Corn Snake: Care Sheet

corn snake
shopping list
for needed supplies
appropriately sized habitat
book about corn snakes
substrate
moss
water dish
hideaway place
climbing dcor
plants
heat light
heat fixture
under tank heater
thermometer
humidity gauge
elaphe guttata
sources
care sheet
Speak to an associate about the Petco library of

books on corn snakes.
Speak to an associate about our many private brand
items available for the care and happiness of your
pet.
Because all snakes are potential carriers of infectious diseases, such as Salmonella, always wash your
hands before and after handling your snake and/or
habitat contents to help prevent the potential spread
of diseases.
Pregnant women, children under the age of 5 and
people with weakened immune systems should contact their physician before purchasing and/or caring
for a snake and should consider not having a snake
as a pet. For more information regarding snakes and
disease, go to the Center for Disease Control at
cdc.gov/healthypets/ and petco.com/caresheet.
Corn snakes are named for the pattern of

their belly scales that resembles maize, an
ancestor of modern day corn. They are known
to be good climbers and escape artists.
corn snake facts:

average adult size:
4 to 6 feet long
average life span:
up to 20 years
with proper care
diet:
carnivore
Will reach adult size in 2-3 years, under ideal conditions; upgrade habitat size as your snake grows.
This care sheet can cover the care needs of other

species. See petco.com for more information.
Note: The information on this Care Sheet is not a

substitute for veterinary care. If you need additional
information, please refer to the sources on the following
page or contact your veterinarian as appropriate.
2012, Petco Animal Supplies, Inc.
All rights reserved.
(03/2012)
PETCO - Reptile2 BIFOLD OUTSIDE.indd
Developed with and approved

by a qualified veterinarian.
2/27/12
3:03 PM
care sheet
diet
A well-balanced corn
snake diet consists of:
Appropriate size
frozen rodents,
thawed/warmed
to above room
temperature.
If feeding your
snake live rodents,
do not leave them
unattended. Live
rodents can injure
the snake, sometimes
fatally.
feeding
Things to remember
when feeding your corn
snake:
Feed juveniles once or
twice a week, adults
every one to two
weeks.
Feed in a separate
tank so that your
snake doesnt
associate your hand
or the habitat being
opened with feeding.
corn snake
elaphe guttata
housing
Size - appropriate size
and shape habitat for
an adult colubrid to
accommodate normal
behavior and exercise,
at least a 40 breeder.
Substrate - aspen
shavings, mulch-type
such as coconut fiber
bedding or reptile
bark; dampened
sphagnum moss.
Avoid gravel and
artificial turf (too
harsh for skin).
Habitat - provide a
hiding area just large
enough for your snake
to fit inside and a
branch or decor to
climb on. Maintain 4060% humidity; higher
during shedding.
Temperature temperature gradient
(85F for the warm
end and 70 for the
cool end); recommend
radiant heat; use an
incandescent light as
primary heat source,
use under tank heater
as secondary source.
Lighting - snakes need
vomiting
lethargic or reluctant
to eat
abnormal feces
bumps or spots on
skin
Adult corn snakes

can be housed
together but do not
house different snake
species together.
traces of bleach smell;

dry the tank and furnishings completely and add
clean substrate.
grooming
& hygiene
Snakes will regularly
shed their skin; ensure
humidity of habitat is
at appropriate level to
allow snake to shed
properly.
signs of a
healthy animal
normal
behavior
As snake gets ready
to shed, eyes will turn
a milky blue/grey
over the course of a
few days and body
color will start to dull
and develop a whitish
sheen.
Active and alert
May become irritable,

avoid handling.
Sheds skin in one

complete piece
Clear eyes (except

when shedding)
Eats regularly
Healthy skin
Sheds regularly
Appetite may vary.
habitat
maintenance
Thoroughly clean the
habitat at least once a
week: place snake in a
secure habitat; scrub
the tank and furnishings
with a 3% bleach solution; rinse thoroughly
with water, removing all
Health Issue
dermatitis
labored breathing
difficulty shedding
white, cheesy
substance in mouth
If you notice any of these signs, please contact your

exotic animal veterinarian.
PETCO - Reptile2 BIFOLD INSIDE.indd 6
a photoperiod light
cycle; provide 8-12
hours of light daily.
Dont leave white light
on at all times; a black
or infrared light should
be used at night.
common health issues
red flags
unusually frequent
or infrequent
shedding
Developed with and approved

by a qualified veterinarian.
respiratory
disease
stomatitis
ticks and mites
Symptoms or Causes
blisters, rapid shedding
caused by an unclean habitat
or one that is too cold or
damp.
labored breathing, mucus
in mouth or nostrils. can be
caused by a habitat that is
too cold or damp.
white, cheesy substance in
the mouth, loss of teeth and
appetite. if untreated, can
be fatal.
parasites on skin, can
transmit disease.
Suggested Action
consult your exotic
animal veterinarian,
clean the habitat and
lower humidity.
consult your exotic
animal veterinarian
and keep snake warm
and dry.
immediately consult
your exotic animal
veterinarian.
consult your exotic
animal veterinarian.
2/17/12 2:50 PM

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corn snake

appropriately sized habitat

book about corn snakes

under tank heater

Speak to an associate about the Petco library of

Corn snakes are named for the pattern of

corn snake facts:

average life span:

This care sheet can cover the care needs of other

Note: The information on this Care Sheet is not a

PETCO - Reptile2 BIFOLD OUTSIDE.indd

Developed with and approved

Adult corn snakes

traces of bleach smell;

Active and alert

May become irritable,

Sheds skin in one

Clear eyes (except

Appetite may vary.

If you notice any of these signs, please contact your

PETCO - Reptile2 BIFOLD INSIDE.indd 6

common health issues

Developed with and approved

ticks and mites

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