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Reptile Basic Care Guides

Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus)

Care level: Beginner 

Temperament: Docile, curious; generally handleable

Behavior: crepuscular, terrestrial/semi-arboreal, solitary

Minimum enclosure size: 4x2x2’ (1.2×0.6×0.6m); additional 1’ (30cm) of length for each 1′ (30cm) of snake over 4’ (1.2m)

Basking spot temp (surface): 90°F (32°C)

Cold side temp: 75°F (24°C)

Nighttime/minimum temp: 60°F (16°C)

UVB: UVI 1-3/Ferguson zone 2 (e.g. Arcadia Shadedweller 7% at 12-15” (30-40cm) away with no mesh or Arcadia T5HO 6% at 11-21 (28-54cm) away with typical mesh) 

Humidity: 60-75%

Diet: Carnivorous; mostly mammalian, some avian prey on occasion 

Adult size: 3-5’ (1-1.5m), rarely over 4’ if pure corn and no other rat snake content

Wild Distribution: various habitats such as woodlands, meadowlands, and urban areas in southeastern United States

(Guide written with contributions by Offline#8045)


Other Resources:

Reptifiles Guide – Corn Snake

Dubia.com Guide – Corn Snake

Happy Dragons Guide – Corn Snake

ADW – Pantherophis guttatus

Facebook Group – Corn Snakes – Advancing Husbandry