All About Corn Snakes as Pets

Corn snakes are an exceptionally popular pet reptile that is pretty well known by people both in and out of the reptile keeping community. This is a beginner friendly reptile that is known to have relatively easy care. You may even see them hanging out in a display in your local pet store or know someone who owns one. Chances are you’re even thinking of taking home a corn snake yourself.

If you are not familiar with reptiles but are still curious about owning one of these wonderful colurbids for yourself, you may have some questions. Questions such as how much their care may cost, and what they are generally like to live with. In other words, you want to learn more about them as pets. With the help of this guide, we hope to answer those questions and more.  

Temperament and Behavior

There’s a reason that corn snakes make popular pets. These snakes are known for their laid-back temperaments and lack of emotional needs to attend to. In the wild, these reptiles can be primarily found hiding in a burrow or under a rock, and they prefer doing little else even when in captivity. As its caretaker, you won’t have to worry about frequent feedings, and can make a variety of plans outside of the home with little worry.

As with any animal, you can expect your corn snake’s temperament to change as it grows. As hatchlings, these snakes are known to be a bit skittish and flighty. However, with proper care and socialization, it should soon grow out of this. Before you know it, you will have a confident, happy animal that will be more than happy to perch on your arm for hours.

Before you get to this point, however, it is important that you understand how to properly socialize and handle your snake. Learn to read your pet’s body language, avoid handling it after shedding and other stressful events, and make sure that it’s well fed. When picking it up, avoid grabbing it by the head or tail and allow it to come to you.

Appearance

Corn snakes are a moderately sized constrictor that grow to about 3-5 feet in length. The wild variety is known for both their orange and red coloration and scales that are colored like corn kernels on their undersides (hence the name). These snakes are known for the large number of morphs that have been bred in captivity. With over 800 morphs available in the pet trade, there is bound to be one that suits your aesthetic tastes.  

How Much Are They?

There are a variety of factors that will go into how much a corn snake for sale costs. This includes the type of morph you choose and where you acquire your snake from. A pet from a reptile expo or reptile specific store may cost a bit more than one from a big box retail location. However, specialty breeders typically put a lot more care into the socialization and health of these reptiles. Above all, you can expect the cost of a corn snake from a reputable breeder to range from around $100 to over $1,000 depending on the morph.

As for how much their terrariums cost, you will need to consider the cost of the enclosure itself as well as accessories you may need to occasionally replace.

Here is a list of accessories you will need for your setup and how much you can expect to pay for them:

• Feeding tongs ~ $10
• Reptile Heating pad ~ $15-$20
• UVB bulb ~ $15
• Digital thermometer ~$10
• Water bowl ~$8
• Hide Spot ~$15
• Substrate ~$10/bag. You will need to change your snake’s bedding every month.

Keep in mind that the prices above are not set across all brands. The pricing of these items can easily vary by size, quality, and materials used.

Of course, there will be other recurring expenses to consider, such as food and vet care. If possible, try setting aside around $100 per quarter for medical expenses.

Final Thoughts

Overall, corn snakes make excellent, long lived, well-tempered pets. Their size, ease of care, and general disposition allows them to thrive in a variety of homes. Whether this is your first reptile or tenth, you will likely be able to get the hang of caring for your corn snake quickly. If you provide your snake with what it needs, you will soon find the reptile owning experience to be rewarding and unique. You may even find yourself involved in a new fun, enriching hobby.