What if you could bring home a piece of nature’s artistry? The Okeetee Corn Snake, with its vibrant colours and striking patterns, offers just that. Have you ever wondered what makes certain snakes stand out in a crowd? The Okeetee Corn Snake isn’t just another beautiful reptile—its history, unique appearance, and friendly nature make it a fascinating companion for both new and experienced snake lovers. In this article, we’ll explore the captivating journey of the Okeetee Corn Snake, from its wild origins to becoming a beloved pet, along with everything you need to know to care for this stunning snake.
The History of the Okeetee Corn Snake
The story of the Okeetee Corn Snake begins in the lush, wooded regions of South Carolina, specifically at the Okeetee Hunt Club. This area, rich in wildlife, became the birthplace of one of the most popular corn snake morphs in existence. The Okeetee Corn Snake morph was first discovered in the wild, where its striking colours and patterns made it stand out among other corn snakes. These wild-caught specimens were so visually appealing that breeders began to selectively breed them, enhancing their unique features.
Over time, the Okeetee Corn Snake Carolina became a symbol of beauty in the reptile community. The dedication of breeders to maintaining and improving the vibrant colours and bold patterns has made this snake a favourite among pet lovers. Today, the Okeetee CornSnake is not just a pet; it’s a piece of living history that connects us to the natural beauty of the South Carolina wilderness.
Taxonomy and Classification
The Okeetee Corn Snake belongs to the species Pantherophis guttatus, which is commonly known as the corn snake. Corn snakes are a part of the Colubridae family, which is the largest snake family, comprising over 1,800 species. This classification places the Okeetee Corn Snake among some of the most diverse and widespread snakes in the world.
Classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Colubridae |
| Genus | Pantherophis |
| Species | Pantherophis guttata |
Okeetee Corn Snake Characteristics
Okeetee Corn Snake Appearance: How does the Okeetee corn snake look? Okeetee corn has bright orange to deep red body, adorned with large, well-defined black-bordered saddles. These saddles are the darker patches on the snake’s back, and in the Okeetee morph, they are particularly bold and contrast sharply with the background colour. Their belly is white and black in colour, which makes them more eye-catching. Their eyes are usually reddish-orange, and their tongue is usually in a dark colour.
Size: Okeetee morph Snakes are medium-sized snakes. Their length is generally 3.5 to 5 feet; some individuals may be longer. Their size is good and easily manageable as a pet.
Weight: An adult Okeetee Corn Snake’s weight is between 1 and 2 pounds (around 450 to 900 grams). Their weight can vary depending on their diet, age, and overall health. Juvenile Okeetee Corn Snakes, of course, weigh much less than the large Okeetee snake.
Behaviour: One of the reasons for okeetee corn’s popularity is its calm and friendly nature. They are easy to handle and are less aggressive compared to other snake species. This makes them an excellent choice for beginners and those looking for a low-maintenance pet. They are primarily nocturnal, like ball python morphs, meaning they are more active during the evening and night.
Lifespan: Like Palmetto corn snakes and Lavender corn snakes their lifetime is about 15 to 20 years, and some even reach up to 25 years with proper health care.
Okeetee Corn Snake Breeding and Reproduction
The reproduction of the Okeetee Corn Snake is a fascinating process that begins with a courtship ritual and ends with the hatching of new life. To have healthy baby corn snakes, it’s important to know how they reproduce and the steps to breed them properly. Let’s discuss it in detail.
Mating and Courtship
Okeetee Corn Snakes, like other corn snakes, typically mate in the spring, usually between March and May. They usually mate after the process of brumation (a period of dormancy similar to hibernation). During courtship, the male corn snake will follow the female okeetee corn snake, flicking his tongue to pick up her scent. If the female corn snake is receptive, she will allow the male to align his body with hers, leading to copulation.
Egg-Laying and Incubation
After successful mating, the female snake laid eggs after 30 to 45 days. She needs a warm and humid place for laying eggs. She usually lays 10 to 30 clutches of eggs. These eggs are soft and leathery. The eggs require an incubation period of around 60 to 70 days at a temperature of 80 to 85°F (27 to 29°C). During this time, the baby snakes start to form inside the eggs, slowly growing and developing until they’re ready to hatch. After some time, the baby inside the egg breaks the eggshell by using their egg tooth. The hatchlings are fully independent of birth, and they immediately begin searching for small prey such as pinky mice.
Okeetee Corn Snake Care Sheet
For the good health of your Okeetee snake, proper care is an essential thing. Here’s a detailed care sheet to help you provide the best environment for your snake:
Housing
For a baby okeetee corn snake, a 20-gallon tank is required. As the okeetee snake grows, they need a 40-gallon or larger tank. Aspen shavings, cypress mulch, or reptile carpets are the best choices. Avoid substrates like cedar or pine, as they can be harmful and cause health issues. Provide at least two hide spots in the enclosure; one is warm and the other is cold.
