🦎 Reptiles

Corn Snake

Colorful, hardy and great for beginners.

Native to the southeastern US, corn snakes are slender, active and tolerant of handling. They come in countless color morphs and are excellent first snakes.

Lifespan15–20 years
SizeMedium · 3–5 ft
Care levelBeginner
Typical cost$20–40 / month
Great for
BeginnersKids with supervisionDocileActiveCurious
Corn Snake

Photo: Ethan Porcaro · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Care guide

Daily care

4′×2′×2′ for adults with a secure lid — they are escape artists. Warm side 85°F.

Frozen-thawed mice every 7–14 days.

Branches and hides for climbing and exploring.

Humid hide during shed.

Health

Common health concerns

Know what to watch for. Early detection makes most of these far easier and cheaper to treat.

  • Respiratory infections
  • Mites
  • Stuck shed
  • Mouth rot
  • Cryptosporidiosis
Veterinary care

Vet visits

Annual reptile vet exam.

Find a vet near me