Are you a corn snake owner, or maybe you’re thinking of getting one? If so, then it’s important to understand the basics of how big they typically grow. You probably want to know if your snake will stay small enough to remain housed in its current enclosure – and equally importantly, whether having a larger pet comes with any extra responsibilities!
How big is a pet corn snake?
Pet corn snakes are one of the smallest reptile species, measuring between twelve and seventy-four inches when fully grown depending on the breed. That’s roughly the same size as a king-sized pillow or a desktop computer!
On average pet corn snakes tend to reach between twenty-six and forty-five inches long when they have reached their full adult size. These small snakes can be quite docile, making them a great pet for beginners to the world of herpetology.
Due to their size, they require minimal space for an enclosure, which makes them ideal for people who do not have a lot of room in their homes for a large reptilian companion.
What is the largest corn snake?
The largest of its kind, the corn snake can measure up to six feet in length! It is a non-venomous reptile that is quite docile and popular in the US. Corn snakes are members of the colubrid family, known for their colors and patterns.
Though being brightly colored makes them great pets – it also helps them to blend into nature when they’re hunting or basking. This species of snake can be found all over North America, usually residing in rocky terrain and vegetation-filled forests. When fully grown, they can weigh up to three-quarters of a pound and live for over 20 years!
Do all corn snakes get big?
Corn snakes can come in a variety of sizes depending on their breed and where they are from. When it comes to Corn Snakes, size does matter! Generally speaking, if you get a hatchling (or baby) corn snake, it will grow to about three to four feet in length when fully grown.
That said, some subspecies such as the Great Plains Ratsnake can grow to be five or even six feet long when mature. On the other hand, dwarf subspecies like the Sinaloan Milksnake tend to top out at two feet in length once they are full-grown. So yes, all varieties of corn snakes do have the potential to get big – it simply depends on their genetics and background.
Do corn snakes need a big tank?
When it comes to corn snakes, bigger is often better. A good size tank for a corn snake should be a minimum of 30 gallons. With larger tanks, you provide your snake with more opportunities for exercise and enrichment.
Not only that – having a bigger tank also offers enough room for some additional decorations which can help with humidity control and other necessities like hiding boxes.
That being said, if the tank is too big it could cause your corn snake to feel insecure in such an intimidating environment, so make sure to fit it with things like plants to help create a comfortable and secure space for your slimy little friend!
How do I measure the size of a corn snake?
Measuring the size of a corn snake can be quick and easy! All you need is a tape measure or measuring stick, and a pair of hands for gently supporting the snake. Start at the base of the head and extend the measure all the way tip to the longest point of its tail – that gives you the total length.
Corn snakes tend to grow to around 4-5 feet in length when fully grown, making them one of the more manageable sizes for pet snakes. You’ll still want to be cautious when handling them though – even a small snake can give a surprising bite!
Do corn snakes continue to grow throughout their lives?
Corn snakes are a unique species in that their growth as adults does not end after reaching maturity. While the speed of their growth slows down significantly, corn snakes continue to grow slowly and steadily throughout the entirety of their lives.
Without proper diet and environmental control, though, this growth could be stunted, resulting in shorter than normal air spans for the snakes. That being said, they can sometimes live upwards of 20 years if they’re given proper care! Watching your little (or big) corn snake slowly increase in size is one of the joys of owning such a fascinating pet snake. Just make sure you take good care of it!
Conclusion
Corn snakes, while not the largest snake species, can still grow to an impressive size. An adult corn snake could grow to a length between three and five feet in the span of a few years! That’s one big corn snake! It’s important to remember that all corn snakes require special care for their diet and environment, so you should always be prepared before deciding on adopting one as a pet.
