The candy cane corn snake is a popular pet among reptile keepers. It has brown and white stripes that resemble candy canes, hence the name. These snakes typically reach three to five feet in length and are nonvenomous constrictors. They are native to the southeastern United States, where they are found living in forests, fields, and even residential areas.
These snakes enjoy hides or small caves for hiding spots during their daytime rest periods and require a warm temperature of 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit at night for sleeping. They also need plenty of water which can be provided as a shallow dish or sprayed lightly onto the substrate.
Lifespan
Candy cane corn snakes are known to live up to 25 years with proper care. The best way to ensure that your candy corn snake lives a long and healthy life is through proper diet and habitat maintenance.
Appearance
Candy cane corn snakes have a classic candy cane pattern that is made up of alternating brown and white stripes. They typically reach three to five feet in length when fully grown, and often have darker heads, belly scales, and tails.
Diet
The candy cane corn snake loves to eat rodents like mice or rats, as well as other small prey items such as frogs, Insects, lizards, and even eggs. Prey should be offered every 7-10 days for young candy corn snakes and every 10-14 days for adults. It is important to ensure the prey item is no larger than the candy cane’s head so they can easily swallow it without choking or regurgitating it back out.
Temperament
Candy cane corn snakes are typically docile and tolerant of handling. However, they can still become stressed if handled too frequently. It is important to remember that candy cane corn snakes do best when left alone in their enclosure for most of the time. If you decide to handle your candy corn snake, it is important to always provide a secure grip so the snake feels safe and does not attempt to escape. With proper care and respect, candy corn snakes make great pet reptiles!
Behavior
Candy cane corn snakes are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are active and hunt for food at night. During the day candy cane corn snakes will hide in their shelter and rest until it becomes dark outside. They are also good climbers and will often use branches or rocks to bask in warmer temperatures during the day. In addition, candy corn snakes tend to become more active when they sense vibrations from prey nearby. Therefore, they should be kept away from busy areas where vibrations could scare them.
Care
Candy cane corn snakes require proper care in order to live a long and healthy life. This includes providing an enclosure with the proper temperature, humidity, and substrate. It is also important to offer hides or small caves for the candy cane corn snake to sleep during its daytime rest periods. Additionally, candy corn snakes should receive adequate nutrition which can be provided as a shallow dish of water or sprayed lightly onto the substrate.
Temperature & Humidity
Candy cane corn snakes require an optimal temperature of 82°F during the day and 73°F during the night. It is also important to maintain humidity levels between 40-60% in candy cane corn snake enclosures. This can be done by misting the enclosure with a spray bottle or using a humidifier to keep moisture levels consistent. Additionally, candy corn snakes should always have access to fresh water in their enclosure. By providing proper temperatures and humidity levels, candy corn snakes remain healthy and happy!
Health
If candy cane corn snakes are kept in an appropriate environment and fed a proper diet, they can remain healthy for many years. However, candy corn snakes are vulnerable to certain health issues such as respiratory infections, parasites, and mouth rot which should be treated by a qualified reptile veterinarian if any symptoms appear. It is also important to inspect your candy corn snake’s shed periodically to ensure that it is shedding properly. If not, contact a vet right away as this could be a sign of illness or poor nutrition.
Mating Season
Candy cane corn snakes typically mate in the late spring and early summer. During this time, candy cane corn snakes will seek each other out to reproduce. The female candy corn snake will lay several dozen eggs during her reproductive cycle and then bury them in a cool, moist environment until they hatch. It takes about two months for candy corn snake eggs to hatch, and it is important to keep a close eye on the eggs as any potential predators can easily disturb them.
Do Candy Cane Corn Snake Bite?
No, candy cane corn snakes are nonvenomous constrictors so they do not bite. However, candy cane snakes can still become scared or stressed if handled too frequently and may attempt to escape. Therefore, it is important to always provide a secure grip when handling candy corn snakes and be mindful of their stress levels.
Can Candy Cane Corn Snakes Be Good Pets?
Yes, candy cane corn snakes make excellent pets for beginners. They are relatively easy to care for and do not require a lot of space or attention. Additionally, candy corn snakes can live up to 15 years with proper care and respect! With their beautiful candy stripe coloration and docile temperament, candy corn snakes truly make extraordinary pets.
Are Candy Cane Corn Snakes Rare?
No, candy cane corn snakes are not considered to be a rare species. They can generally be found in pet stores and breeder websites, as well as through many online reptile retailers. Candy corn snakes make great pets for those looking for an easy-to-care-for beginner reptile!
Conclusion
Candy cane corn snakes are a great pet for those who are looking for an easy-to-care-for beginner reptile. With their beautiful candy stripe coloration and docile temperament, candy cane corn snakes make excellent pets that can live up to 25 years with proper care and respect. It is important to provide candy corn snakes with the proper temperature, humidity, and nutrition in order for them to thrive. By following these guidelines, candy cane corn snake owners can rest assured knowing that their pets will remain healthy and happy!
