The corn snake’s name comes from the rodent it seeks while it lives around the fields and cribs. Also, because of the belly markings, which are similar to Indian corn. Previously, corn snakes were known as Elaphe guttata. Let’s find out all the information you need before choosing an albino corn snake for yourself.

Choosing a Corn Snake

You need to watch out for some potential problems before choosing a corn snake as a pet. Ensure that the snake is of the size right, it shouldn’t be too thin or too flaccid. A healthy snake will not have a mushy belly or indentations. It is always a risk to buy a snake that is weak and listless. Use your hands to gently check the snake’s entire body to identify any potential problems in the snake.

You should also check for respiratory infections in your snake. Listen closely to the snake’s breathing, and if you hear whistling or gurgling, it might be a sign the snake is ill. Along with that, also look for any bugs attached to the snake’s body. See if there are any ticks on their skin as well. Before getting a snake, ask the seller for records from them. What does it eat, what conditions do they keep it in, what temperature does it prefer? A lack of records can show incompetence from the owner or breeders’ side.

Corn Snake Enclosure Requirements

If you get a snake home in its original cage bedding, keep it under the hide box in their new home so it can remain familiar with the scent and not get uncomfortable. Before bringing a snake home, make sure your house is ready for a pet snake.

You should have an enclosure of a standard 20-gallon long aquarium for the albino corn snake. It needs to be 12 inches wide and 30 inches long at the very least. If you have a juvenile snake, a vivarium can work, which is 18 inches in length. Make sure to resist any temptations of handling the snake when it is in a new environment. You should wait up to three days before you offer it food.

When considering a cage for your pet snake, make sure it does not have a lot of moisture in it. Decide on the ventilation and heating for the cage and how to regulate it. You can have two lids on the sides of the cage for good ventilation for the snake. But make sure the holes are not too large as the snake can easily escape through them.

Lastly, corn snakes like to hide in dark, tight places to feel secure when digesting their food or resting. So, a hide that is dark enough in which the snake barely fits would provide them the security they desire.

Humidity for Corn Snakes

If your pet snake is having shedding problems, this indicates the cage is too dry for them. But if the water is running down the glass, then this shows it is too wet. In either of these conditions, your snake would not be happy, so make sure to create an ideal temperature for your pet snake.

Humidity in the cage can be easily controlled by providing ventilation in the cage. Even a simple newspaper can work well for controlling high humidity in the cage.

Heating and Lighting

It is a known fact that corn snakes thrive well in 70 to 88 Fahrenheit. Snakes cannot sustain one temperature constantly. This is why varying high and low temperatures are required to facilitate digestion, parasite control, and even embryo development.

If you deny your corn snake sunlight, you will face a lot of health issues in your pet snake. You can use a heating device to provide the heat in their enclosure. This can be done by using under tank heaters for hermit crabs. Apart from that, spotlights can also be used for direct light in the cage.

What to Feed Your Corn Snake

You can feed your snakes a mouse or a rat. You need to keep the frozen or thawed mice where the snake is hiding without disturbing the snake. Make sure not to place the food on top of the snake or place it in its hide box, as this can scare the snake and cause damage to you as well.

Many snakes will quickly eat frozen rats, but as humans, they are picky eaters, so they might want a live rat to stimulate their interest. Ideally, a snake can digest its food in two to three days. Make sure not to feed them chicken eggs as they can be too big for them. However, eggs from small birds such as quail can be used.

Corn Snake Growth

You will see that they will grow up way too quickly if you get a baby corn snake. Female corn snakes are smaller in size than their traditional male counterparts. A male corn snake can grow to be long and heavy. It can weigh up to two pounds with six feet in length.

You will also notice as the snake grows, it will shed less. After five years of living, the snake will not grow any more than that.

Shedding

Commonly, a snake will shed two to four times annually. This shedding process is where a cleaner, elastic layer naturally replaces the outer layer of skin of the snake. If your corn snake has some skin injuries, then it will shed more than usual. In a healthy snake, the shedding will happen in one piece, whereas if the snake is shedding in different parts, it can indicate that it is unhealthy.

Health Issues

Generally, the albino snake is a healthy reptile. If you keep them in a clean, well-ventilated enclosure, they will remain healthy. However, a dirty enclosure can cause problems such as fungus and mouth rotting for the snake. This can cause your snake to refuse to eat and can complicate the matter further.

Shedding complications mentioned earlier can also be a sign of an unhealthy snake. This is where parts of the snake’s skin remain on the body, but this can be prevented by keeping the enclosure at the right level of humidity for your snake.

In conclusion, albino snakes are perfect for beginners or snake enthusiasts. They have a calm nature, which makes them ideal for a family ready to give them the love and care they need. The snake will slither all over you if they feel loved and cared for.