Blue Corn Snake: Complete Guide to This Stunning Pet

Did you know blue corn snakes can live over 20 years with the right care? This is much longer than their 10-15 years in the wild. Their beautiful blue color and long life make them a favorite among reptile lovers and pet owners¹². These snakes come from the southeastern United States and are a special type of corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus)¹.

This guide will help you learn everything about blue corn snake care. We’ll cover their history, habitat, diet, and breeding³.

Key Takeaways

• Blue corn snakes can range from 3 to 6 feet in length.
• They primarily feed on rodents like mice and rats.
• These snakes require a temperature range of 75-85°F for optimal health.
• Blue corn snakes are generally non-venomous and safe to handle.
• They thrive in humidity levels of 40-60%.
• With proper care, you can expect a blue corn snake to live between 15 and 20 years.

Introduction to the Blue Corn Snake

The blue corn snake is a stunning reptile, loved by many. They are known for being calm and friendly. This makes them great for both new and experienced snake owners. They can live over 20 years with proper care⁴.

Adult blue corn snakes are usually 4 to 6 feet long. They need enough space to live comfortably⁴.

Young snakes shed their skin about once a month. Adults shed only a few times a year⁴. Knowing this helps keep your snake healthy.

Studies show that handling them 1-2 times a week keeps them tame⁵. Start with short sessions and gradually increase as they get used to you.

Be careful when handling them if they’ve eaten recently. This can lead to regurgitation⁵. Also, wait about two weeks before handling them after bringing them home. This ensures a good experience for both you and your snake.

History and Origins of the Blue Corn Snake

The blue corn snake is a unique morph of the common corn snake. It has a rich history that started in the mid-20th century through selective breeding. Corn snakes were once common in cornfields, earning their name. Their history goes back thousands of years, blending agricultural and reptile culture.

The blue corn snake’s creation was intentional, aiming for unique colors. Its striking blue color has made it a favorite among snake lovers and collectors. As demand grew, so did the focus on their physical traits, shaping the blue corn snake history.

Breeders worked hard to perfect these traits, creating a special group within the corn snake world. They focus on looks, temperament, and health. This ensures blue corn snakes are not just beautiful but also friendly. Resources like Simply Pets help snake owners understand and care for these pets.

The blue corn snake’s rise shows the commitment of breeders and owners. It’s a key part of corn snake history. This journey highlights the need for careful breeding and education to keep these snakes healthy and vibrant.

Exploring the blue corn snake history shows a story of growth, care, and community. It has made these snakes popular pets today, winning the hearts of many enthusiasts⁶.

Taxonomy and Classification of the Blue Corn Snake

The blue corn snake is classified as Pantherophis guttatus, named by Linnaeus in 1758. It falls under the Colubridae family, known for its wide range and flexibility.

Pantherophis guttatus is linked to other species like the Great Plains rat snake and Slowinski’s corn snake. Herpetologists debate if these should be separate species because of their distinct features and habitats.

Blue corn snakes are famous for their bright colors and patterns. There are over 45 different types found in the pet trade. This variety shows how these snakes have evolved in both captivity and the wild.

In their natural habitats, corn snakes live in fields, forests, and rocky areas. Their ability to adapt to different places shows their importance in nature. They are also quite resilient, with a Least Concern status on the IUCN Red List⁷.

Learning about the blue corn snake classification deepens our understanding of these reptiles. It shows their place in the snake world and how they fit into their environments.

Blue Corn Snake Characteristics

Blue corn snakes are popular pets because of their unique traits. They have a striking appearance, size, and temperament. These qualities make them a favorite among snake lovers.

Appearance

The blue corn snake’s blue corn snake appearance is truly captivating. Their scales are smooth and shiny, showing off beautiful blue colors with darker markings. This look is why they’re so sought after as pets. They come in different colors and patterns, adding to their charm.

Size and Weight

Blue corn snakes grow to 3 to 5 feet long, making them easy to handle. They weigh between 1.5 to 2.5 pounds as adults. This size is perfect for both new and seasoned snake keepers, offering a good balance of size and manageability.

Temperament

Blue corn snakes are known for being very friendly. They are easy to handle and have a calm nature. This makes them great for beginners. Their friendly nature helps build a strong bond between the snake and its owner, whether you’re new or experienced.

Blue Corn Snake Habitat Requirements

Creating a good home for your Blue Corn Snake is key. You need to think about the size of the space, temperature, humidity, and what you put on the floor. Each part is important for a happy snake.

Enclosure Size and Setup

Adult Blue Corn Snakes need a big enough space. A 120x60x60 cm enclosure is a good size⁸. Use a wooden vivarium for good air flow and heat control. Clean it every day and do a deep clean every four weeks⁸.

Temperature and Humidity Needs

Keeping the right temperature is vital. The warm spot should be about 90°F (32°C), and the cooler area should be between 75-82°F (24-27°C)⁹. The room temperature should be between 24-28°C, and it should not get too cold at night⁹. Also, keep the humidity between 40% and 60% to help with shedding and health¹⁰.

