Have you ever wondered why the Butter Corn Snake is called “butter”? With its smooth, yellow colouration and gentle temperament, this snake is as warm and inviting as its name suggests.
But what makes it stand out among other corn snake morphs?
Let’s explore its charm and discover why it’s a favourite among beginners and experienced keepers alike.
Butter Corn Snake History & Genetics
The Butter Corn Snake is the product of crossing two beautiful genetic traits: the melanistic (albino) and caramel genes.
This combination creates a buttery yellow snake, hence the name “Butter.”
It was first produced by breeders aiming to enhance the warm tones of corn snakes and eliminate darker pigments.
The Butter Corn Snake became popular in the 1990s due to its striking gold and yellow hues.
Its gentle temperament and unique colouring have made it a beloved choice for beginner and seasoned snake owners alike.
Butter Corn Snake Traits
Butter Corn Snake Appearance
Size & Weight
Behaviour and Temperament
- They are known for being calm and gentle, making them ideal for beginner snake owners. They are curious and tolerate handling very well, rarely showing signs of aggression.
Lifespan
- They can live for 15-20 years with proper care, making them a long-term commitment for pet owners.
Butter Corn Snake Cost
Best Place to Buy
- When purchasing a Butter Corn Snake, it’s always best to go through reputable breeders, who can provide healthy snakes and detailed information about their genetics and lineage.
- You can also find Butter Corn Snakes at reptile expos or through certified online reptile stores such as MorphMarket or XYZReptiles, where you can check reviews to ensure the seller’s credibility.
Butter Corn Snake Breeding & Reproduction
- Select a healthy pair of Butter Corn Snakes, aged 3 years or older, weighing around 300 grams.
- Brumation
- Lower the temperature to 50-60°F (10-15°C) for 2 months to stimulate their reproductive cycle.
- Reintroduction and Mating
- Gradually warm them back up, then introduce the pair. Allow them to mate over a few days.
- Gravid Female Care
- Feed the gravid female more often but in smaller portions. Set up a lay box with damp moss for egg-laying.
- Egg Laying and Incubation
- The female lays 10-25 eggs in 30-45 days. Incubate at 82-85°F (28-29°C), keeping humidity at around 90%.
- Hatching
- Eggs hatch in 55-65 days. Hatchlings measure 10-12 inches and will eat pinky mice after shedding.
Some Famous Butter Corn Snake Morph Combinations
Butter Motley:
- Clean yellow colour with a striped or blotched pattern due to the Motley gene.
Butter Stripe:
- Vibrant yellow with a single clean stripe running down the back.
Butter Tessera:
- Distinct bold stripe down the body, enhancing the yellow Butter colouration.
Butter Ghost:
- Pale yellow tones, a softer version of the Butter morph combined with the Hypo (Ghost) gene.
Butter Sunkissed:
- Bright yellow with a sunlit look, softened by the Sunkissed gene.
Butter Hypo:
- Intensified bright yellow, with reduced darker tones for a glowing effect.
Butter Anery (Blue Butter):
- Soft yellow, gray, and pale blue tones, due to the Anerythristic gene removing reds.
Butter Corn Snake Care Sheet
1. Enclosure Setup
Size of the Tank: Hatchlings can be housed in a 10-gallon tank, juveniles in a 20-gallon tank, and adults need at least a 40-gallon tank. A longer enclosure is ideal for adult snakes to provide ample space for movement.
Substrate: Suitable substrates include aspen shavings, coconut husks, or reptile-safe sand, which allow for burrowing. Avoid using pine or cedar shavings, as their oils can be toxic.
Hides: Provide at least two hiding spots, one on the warm side and one on the cool side. This helps the snake feel secure and reduces stress.
Climbing: Butter Corn Snakes enjoy climbing, so adding branches, logs, or decorations to the enclosure can provide valuable enrichment.
Lighting: UVB lighting is not required, but a regular day/night cycle is beneficial. Keep the enclosure on a 12-hour light and 12-hour dark schedule to simulate natural conditions.
Temperature: Maintain a temperature gradient with the warm side of the enclosure between 85-90°F (29-32°C) and the cool side between 75-80°F (24-27°C). Provide a basking area around 88-90°F (31-32°C).
Humidity: Keep humidity levels around 40-50%. During shedding, increase the humidity to around 60% to aid the process. Use a hygrometer to monitor and mist if necessary.
2. Feeding
Diet: Feed your Butter Corn Snake appropriately sized mice. Hatchlings should be fed pinky mice, while adults can handle larger prey, such as adult mice.
Frozen-thawed prey is safer than live prey to avoid injury to your snake.
Feeding Schedule: Hatchlings should be fed every 5-7 days, juveniles every 7-10 days, and adults every 10-14 days.
Supplements: Butter Corn Snakes do not need additional vitamins or supplements since they get all necessary nutrients from whole prey.
3. Water
Water Bowl: Provide a shallow water bowl that is large enough for your snake to drink from and soak in if desired. Place it on the cool side of the enclosure.
Hydration: Change the water daily to keep it fresh and clean. If the snake defecates in the water, clean it immediately.
4. Handling
Handling Frequency: You can handle your Butter Corn Snake a few times a week, but limit handling sessions to 10-15 minutes each time to avoid stress.
Taming: Handle your snake gently and regularly to tame it. Avoid handling immediately after feeding or during shedding to prevent stress.
Handling During Shedding: Avoid handling during the shedding process, as the snake may be more irritable and sensitive.
5. Shedding
Shedding Process: They shed regularly as they grow, with younger snakes shedding more often than adults. Adults may shed every 4-6 weeks. Signs of shedding include dull skin and blue-tinted eyes.
Humidity Needs During Shedding: Increase the humidity to around 60% during shedding to help loosen the old skin. Light misting or providing a moist hide can aid in the shedding process.
Problems with Shedding: If your snake has difficulty shedding, particularly around the eyes or tail, provide a soak in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes or a moist hide to help remove the retained skin.
6. Health & Common Issues
Common Health Issues: Watch for signs of respiratory infections (such as wheezing or mouth gaping), mites, or scale rot. These can result from incorrect temperature, humidity, or unsanitary conditions.
Parasites: Both internal parasites (worms) and external parasites (mites) can affect Butter Corn Snakes. Keep the enclosure clean and inspect your snake regularly.
Preventative Care: Maintaining proper husbandry practices, such as a clean enclosure and correct temperature and humidity, helps prevent health problems. Monitor your snake for any changes in behaviour or appetite.
Veterinary Care: If your snake shows signs of illness such as loss of appetite, lethargy, laboured breathing, or abnormal behaviour, consult a reptile veterinarian.
7. Cleaning & Maintenance
Tank Cleaning: Perform daily spot cleaning to remove waste or uneaten food.
Spot Cleaning: Regularly spot clean areas where the snake defecates or sheds to maintain hygiene and prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria.
Full Clean: Every 4-6 weeks, remove all substrate and decorations, and disinfect the entire tank with a reptile-safe cleaner to keep the environment healthy and clean.
Conclusion
The Butter Corn Snake is known for its warm, golden tones and friendly temperament, making it an all-time favorite for reptile lovers.
Its charming appearance and easy care make it a fantastic choice for anyone interested in a visually striking yet manageable pet.
A Butter Corn Snake is truly a golden treasure to have in your collection.
