Top 9 Benefits of Choosing a Corn Snake as Your Pet
Thinking about getting your first pet snake but feeling a little nervous? I totally get it — I felt the same way before bringing home my first corn snake. But honestly, corn snakes are one of the most beginner-friendly reptiles out there. They're chill, easy to care for, and pretty low-maintenance once you’re set up properly.
Here’s what you really need to know before bringing one home:
Why corn snakes make great first-time snakes
Corn snakes are small, gentle, and nonvenomous. Even if you do get nipped (which is rare), the bite doesn’t hurt much and isn’t dangerous. They’re also curious and active, which makes them fun to watch. And with hundreds of color morphs available, you can find one that really stands out.
Skip wild-caught snakes
Always buy from a reputable breeder. Wild-caught snakes tend to be more aggressive, carry parasites, and don’t adapt well to captivity. A captive-bred corn snake will be much healthier and easier to handle.
Ask smart questions before buying
When you’re choosing a snake, ask the breeder or seller:
- Is this snake captive-bred?
- What’s its temperament like?
- What is it currently eating, and how often?
- Has it seen a vet recently?
Also, look the snake over yourself. Clear eyes, smooth scales, no signs of parasites or swelling — these are all good signs of health.
Setup matters — make the enclosure escape-proof
Corn snakes are little Houdinis. They can squeeze through the tiniest gaps, so make sure your tank has a secure lid and no escape routes. A 20-gallon tank works for a baby, but a 40-gallon is better long-term. More space, fewer upgrades later.
Aim for:
- Warm side: 80-85°F (27-29°C)
- Cool side: 75-80°F (24-27°C)
- Basking spot: 88-92°F (31-33°C)
Use a heat mat or ceramic heater for nighttime warmth, and consider a UVB light — it’s not essential but helps with overall health.
Keep humidity in check
Corn snakes like moderate humidity — about 40–50%. Too high or too low can cause shedding or respiratory issues. A simple hygrometer will help you monitor it. I also recommend adding a humidity hide (even a DIY one!) to give your snake a cozy, moist retreat when needed.
Use the right substrate
Aspen bedding is perfect. It lets your snake burrow, which they love, and it’s easy to spot-clean. Just avoid dusty or overly wet substrates that can irritate their skin or cause mold.
Don’t forget the water bowl
Your snake will drink from and soak in its water bowl, so make it roomy and sturdy — ceramic works well. Clean it daily because, yep, they often poop in it.
Feeding is simple
Corn snakes eat mice — that’s it. You’ll feed:
- Babies: one pinkie every 5–7 days
- Juveniles: one juvenile mouse every 7 days
- Adults: one adult mouse every 7–10 days
A good rule of thumb? The mouse should be no more than 1.5x the width of your snake’s midsection. And always use tongs to feed — not your hands. It helps avoid accidental bites and teaches your snake that your hand isn’t food.
Life expectancy and commitment
Corn snakes typically live 6–8 years, sometimes a bit longer. That’s shorter than other snakes like ball pythons, but it can be a good fit if you’re not ready to commit for decades.
A few real-life tips
- Climbing fun: Even though corn snakes aren’t tree-dwellers, they’ll still enjoy climbing branches or decor in the tank. It keeps them active and happy.
- Handling: Take it slow at first. Use a hook tap method to let them know it’s handling time. They’re generally very manageable, but like any animal, they appreciate routine and respect.
- Escape-proofing: Double-check every latch and gap. I once had to fish mine out of the laundry room after she pushed open a poorly-secured lid. Lesson learned!
If you’re willing to put in a bit of upfront effort, corn snakes are incredibly rewarding pets. They’re beautiful, low-fuss, and a great way to get into the reptile world without getting overwhelmed. Once you get your setup dialed in, it’s mostly just feeding, spot-cleaning, and enjoying your new slithery friend.