Substrate and Hiding Spots

Choosing the right floor material is important for your snake’s comfort. Aspen bedding or coconut fiber are good choices. Snakes also need places to hide. Make sure your snake’s home has lots of hiding spots to keep them calm and healthy.

Diet and Feeding Tips for Blue Corn Snakes

Knowing what to feed your blue corn snake is key to their health and happiness. The diet changes as they grow. It’s important to know the right food and how often to feed them.

Feeding Frequency and Prey Size

Blue corn snakes eat mainly rodents like mice and small rats. Baby snakes, 8 to 20 inches long, need food every 5 to 7 days. As they grow, to 20 to 45 inches, they eat every 7 to 10 days¹¹.
Adult snakes, over 35 inches, eat every 14 to 21 days¹¹. Make sure the prey is not too big for them, about 1.5 times their body width or 10% of their weight¹². For snakes of middle size, give them two smaller prey items¹¹.

Essential Nutritional Components

It’s important to vary their diet to keep them healthy. They can eat pinky mice as babies and rats or chicks as they get bigger¹³. Keep the food frozen until you’re ready to feed them to avoid bacteria¹¹. Thawed prey is better for them, but avoid microwaving it to prevent organ damage¹².
Sometimes, adding calcium vitamins is good, but a high-quality diet might not need them¹³. Also, make sure they have clean, filled water to stay hydrated.

Learning about their diet helps keep them healthy and happy for a long time¹².

Breeding Blue Corn Snakes

Breeding blue corn snakes is both fascinating and rewarding. It needs careful planning and attention to detail. Knowing when and how to breed is key for success. Breeding usually happens in spring after a brumation period. Females then lay 10 to 30 eggs after mating.

Breeding Season and Conditions

The best brumation temperature for blue corn snakes is 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature helps start the breeding process. A dark cycle for two months can mimic brumation¹⁴. After brumation, corn snakes quickly mate, with the lock lasting about half an hour¹⁴.

Egg Incubation and Hatching

After mating, look for bulges in the female’s belly to predict egg-laying. A gravid female will have a big bulge in her lower body¹⁴. Keeping the eggs warm and humid is crucial for successful hatching. Hatching usually takes 60 to 65 days, and proper incubation is vital for healthy hatchlings.

Understanding blue corn snake genetics can improve your breeding. Knowing their genetics helps predict the traits of their offspring. For example, breeding normal parents can result in amelanistic hatchlings, but there’s also a chance of heterozygous traits¹⁵.

Mastering breeding blue corn snakes opens up a world of possibilities. You can create beautiful and unique morphs that are loved by enthusiasts.

Blue Corn Snake Care Sheet

Caring for a blue corn snake needs knowledge and dedication. It’s important to know about health checks, shedding, and how to handle them. This helps you and your snake have a good relationship.

Health Monitoring

Keeping an eye on your snake’s health is key. Watch how it eats and any changes in its look. Its weight and mood can show if it’s sick. Blue corn snakes can grow up to 5.5 feet and live for 20 years or more¹⁶.

If your snake acts strangely or seems sick, see a vet who knows reptiles.

Shedding Process

Knowing about shedding is important for keeping the right humidity. Snakes shed their skin every 4-6 weeks. You want humidity between 40-60% in their home.

A humid hide with sphagnum moss helps with humidity¹⁷. Look at the shed skin’s color and texture for health clues.

Handling and Interaction

Handling your snake builds a bond and helps it get used to people. Try to handle it at least three times a week¹⁶. Start slow, letting it get comfortable with you.

Remember, blue corn snakes prefer to be alone. Housing them together can stress or hurt them¹⁶. For more on pets, check out this article on internet-famous animals.

Popular Blue Corn Snake Morphs

Exploring blue corn snake morphs reveals amazing variations from selective breeding. There are 978 different morphs, each with unique traits¹⁸. The blue corn snake morph is especially captivating with its colors and patterns.

Blue corn snake morphs come from single recessive mutations, showing their genetic simplicity. Two morphs, Avalanche and Blizzard, result from compound recessive mutations¹⁹. These morphs have special traits that make them stand out.

Hybridization has brought four new morphs: Bloodred Caramel, Bloodred Creamsicle, Bloodred Ghost, and Bloodred Kastanie¹⁹. These hybrids offer rare breeding opportunities. The Ultramel gene, from Grey Ratsnakes, adds to the variety, making up 2% of morphs.

To breed blue corn snake morphs, breeders must understand different categories. These include Single Recessive, Single Incomplete Dominant, and Single Dominant morph types¹⁸. This complex process leads to a wide range of colors and patterns, appealing to both new and experienced snake lovers.

The table below shows some popular blue corn snake morphs, their genetics, and features:

Exploring blue corn snake morphs shows they are not just visually stunning. They also offer exciting breeding and genetic exploration opportunities. Understanding these variations deepens your appreciation for these pets.

For more care tips, check out active gecko pets as great low-maintenance pets¹⁹¹⁸²⁰.

Where to Find Blue Corn Snakes for Sale

Looking for a blue corn snake for sale? You need to do your homework and find a good breeder. Buying from a trusted source is key to getting a healthy snake. This is important for your pet’s happiness and health.

