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Corn snake care: what a family needs to know

Ask your vet about your own pet. This page is general information from the sources below.

Corn snake care, from RSPCA and others on this page. RSPCA says corn snakes are named for being found near corn barns, where they hunt rodents. CDC says children under 5 should not handle or touch reptiles or their homes, because Salmonella can make them very sick, and suggests a different pet for homes with young children. RSPCA says about 10 to 15 years.

Checked October 29, 2026.

By Peabody editors. How we write and check.

How long they live

RSPCA says about 10 to 15 years.

Home

RSPCA says width and height should be at least one third of the snake's length; a 150 cm snake needs a home at least 150 cm long, 50 cm wide and 50 cm deep. Warm spot 28 to 30 degrees C, cool end 20 to 24 degrees C, humidity about 40 to 50%.

Food

RSPCA says dead mice, sized slightly wider than the snake's widest part. Baby snakes eat every 5 to 6 days; adults eat about one adult mouse every 7 to 14 days.

Company

RSPCA says keep corn snakes alone, since they live alone in the wild.

Handling

RSPCA says never grab; hold the whole body. Keep to about 10 to 15 minutes, wait 48 hours after a meal, and skip handling during shedding.

Is it a good pet for children?

CDC says children under 5 should not handle or touch reptiles or their homes, because Salmonella can make them very sick, and suggests a different pet for homes with young children. RSPCA does not say if snakes suit children; a grown-up must do the feeding and cleaning.

Washing hands

Wash hands with soap and running water after feeding, after touching the animal's food, waste or equipment, after cleaning the tank, and before eating or drinking. Clean tanks and gear outside if possible, never where food is made, and don't kiss the animal or hold it near your face.

The vet

RSPCA says to see a vet who knows reptiles if you have any worries, such as old eye caps left after shedding.

Good to know

RSPCA says corn snakes are named for being found near corn barns, where they hunt rodents.

A job for the children

With a grown-up (child 5 or older), read the thermometer and mark the next meal day on a calendar, while the grown-up does all feeding and handling.

"A grown-up is the real carer for corn snakes. Our job is the small, steady part."

Every pet is different, and this is general information from the sources below, not veterinary advice. For a sick or hurt pet, call a vet who knows this kind of animal.

Sources