Temperature and humidity
Maintaining the right temperature is a very important thing for your okeetee Corn Snake’s health. Maintain a gradient of 75–85°F (24–29°C) during the day. The warm side of the enclosure should be around 85°F, while the cool side should be 75°F. They don’t need special UVB lights, but having a regular day and night light cycle helps keep their behaviour normal. Maintain a humidity level of 40–60%. Higher humidity may be needed during shedding periods. Always provide a clean water dish, large enough for the snake to soak in if it chooses.
Feeding
They are carnivorous and primarily feed on rodents. Like Albino corn snakes, juvenile okeetee snakes fed pinky mice or fuzzy mice. At the same time, adult okeetee snakes fed adult mice or small rats. To avoid digestive issues, the size of the prey should be appropriate according to the snake’s size. Fed juvenile okeetee corn snake every 5-7 days and adult every 7-10 days.
Handling
When you pick up your Okeetee Corn Snake, do it gently and calmly. Support its whole body and move slowly to avoid scaring it. Spend some time handling your snake often to help it get used to you. But don’t handle it too much at once, as this can make it stressful.
Shedding
Okeetee Corn Snakes, like all snakes, shed their skin as they grow. This process, known as ecdysis, happens regularly throughout their lives. Young snakes shed their skin every 4-6 weeks, while adult snakes shed every 6-12 weeks. Before shedding, the snake’s skin will look dull, and its eyes may turn cloudy or blue. During the process of shedding, the snakes rub their bodies against rough surfaces to help peel off the old skin. Once the snake has shed, its new skin will be bright and clear. Providing a humid hide or keeping the humidity levels right in their enclosure helps them to shed their skin properly.
Health Maintenance
To keep your Okeetee Corn Snake healthy, regular care is a very important thing. Make sure its enclosure is clean and its size is accordingly okeette snake length. Check the temperature and feeding behaviour as we mentioned above. Regularly check your snake for signs of health issues, such as loss of appetite, lethargy, abnormal behaviour, difficulty breathing, abnormal swelling, respiratory issues, weight loss, swelling or lumps, and discharge from the mouth or nose. If you notice anyone of these symptoms consult with a vet.
FAQ’s
What is the cost of the okeetee corn snake?
The price of Okeetee corn snake is between $100 and $200. The cost of an Okeetee Corn Snake can vary depending on factors such as age, colour variation, and the seller.
Where does the okeetee Corn Snake live?
The Okeetee Corn Snake originally comes from the Okeetee region in South Carolina, specifically associated with the Okeetee Hunt Club. This area is characterized by a mix of habitats, including woodlands, overgrown fields, and agricultural lands.
In the wild, corn snakes like the Okeetee inhabit a variety of environments, but they are commonly found in areas with abundant cover such as leaf litter, fallen logs, and rock crevices. They prefer habitats where they can easily find prey and have plenty of hiding spots.
Are okeetee Corn Snakes good pets for beginners?
Yes, Okeetee Corn Snakes are excellent pets for beginners. They are known for their friendly and calm nature, making them easy to handle. Here we describe some reasons why they are good pets as a beginner:
- Docile Temperament: Okeetee Corn Snakes are generally gentle and tolerant of handling, which is why they are a great choice for pet lovers.
- Easy Care: They need simple care requirements, including a manageable enclosure setup, a diet of appropriately sized prey, and basic health maintenance.
- Low Maintenance: They don’t need special lighting or complex habitat conditions, making them less demanding compared to some other reptiles.
- Durable: They are hardy snakes and can adapt well to various environments as long as their basic needs are met.
Can okeetee corn snakes be housed with other snakes?
It’s generally not recommended to house them with other snakes, even if they are of the same species.
The reason is that, like many reptiles, they can be territorial or aggressive towards each other, especially in confined spaces. This can lead to fights and injuries. Sharing an enclosure can cause stress for the snakes, which can negatively impact their behaviour. If one snake becomes ill, it can easily spread disease to the others in the same enclosure; that’s why it’s not recommended to keep them together.
Conclusion
The Okeetee Corn Snake is more than just a pet; it’s a beautiful creature with an interesting history and a stunning look. Whether you’re attracted to its bright colors, calm nature, or the story behind its name, this snake is sure to be a fascinating addition to your collection. With the right care, your Okeetee Corn Snake can live a long, healthy life, bringing you years of joy and companionship. Embrace the beauty and wonder of the Okeetee Corn Snake—it’s truly a gem in the reptile world.
