Corn Snakes: How to Create the Ideal Enclosure!

Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

Corn snakes are one of the most popular pet snakes in the US.

It’s easy to see why, with their calm demeanor, relatively small bodies, and ease of care.

Corn snakes can also live over 20 years old in captivity. And under the right care, yours can too!

In this post, you’ll learn about the corn snake’s natural habitat, behaviors, and get helpful tips for setting up the ideal corn snake enclosure.

Natural Habitat of a Corn Snake

Corn snakes are native to North America and most commonly found in southeastern regions of the US.

They’re adaptive reptiles but thrive in temperate climates and are often found in wooden groves, rocky areas, and meadowlands.

Behavior and Temperament

Corn snakes are diurnal, meaning they’re most active during the day.

They’re a ground-dwelling species, so you’ll find them in caves or nestled under rocks, logs, and bushes. They climb into trees once in a while, but they prefer the safety of the ground.

As for climate, corn snakes live in relatively mild temperatures in the eastern United States. On hot days, they’ll venture out in the morning, then retreat under a rock or burrow during the day.

Interestingly, corn snakes are active hunters in the wild but are not aggressive towards people, which speaks to their popularity.

Requirements for a Corn Snake Enclosure

Recommended Enclosure Size

A full-grown corn snake can reach around 5 feet, so they need ample space to stretch and roam around.

So if you start with a small enclosure for a baby snake, make sure you size up accordingly.

Thankfully, we have a Vision Cage for every step of the way:

• Baby Corn Snake: The Model 221 [12″H x 28″L x 22″D]
• Juvenile Corn Snake: The Model 332 [21″H x 36″L x 23″D]
• Adult Corn Snake: The Model 433 [28″H x 48″L x 28″D]

Temperature in a Corn Snake Enclosure

Your cage needs a temperature gradient to keep your snake comfortable. This consists of a cool side, a warm side, and a basking spot.

• Cool Side: 75°-80°
• Warm Side: 80°-85°
• Basking Spot: 88°-92°
• Ambient Night Time Temperature: 75°

Decrease the light and temperature at night to mimic a corn snake’s typical day-night schedule.

Also, equip heating attachments like a 1000-watt thermostat and probe to regulate the cage’s temperature.

Humidity for Corn Snakes

We recommend an internal cage humidity between 40-50%.

You can measure this level by placing a humidity gauge in your snake’s cage.

What if humidity drops below 40%?

Increase the level by misting the enclosure, using a substrate that holds moisture, and adding water bowls.

More Info: Maintaining humidity in a reptile enclosure

Recommended Cage Bedding and Substrate

Corn snakes spend most of their time on the ground, so the substrate is vital.

Include some type of bark or soil to mimic their natural environment.

We offer a mold-resistant bark-based substrate that holds and releases moisture to maintain humidity. It also allows for burrowing underneath, which is necessary for this snake.

Alternative Substrates

You can use common household items like paper towels or newspapers because they absorb moisture, are easy to replace, and they’re cheap.

However, it doesn’t contribute to the cage aesthetic and you’ll have to replace them often, so it’s not the preferred method, but it is the cheapest.

It’s best to avoid fine cedar or pine shavings as a substrate. This material gives off a strong scent and leaves chemicals on your snake’s scales, which will be harmful.

Best Cage Accessories

Corn snakes spend time on the ground and climbing objects.

Include leaning branches, elevated ledges, and decor for the ground level, like a hide for the warm and cool side of the cage.

Two hides with a deep substrate for burrowing will make your snake feel much safer and more comfortable.

We also offer replica rocks, plants, and water bowls, so you’ll find what works best for your cage.

Finishing Up

Corn snakes, native mostly to the eastern US, are one of the most popular pet snakes.

They can live to be over 20 years old under proper care (the oldest recorded corn snake in captivity was 32 years old)!

If you accept the research, care, and time commitment, your reward is decades of gratifying experiences and companionship.