Snakes are considered dangerous animals that kill humans. This statement is true, but only 20% of species of snakes can harm humans, and a few of them can kill humans. If we talk about black corn snakes, they are not very large and nonvenomous species of serpents. These snakes are omnivores like dogs, leopards, and other animals. If you are interested in snakes, read this blog until the end because it contains an in-depth guide to black corn snakes. This blog will cover this specific snake in every aspect.
A little about black corn snakes
Black corn snakes are nonvenomous throughout the eastern and central United States. They are harmless to humans because they are nonvenomous. On the other hand, their bites are not painful and do not leave any impact other than a shallow bite mark.
Corn snakes are mistakenly killed because they resemble copperheads in appearance. Copperheads are venomous animals. That’s why people kill them. Corn snakes have teeth but no fangs, which shows that they do not need to inject venom through their fangs.
Besides, these snakes do not need any unique measurements for their care. They are easy to handle but require proper care.
The appearance
These snakes rarely have a completely black body; instead, they have a dark gray body with charcoal blotching and patterning that is highlighted blackly. Its hue is much more pronounced in youngsters, but as they get older, it becomes more uniform.
They belong to the corn snakes known as anerythristic corn snakes, sometimes called black albinos, and lack the typical red, yellow, and orange coloration because of an inherited recessive trait.
Though black is a symptom of these snakes, it does not imply that they are only black. Red is typical with black, and orange and black markings have also been observed.
Although there are a few changes in appearance and behavior, baby black corn snakes look precisely like adult black corn snakes.
For instance, the newborn black corn snake has a small, rounded head. They still lack the relatively distinctive traits that are characteristic of their adult forms.
Black corn snake characteristics
The snakes’ personalities are continually evolving. As a result, they are somewhat timid and overly pushy. But don’t be concerned. These snakes are nonvenomous, and even if they tried to bite you, their fangs would be far too fragile to pierce your thick skin.
When they become accustomed to your presence and begin to link you with comfort and food, they will start to feel secure and will allow you to play with them.
Morphs of black corn snake
As mentioned, these snakes are good and do not affect humans. This trait has made their morphing and breeding process easy. They are the favorite snake species of snake lovers and are in high demand from breeders.
Common morphs of the black corn snakes are mentioned below:
Snow corn snakes
People also call snow corn snakes ghost snakes, because of their color lacking. Though they do not have any color, it does not affect any of their other traits.
Albino corn snake
Albino corn snakes are white due to a lack of pigmentation. These are the most discussed black corn snakes worldwide. Another fact about these snakes is their increased demand because of their eye colors. The color of the eyes usually relates to the white skin color.
Okeetee corn snakes
Although not entirely black, the Okeetee corn snake is a hybrid of many species of corn snakes primarily found in North Carolina. Their distinctive hues are a blend of crimson and black. Typically, the sides are black, and the back is crimson with beautiful designs. For all snake owners, a joy.
Lavender corn snakes
Crossing a snow corn snake with a wild corn snake is a new morph with distinctive lavender coloring. Almost 40 years ago, it originally arose, and it is still going strong now.
Black corn snake as a pet
If we talk about black corn snakes as pets, they are amazingly very good for various reasons. Their unique color patterns appeal to the people, and this element force people to pet them.
On the other side, they are shy and nonvenomous, so people like to stroke and even breed them. With the help of their ideal size, these snakes are easy to handle, but only take them in their hands briefly because they can bite due to feeling insecure.
Care of black corn snakes
Corn snakes require little maintenance but need a warm place since they cannot stand the cold. Even though their setup is still straightforward, they may live happy, healthy lives with a tank of the right size and adequate heating.
Water tank
Corn snakes require an enclosure with a minimum volume of 20 gallons (although more is usually preferable), ideally made of glass and snugly covered because they are skilled escape artists.
You must give them a number of tight, dark reptile hides and climbing branches since they enjoy having somewhere to hide. Also, because they are not friendly creatures, they are best kept alone, as a cage mate might stress them out excessively.
Lighting
Light is not a specific requirement for the black corn snakes. But if you plan to put it there, make the tank near any window so the snakes may complete the day and night circle. Please remember that the tank should not be directly exposed to sunlight.