It’s also important to check the breeder’s reputation. A good breeder will make your experience better and ensure you get a high-quality snake.

Choosing a Reputable Breeder

When searching for a blue corn snake, look for breeders with lots of experience and good reviews. A breeder with over 20 years of experience is very knowledgeable and trustworthy²¹. Make sure they are open about how they care for and breed their snakes.

Ask about the snake’s health and where it comes from. This will help you make a smart choice.

Price Range and Variability

The cost of blue corn snakes varies a lot. It depends on the snake’s age, sex, and color. Prices can range from $99 to over $2000²².

Think about what you can afford. Some colors are more common and cheaper, while others are rarer and pricier. Knowing this helps you find a snake that fits your budget without sacrificing quality.

Learn more about corn snakes to help you make the right choice.

Conclusion

The Blue Corn Snake is not just beautiful but also a great pet for beginners and experts. They are easy to care for and have a friendly nature. To keep your snake happy, make sure you have the right size enclosure, temperature, and humidity.

Knowing how to feed your snake is key. They need regular food and water. Watching them can be fun. Also, knowing about health issues like respiratory infections helps keep your snake healthy.

By taking good care of your snake, you’ll enjoy a wonderful friendship. Learning from others and using resources can help a lot. For more tips, check out this guide on corn snake care for important details²³. Your adventure with blue corn snakes will be as exciting as they are.

Source Links

1. https://thepetsnutrition.com/blue-corn-snake/ – A Complete Guide Blue Corn Snake Breed In 2024 – The Pets Nutrition
2. https://www.xyzreptiles.com/corn-snake-care/ – Corn Snake Care Guide: What Every Owner Should Know About
3. https://snakesworld.info/blue-corn-snake/ – Blue Corn Snake: History, Characteristics, and Care Sheet
4. https://www.petmd.com/reptile/corn-snake-care-sheet – Corn Snake Care Sheet
5. https://reptifiles.com/corn-snake-care-guide/corn-snake-handling-body-language/ – Corn Snake Handling & Body Language Tips
6. https://cornsnake.net/blogs/stories/the-story-of-the-palmetto-corn-snake?srsltid=AfmBOooZgR1S5XryFO_mntpgzdM1hkoBxih7Lytc5xLw6EWISCyF8vkE – The Story of the Palmetto Corn Snake
7. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corn_snake – Corn snake
8. https://internetreptile.com/blogs/care-sheets/corn-snake-care-sheet – Corn Snake Care Sheet
9. https://reptifiles.com/corn-snake-care-guide/corn-snake-temperatures-humidity/ – Corn Snake Temperatures, Lighting & Humidity
10. https://www.reptilecentre.com/pages/info-corn-snake-care-sheet – Corn Snake Care Guide: Habitat, Diet & Tips
11. https://www.zenhabitats.com/blogs/reptile-care-sheets-resources/corn-snake-complete-food-guide?srsltid=AfmBOop09r_RxuQDE-5Bpa06lyd2YQBmGRcYsLhcdHJ-E2LbzYRXpqBA – Corn Snake Complete Food Guide
12. https://exoticdirect.co.uk/news/feeding-corn-snakes/ – Feeding corn snakes – ExoticDirect
13. https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/other/cornsnake – How To Care For a Corn Snake | RSPCA – RSPCA – rspca.org.uk
14. https://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?112960-Corn-Snake-Breeding-Question – Corn Snake Breeding Question
15. http://thecornsnake.co.uk/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=27596 – The Corn Snake Forum – Genetics
16. https://ourreptileforum.com/community/threads/corn-snake-care-sheet.15220/ – Corn Snake Care Sheet
17. https://dubiaroaches.com/blogs/snake-care/corn-snake-care-sheet?srsltid=AfmBOoqz37fNka6XfCYGZp3NH7QvXVBgG9hPyMRyg_6-jjXr2mJen5d0 – Corn Snake Care Sheet | Dubia.com
18. https://iansvivarium.com/morphs/ – Ians Vivarium
19. https://cornsnake.net/pages/corn-snake-morph-photos?srsltid=AfmBOopgJioWqxg3c8vg-nXEjRuZbG82JT1IBYk0WWraUwSEHyiUTZRM – Corn Snake Morph Photos
20. https://www.reptilecentre.com/blogs/reptile-blog/5-popular-corn-snake-morphs – 5 Popular Corn Snake Morphs
21. https://imperialreptiles.com/collections/corn-snakes-for-sale – Corn Snakes For Sale – Imperial Reptiles
22. https://www.cbreptile.com/corn-snake-for-sale/?srsltid=AfmBOopi0NlKyGj_TLLj8_qRVa8Iv8doQ-hiZ5Dm3RQzKwLLTDZVrIZR – Corn Snake for sale
23. https://bluefishaquarium.com/blogs/reptile-amphibian-care/9-things-to-know-about-corn-snake-care?srsltid=AfmBOoqm5xa7K482dsHPPjU2N5VQfVJRuVW4YkLqpZ32d3txIiyp9le1 – 9 Things to Know About Corn Snake Care