CB23 Snow Tessera Masque Corn Snake

CB23 Snow Tessera Masque Corn Snake

Scientific Name: Pantherophis guttatus

Difficulty Level: Beginner

Size (Total Adult Length): 4-5ft
Caring for a Corn Snake involves providing an appropriate environment, diet, and routine care to ensure their well-being and longevity. These snakes are popular due to their hardiness, ease of care, and striking appearance. There is a colour/pattern morph to suit everybody.

Enclosure
Enclosures should be large enough to provide a thermal gradient, a minimum of two hides (one at the cool side and one on the warm side) this allows your snake to feel  secure whilst still being able to thermoregulate. The enclosure would also require a water bowl and some decor ie branches,cork bark and fake plants. A minimum of a 4ftx2ftx2ft is recommended for adult Corn snakes. Substrate options such as aspen bedding, coconut coir and husk allow for burrowing and easy spot cleaning.
Occasionally changing around or adding new hides/branches or foliage helps aid enrichment and boredom as these are quite active and inquisitive snakes.

Temperature and Lighting
The ideal temperature gradient for a Corn snake enclosure ranges from the mid 70s (°F) on the cool end to around 80°F on the warm end and a basking spot of around 88-90°f
(31-32°c). Temperatures should always be controlled by a thermostat.
Night-time temperatures can drop to low 70s (°f) . UVB lighting can benefit their overall
health and well-being seeing as these snakes are primarily a diurnal species. Avoid placing the cage near windows where direct sunlight can overheat the enclosure.

Diet
In captivity, Corn snakes should be fed rodents, typically mice, that are appropriately sized for the snake. Starting with pinkies for younger snakes and transitioning to larger prey as they grow. Feeding can range from once a week for adults to more frequently for growing juveniles. It's advisable to feed pre-killed or frozen-thawed prey to avoid injury to the snake. These snakes should always be housed singly as their natural prey in the wild includes other snakes.

Water and Humidity
A bowl of fresh water should always be provided. Corn snakes don't require high humidity levels, maintaining a range of 35% to 60% is sufficient, with slight increases during shedding periods to facilitate the process.

Handling and Temperament
Regular, gentle handling can help your Corn snake become more accustomed to human
interaction. Hatchlings can have a tendency to be nervous and flighty but generally become more relaxed with age. Avoid handling during shedding periods to prevent stress.

General Care
Inspect the enclosure daily and spot clean as necessary.
Enclosures should regularly be disinfected with a reptile safe disinfectant and substrate
replaced. Monitor your snake's health, watching for signs of scale/shedding issues, obesity, refusal to eat, lethargy, respiratory issues or other health concerns. Creating an enriching environment with hides and structures can promote natural behaviours and ensure your snake's well-being.