Coorn snake/Rat snake Care Sheet

Life Span: 10 to 15 Years

Size:  The Rat Snake is the largest species of Elaphe with maximum length of 101" (8'5"). Corn Snake adults range between 30 and 48 inches. The record was a 6 foot (72") giant.

Range: They tend to be arboreal, but are also found in grassy areas, cultivated fields and around farms, where they are useful to man in reducing the rodent population. Rat snakes are found in North America east of the Rockies and in Mexico, in Europe as far north as southern Germany and Poland, and throughout southwestern and eastern Asia, including China, Japan and the Philippines.

Temperament: Corn Snakes are quite docile. Rat Snakes often react defensively by aggressively biting but, would become quite tame if handled frequently.

Housing: Larger snakes should be housed in a 50 - 60 gallon enclosure. Smaller snakes will not need more than 20 gallon enclosure. The enclosure should have a tightly fitting, locking, top as they are very good in escaping. It is important to give the snake as much stretching room as possible. Corn snakes and Rat Snakes love to climb and if a branch is provided they will often be seen climbing on it. For a substrate you can use ground cover such as commercially prepared shredded cypress , aspen or fir bark; do not use orchid bark. Pine, cedar and redwood shavings should not be used due to the oils causing respiratory infections and other problems. Newspaper, paper towels or indoor/outdoor carpet make good ground cover too. The enclosure must be monitored closely and all soil removed out to prevent bacteria and fungus growths. Hollow log or commercially available "rocky" caves, half-circles of tree bark, and upside-down flower pots can be used for the hide spot.

Temperatures: 65F at the cool end to 88F at the warm end of the cage. These temperatures are maintained during spring, summer, and fall. During winter cool to 55F. Prior to this cooling, the snakes should be maintained at active temperatures without food for 14 days. Failure to do this sets up an extremely hazardous situation, since cool temperatures prohibit digestion. Undigested food can rot in the snake's gastrointestinal tract. Cooling period should be two to three months. Snakes should be checked weekly, provided with fresh water, and weighed. The cool-down can help tremendously with their feeding response the following spring also it is necessary for successful breeding.

Water: Provide a bowl of fresh water at all times for both drinking and soaking. The water will need to be changed frequently. 

Feeding: Rat Snakes and Corn Snakes readily feed on mice and small rats every 7- 10 days. The prey should be no larger than the the widest part of the snake's body (feed prey pre-killed to avoid snake's injury).

Breeding: Oviparous snakes. Mating generally occurs in May, eggs are laid in early summer. Females deposit 5 to 30 eggs, each approximately two inches long. Eggs usually hatch in August and September. Incubation temperature should be 82F. The eggs hatch within 55 to 70 days. In some species, the young are colored much differently than the adults, dark gray with dark blotches, and only attain adult coloration about 3 years later. Adults reach sexual maturity at 2-4 years.