Humidity and temperature
A light or heating pad can create the temperature gradient your corn snake tank needs. At the warmer end, a temperature of around 85 degrees Fahrenheit is optimal, while room temperature is excellent for the more fantastic end.
To allow your snake to select a suitable temperature, try to have a long hide that spans both the hot and cold sides.
Humidity levels of up to 60% are good and will encourage healthy shedding. An average home humidity of roughly 40–50% is sufficient. But it’s a good idea to use a hygrometer to monitor your tank’s moisture to ensure it doesn’t get too dry.
Surface (Substrate)
Black corn snakes prefer to live in the open. It is because they get plenty of space to lose and to burrow themselves. Use newspapers and carpets with the reptile; do not use sand because it results in digestive issues.
Black corn snake food
As mentioned, black corn snakes are omnivores and eat small mammals. They capture their prey directly with their mouths, using their teeth. If you are petting a snake, feed it with the pinky mouse as a juvenile, and when they are adults, offer them live mice to eat.
It could take some time for your snake to become used to properly defrosting mice, but they are also acceptable. It would be best if you fed adults and babies every seven to ten days. You can cut back on your diet once the shedding process starts, as adults usually eat less during that period.
Common health problems of black corn snakes
Like other snakes, a corn snake can have different medical issues. It is challenging to identify if the snake is not in good health. In captivity, inspect their behavior. Doing so will make it easy for you to diagnose the health condition of the serpent. Some common medical problems with snakes are dermatitis, respiratory issues, stomatitis, and parasites.
The lifespan
Corn snakes usually have a lifetime of 6 to 8 years in the wild, although they can survive much longer in captivity. Although they typically live for 10–15 years, they may easily stay for up to 20 years with the correct food and habitat.
Breeding of corn snakes
Keeping a male and female together will probably result in offspring without your help, as corn snakes are typically simple to breed in captivity. The female will want a comfortable nesting box to lay her eggs, ideally with a moist soil mixture.
Before the eggs hatch, we must nurture them for around 60 days at 84 degrees Fahrenheit. Although producing these snakes is quite simple, hatchling care and incubation are complex tasks that are better left to knowledgeable breeders.
Black corn snake shedding
Black corn snake babies shed far more often than adults. It naturally relates to the young snakes’ rapid development compared to the adults. Like other snake species, this one’s skin doesn’t develop together with the rest of its body.
Hence, it must be thrown away in the same manner that you would exchange an item of clothing that are two sizes too small for one that better fits your body. As much as once every week, young corn snakes may shade. Their shedding process significantly slows down as they reach their first year.
Mature snakes may only shed once a year. The snake typically becomes cranky and spends more time in its cage hiding during the shedding period. Avoid disturbing it because it will turn down meals, and you won’t feel social.
Handling black corn snakes
Although corn snakes are resilient and may be handled often, they stay moderate. Take them briefly, for no longer than five minutes at a time, and once daily as you tame them.
Ten- to twenty-minute handling sessions are acceptable after your snake is domesticated. Once they’ve eaten, avoid handling them since they can vomit and become stressed. If your snake is in a shed, do not handle it.
FAQs
What is the lifespan of a black corn snake?
Depending on other factors like environment, feed, and tank size, the lifespan of black corn snakes varies, but according to the survey, black corn snakes live for 10 to 15 years.
How much does a black corn snake cost?
The cost of a black corn snake depends on the size and age of the snake. Regarding a careful estimate, their prices range from $30 to around $700.
How does a corn snake live happily?
To give your snakes a stress-free and happy life, provide them with bushes, plants, and boxes in the tank to have a good life.
Are black corn snakes nocturnal?
America is where corn snakes first appeared. They exist in wild meadows, farms, and pine woods. They are crepuscular, which means they spend the daylight hiding and sleeping and are most active at dawn and night.
Are corn snakes clever?
Corn snakes have shown a high level of intelligence. One investigation found that corn snakes are as intelligent as birds and rodents.
Conclusion
With so many gorgeous variations to discover, corn snakes are a fantastic species for novices. One of these rare mutations, and unquestionably one of the most attractive, are black corn snakes. They have a wild aspect that attracts snake owners with their charcoal and grey coloration and black markings. Overall, they make excellent pets because of their modest housing requirements, amiable disposition, and submissive nature.
