Kornnattern

Bud, a corn snake approximately 1.50 meters long, is already looking forward to a new and species-appropriate home. The terrarium should be at least as long as the snake's body and equipped with fixed branches for climbing. Furthermore, sufficient hiding places, such as caves or pieces of bark, are essential. A mixture of soil, sand, and clay is ideal as a substrate to allow the snake to burrow easily. The substrate and hiding places should always be kept slightly moist, so that the humidity is between 50 and 70%. Since corn snakes are crepuscular, the preferred temperature in the terrarium during the day is 24 to 28°C, and at night it should be lowered to a maximum of 20°C. At basking spots, a temperature of at least 30 to 35°C should be maintained using halogen or metal halide lamps. As with almost all reptiles, a corn snake should also be allowed to hibernate. For this purpose, both heating and lighting should be switched off for approximately 8 to 12 weeks between the end of October and February. Feeding should cease at least 4 weeks beforehand, as the intestines must be empty for hibernation. Since only healthy animals are allowed to hibernate, a parasitological examination by a veterinarian should be carried out beforehand. Corn snakes are carnivorous and prefer to eat frozen food such as mice, small rats, or chicks. It is recommended to always feed the snake alone and in a separate box to avoid complications such as contamination or stress and to ensure relaxed handling. All our reptiles have, of course, received a recent fecal examination. Currently, several corn snakes are waiting for a new home at the animal shelter.