulb works well and can work in conjunction with using the UTH as a heating option. Using the rheostat will assure the UTH will not reach to dangerous temperatures. The light should be set on a timer to simulate the hours of light and dark. | |
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| + | --[[User:Prism wolf|Prism wolf]] 20:50, 29 February 2008 (EST) | ||
== Feeding == | == Feeding == | ||
=== Diet === | === Diet === | ||
| - | An active will happily eat every 10 or so days. They should only be feed pre-killed | + | An active snake will happily eat every 10 or so days. Babies often require feedings closer to every 7 days. They should only be feed pre-killed prey for the safety of the snake. Live prey has been known to cause serious damage fighting for their own lives or being left overnight and the prey becomes hungry. Snakes have been known to have been eaten alive by hungry mice, especially those left overnight. If you get your corn as a hatchling it should be feed pinkies and the prey should get progressively larger as the snake grows. |
=== Supplements === | === Supplements === | ||
| - | + | Supplements are generally not needed for snakes unless under the care of a veterinarian for an illness. This is not a standard practice for everyday snake keeping. | |
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| + | --[[User:Prism wolf|Prism wolf]] 20:24, 29 February 2008 (EST) | ||
=== Hydration === | === Hydration === | ||
== Conclusion == | == Conclusion == | ||
| - | + | If you think you would like to get your first snake - or already have a snake but want to add this gorgeous snake with an array of morphs to choose from - then this is the perfect snake. Their easy to find, relatively inexpensive and easy to care for. Like a bag of chips - you can't stop at one. | |
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| + | --[[User:Prism wolf|Prism wolf]] 20:36, 9 March 2008 (EDT) | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
=== Websites === | === Websites === | ||
| - | + | *[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corn_Snake Wikipedia - Corn Snake] | |
| + | *[http://www.anapsid.org/corn.html Caring for Corn Snakes - Anapsid] | ||
| + | *[http://www.kingsnake.com/rockymountain/RMHPages/RMHnewpage11.htm The Ubiquitous Corn Snake - Kingsnake.com] | ||
=== Books === | === Books === | ||
| - | + | * Corn & Rat Snakes (Complete Herp Care) - by Philip Pursor<br> | |
| + | * Corn Snakes in Captivity - by Don Soderberg<br> | ||
| + | * Reptile Keepers Guide to Corn Snakes - by R.D. Bartlett and Patricia Bartlett<br> | ||
| + | * The Corn Snake Manual - by Bill Love and Kathy Love | ||
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| + | Many of these books can be found on Amazon for very reasonable prices. Use the Amazon link on the forum and help to contribute to the upkeep of all that is good here. | ||
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| + | --[[User:Prism wolf|Prism wolf]] 21:38, 29 February 2008 (EST) | ||
== Author == | == Author == | ||
