Sunkissed Corn Snake – Are They Almost Rare?

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Sunkissed Corn Snake is a rare recessionary founded by Georgia Okeetee stock and Kathy Love of cornutopia.com in the early 90s. They are known for their color and patterns, which are known to have no black pigment and are different from regular corn snakes. They were observed to be the hypomelanistic type of snake. Sunkissed corn snakes are a popular breed of the corn snake species beloved by reptile enthusiasts worldwide. This beautiful color variation results from selective breeding, and its unique pattern is reminiscent of the rays of sunshine.

Sunkissed Corn Snake History

The history of the sunkissed corn snake is relatively recent, with the first breeding attempts occurring in the late 1990s. This morph was created by crossing two strains of corn snakes to produce offspring with a bright, golden hue.

Since then, the popularity of the sunkissed morph has continued to grow, with breeders continually working to refine and improve the genetic makeup of these beautiful snakes. Today, there are numerous variations of the sunkissed corn snake, each with its unique pattern and coloration.

Two different people discovered two different mutations; the first was founded by Georgia Okeetee stock in the wilds of Georgia. However, the second was discovered by Kathy Love, and the mutations were named Hypo B. This was the second HYPOmelanistic mutation type discovered in their hobby. They were named “Sunkissed” by Rich Zuchowski due to their bright orange color. They are also called color mutations for their bright orange color.

Appearance: 

Sunkissed Corn snake’s heads can range wildly. Their heads are usually grubby and sometimes can be of different shapes. However, they are seen with a simple head structure like the other snakes have. The easiest way to identify a sunkissed corn snake is that they will show a gap in its cheek. If their head is average, like other snakes, they can be identified by looking at their eyes. They will have a shade of brown or orange, matching their skin color with black pupils. The shades alongside the eye might change to yellow when they grow.

The sunkissed Corn snake is usually known for its hypomelanistic appearance with fewer black pigments. If compared to regular corn snakes, they typically have brighter orange skin. Like the simple corn snake, their skin pattern is square rather than pointy. They have thin borders on their skin, but some sunkissed snakes are bred with other species to obtain thick borders (Sunkissed Okeetees). Sometimes they can show a different pattern and color when bred with other gene mutations. 

Size: 

The average size of a newborn sunkissed corn snake is about 27 to 35 cm, whereas grown snakes can grow up to 90 to 150 cm in length. Like all corn snakes, Sunkissed corn snakes are relatively small and slender, making them popular pets for reptile enthusiasts of all ages. These snakes typically grow between two and five feet long, with males generally smaller than females.

Their small size makes them easy to handle and care for while still being impressive. As with all snakes, ensuring that your Sunkissed corn snake has an appropriately sized enclosure and is provided with the proper nutrition and care to help it grow and thrive is essential.

Lifespan:

Sunkissed corn snakes, like other corn snake morphs, have a relatively long lifespan for a pet snake. With proper care and attention, these snakes can live in captivity for up to 20 years. However, it is essential to remember that this is a significant commitment, and potential owners should be prepared for the responsibility of caring for a pet that could potentially live for decades. Proper nutrition, a healthy environment, and regular veterinary checkups are all essential to ensuring that your Sunkissed corn snake lives a long and healthy.

Additionally, it is crucial to research the specific care requirements of Sunkissed corn snakes to provide them with the best possible quality of life. You can enjoy many years of companionship and enjoyment with your beloved pet by providing your snake with the proper care and attention.

Temperament: 

The Sunkissed Corn snake has the best temperament of all snake species, making it the best pet snake. They should be given almost 3 to 4 weeks to settle down in new homes, don’t rush to start handling them instantly after bringing them to new homes. Give them good meals for some time and then start handling them. 

Do Sunkissed Corn Snakes Require More Care?

Sunkissed Corn snakes are widely known for their temperament and easy care. They are readily available at reptile houses, pet shops, and expos. They don’t bite, but if they do, they are nonvenomous, which would cause any harm. Their care is not expensive, and they are considered calm snakes. They can quickly get used to frozen food and eat anything in their jaws. They can be perfect small pet snakes. All they need is regular access to water and food. 

Sunkissed Corn Snake Food

Sunkissed corn snakes have similar dietary needs to other corn snake morphs. In the wild, they primarily feed on small rodents like mice and rats. In captivity, it is essential to provide your snake with a diet that is as close to its natural diet as possible. This typically means feeding them frozen-thawed mice or rats, which can be purchased from pet stores or online retailers. The prey size should be appropriate for the size of your snake, with more giant snakes requiring more oversized prey items.

It is important not to overfeed your Sunkissed corn snake, as obesity can lead to various health problems. Snakes should be fed once every 7-10 days, depending on their size and age. It is important to note that Sunkissed corn snakes are carnivorous and should not be fed fruits or vegetables. Your Sunkissed corn snake can live a long and healthy life with a well-balanced diet and proper care.

The sunkissed corn snake diet is not limited to one thing. They can eat anything until and unless anything can fit in their jaw. Some of the most common food that they eat are:

Are Sunkissed Corn Snakes Venomous?

Sunkissed corn snakes are not venomous. Corn snakes are among the most commonly kept pet snakes due to their docile nature and lack of venom. They are constrictors, meaning they subdue their prey by wrapping around them and squeezing rather than using venom to immobilize their prey. While handling any snake with care is always essential, Sunkissed corn snakes are generally considered safe and easy to handle.

However, it is essential to remember that all snakes have the potential to bite if they feel threatened or scared, and bites from Sunkissed corn snakes can be painful. It is essential to handle your snake gently and with respect and avoid handling them if they are in the process of shedding or appears stressed or agitated.

Signs Of A Healthy Sunkissed Corn Snake

To identify a healthy Sunkissed snake, they must be:

  • Active and responsive when handling
  •  Eats regularly
  •  The skin should be smooth 
  •  Free from ticks and mites
  •  Should regularly shed their skin
  •  Clear eyes 

Signs Of Unhealthy Sunkissed Corn Snake

To identify an unhealthy Sunkissed snake, look out for the following things:

  • Your snake is vomiting
  •  Not eating food regularly
  •  Affected by ticks and mites
  •  Shedding infrequently
  •  Bumps on skin
  •  Heavy breathing
  •  White spots in the mouth
  •  Bubbles from nose

FAQs

What is the rarest morph of corn snake?

The rarest morph is the Scaleless corn. This rare morph rarely occurs in pet stores, reptile houses, and reptile expos. 

Are Sunkissed Corn Snakes Nocturnal?

Yes, Sunkissed corn snakes are considered nocturnal; they hunt at night and hide from predators during the day.

Where Do Sunkissed Corn Snakes Hide In The Wild?

Sunkissed corn snakes usually hide under rocks, tree logs, and inside rodent burrows in summer and underground below the frost line in winter.

Do Sunkissed Corn Snakes Eat Other Snakes?

Sunkissed Corn snakes are one of those snakes that eat other snakes, but they will only eat other snakes when the other snake is smaller. 

Conclusion

Sunkissed Corn snakes were discovered by Georgia Okeetee stock and Kathy Love in the early 90s. These snakes are easy to care for and have one of the best temperaments of all snake species. People love to adopt them due to their less care and good behavior towards humans. They are nonvenomous snakes that rarely bite. They are readily available in pet stores, expos, and reptile houses. Their skin pattern makes them more unique from other snakes. They can eat anything that can easily fit in their jaw.

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