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 and 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, and exist throughout the eastern and central United States. Moreover, being nonvenomous makes them fearless for humans. 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, and 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. Most of the people usually ask a question “are corn snakes omnivores?” For them, the answer is simply no, like all the other snakes species, corn snakes are carnivores that eat off and on in the wild.
The appearance
These snakes rarely have a complete black body; instead, they have a dark gray body with charcoal blotching and patterning that is highlighted with black hue. Its hue is much more pronounced in young age, but as they get older, it becomes more uniform.
They belong to the corn snakes family known as anerythristic corn snakes, sometimes called black albinos. The snakes 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. Mostly, red is typical with black, and orange and black markings have also been observed.
Although there are a few variations in appearance and behavior, but 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.
How many corn snake colors are there?
Corn snakes are easy to find in various colors in patterns and combination, like red, grey, white, bronze, copper, etc.
Black corn snake characteristics
The snakes’ personalities are continually evolving. As a result, they are somewhat timid and overly pushy. These snakes are nonvenomous, and even if they try to bite you, their fangs are 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 accompany them.
Corn snake breeds
Due to their gentle attitude and attractive look, corn snakes are a popular option among reptile aficionados as pets. You can find various species of corn snakes, and each one has distinctive colors and patterns. The albino corn snake lacks pigment and has a yellow-white coloring, and the traditional corn snake has red-orange scales with black-bordered blotches, and the snow corn snake that combines albino and charcoal grey scales, are some of the most popular breeds. Additionally, anerythristic corn snake, the lavender corn snake, and the caramel corn snake are more varieties. With so many varieties available, fans of corn snakes may select a breed that matches their particular interests.
Black corn snakes morphs
As mentioned, these snakes are good and do not affect humans. This trait makes 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 snake
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, and are one of 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 patterns. For all snake owners, it is a real joy.
Lavender corn snakes
Crossing a snow corn snake with a wild corn snake develops a new morph with distinctive lavender coloring. Almost 40 years ago, it originally arose, and it going strong now.
Carol snow corn snake
The coral snow corn snake is a strikingly attractive reptile with vivid orange, white, and black hues. Due to its remarkable look and calm temperament, this species is highly prized by reptile aficionados. The capacity to adapt to various settings is well-known for coral snow corn snakes, which primarily exist in North America. They are popular among people as pets, because of light temperament and easy to care trait and have a 20-year lifespan in captivity. The coral snow corn snake is undoubtedly a fascinating and distinctive pet that is worth taking into account.
Black diamond corn snake
Black diamond corn snakes are a fascinating species of corn snakes known for their striking appearance. They have a predominantly black color with diamond-shaped markings of red, orange, or white. Surprisingly, these markings are unique to each individual, making them easy to identify. Black diamond corn snakes are active and curious that make them a popular choice among reptile enthusiasts. They require proper care and attention, including a suitable enclosure, a balanced diet, and regular veterinary check-ups.
It’s important to note that owning a black diamond corn snake requires a commitment of time, effort, and resources. As with any pet, it’s essential to treat them with respect and care. If you’re interested in owning a black diamond corn snake, be sure to research and understand their needs fully. With proper care, these beautiful snakes can thrive and bring joy to their owners for many years to come.
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 adopt and even breed them. With the help of their ideal size, these snakes are easy to handle, but only take them in hands carefully because they can bite due to feeling insecure.
Care of corn black snake
Corn snakes require little maintenance but need a warm place since they cannot stand with 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 a suitable place to hide. Also, because they are not friendly to other animals and reptiles, they are best to keep 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. Remember that the tank should not be directly exposed to sunlight.
Humidity and temperature
A light or heating pad can create the temperature gradient that 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, consider to have a long hide that may span both the hot and cold sides.
Humidity level of up to 60% is suitable and encourages 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, because they get plenty of space to lose and to burrow themselves. Using newspaper and carpet is recommended, while the sand is not a good option 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 offer them live mice to eat when adult.
Your snake may need some time to adjust to properly defrosting mice, but they are also acceptable. It would be best if you feed 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 suffer from 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. Furthermore, 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 needs a comfortable nesting box to lay eggs, ideally with a moist soil mixture.
On the other hand, 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, and the snake typically becomes cranky and spends more time in its cage hiding during the shedding period. Owners are suggested to avoid disturbing it because it will turn down meals, and you won’t feel social.
Handling black corn snakes
If your snake is in a shed, do not handle it. Although corn snakes are resilient and may be handled often, they stay moderate. Take them for short span, 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.
FAQs
Is there any blue corn snake?
The Great Plains rat snake, often known as the corn blue snake, does exist. The southern United States, particularly in the Great Plains region, is home to the non-venomous blue corn snake. The snake’s distinctive blue-gray color, which may be extremely stunning, gave rise to its name.
What is the corn snake lifespan?
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. On the other hand, if we talk about corn snake lifespan in captivity, it ranges from 15-20 years on average.
How much do a black corn snake cost?
The cost of a black corn snake depends on the size and age of the snake. If you ever see a boards with written “corn snake for sales” on it, you will find their prices ranging from $30 to around $700.
How does a corn snake black 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.
Do corn snakes have teeth?
Although corn snakes have teeth, they lack fangs. Their teeth are mostly utilized to latch on to their prey before they are swallowed whole since they do not need to inject poison through their fangs. Despite corn snakes having fangs, there is no need to be concerned about their bites.
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.
