The Pink Corn Snake is a captivating and unique variation of the popular Corn Snake species. This snake has become a favourite among reptile enthusiasts because of its gentle nature and striking pastel-pink colouration. Its delicate colour, combined with the easy-going temperament that corn snakes are known for, makes it an appealing choice for beginners and experienced snake keepers.
Unlike many other snakes with bold and vibrant patterns, their soft hue gives them a more subtle and elegant appearance. This snake is not just a beautiful pet; it’s also relatively easy to care for, which adds to its popularity.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Pink Corn Snake, from its fascinating history to its unique characteristics, breeding habits and common health issues.
History of the Pink Corn Snake
The Pink Corn Snake is a beautiful variation of the common Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus), that is native to the southeastern United States. The name “corn snake” comes from the fact that these snakes were often found in cornfields, where they helped farmers by eating rodents. Over the years, corn snakes have become popular pets because they are gentle, easy to care for, and come in many different colours and patterns.
The Pink Corn Snake is one of these colour variations, known as a “morph.” Breeders noticed that some Corn Snakes had light pink tones and began to selectively breed them to enhance this colour. Through careful breeding over generations, the Pink Corn Snake became a distinct and highly desired morph for its unique and attractive appearance.
Taxonomy and Classification
They belong to the species Pantherophis guttatus, which is part of the larger family of snakes known as Colubridae. This family includes many non-venomous snakes that are found all over the world. Corn snakes, including the Pink Corn Snake, are classified within this group because they share common characteristics, like their long, slender bodies and round pupils.
Classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Colubridae |
| Genus | Pantherophis |
| Species | Pantherophis guttata |
Pink Corn Snake Characteristics
Pink Corn Snake Appearance: The most notable feature of this Pink Corn Snake morph is its soft pink colour. Their colour can range from a light blush to more intense pink. They have light and dark-coloured spots on their bodies. They have a slender, long body that is smooth and slightly rounded. This body shape helps them to move easily. Their head is relatively small and well-defined from the rest of their body. They have round, dark eyes that are expressive and give them a curious look.
Size: The length of Adult Pink Corn Snakes is about 3 to 5 feet (about 0.9 to 1.5 meters). Female snakes are often a bit larger than male snakes. Like black corn snakes and blue corn snakes, their size is easily manageable.
Behaviour: They are known for their calm and friendly nature. They are usually very docile, making them a great choice for first-time snake owners. They are mostly active during the day, like ball Python morphs, and are good climbers, but they spend a lot of time hiding and resting in their habitat.
Weight: A pink corn snake typically weighs between 1.5 and 2.5 pounds when fully grown, although the weight can vary depending on factors like diet and overall health.
Lifespan: Like the palmetto snake and Okeetee corn snake, the pink corn snake’s lifetime is about 15 to 20 years, with some even reaching up to 25 years.
Price: The Pink Corn Snake is a popular morph, and its cost can vary depending on factors like age, colour intensity, and breeder. On average, their price is between $100 and $300. Prices may be higher for particularly vibrant or rare individuals.
Pink Corn Snake Reproduction and Breeding
Breeding Pink Corn Snakes is a fascinating process, especially if you’re interested in producing more of this unique and beautiful morph.
Mating and Breeding Season
Their breeding season typically starts in the spring, usually around March or April, after the snakes have gone through a period of brumation (a kind of hibernation) during the winter. During brumation, snakes are kept in cooler temperatures, which helps trigger their natural breeding instincts when they warm up in the spring.
Courtship and mating
When the breeding season begins, the male Pink Corn Snake starts showing interest in the female. He may nudge her with his nose and try to align his body with hers. If the female pink snake is receptive, mating will occur. This process can last for several hours. After successful mating, the female will start developing eggs inside her body.
Egg Laying
A few weeks after mating, the female will look for a warm, humid, and secure place to lay her eggs. They typically lay between 10 and 30 eggs, which are soft and leathery. The eggs are usually laid in a hidden area, like under logs or in a nest box provided by the breeder.
Incubation
Once the eggs are laid, they need to be incubated at a steady temperature of about 80 to 85°F (27 to 29°C). This incubation period lasts for about 60 to 70 days. During that time, it’s crucial to keep the humidity levels balanced to ensure the eggs develop properly.
Hatching
After the incubation period, the baby Pink Corn Snakes will start to emerge from their eggs. They use a special egg tooth to break through the egg’s shell. Once they hatch, the baby corn snakes are fully independent and can start eating small prey, like pinky mice, after their first shed.
Pink Corn Snake Care Sheet
Housing
For a baby pink corn snake, a 20-gallon tank is required. As the pink snake grows, they need a 40-gallon or larger tank. Use a substrate like aspen bedding, coconut husk, or reptile carpet. Avoid using sand or cedar shavings, as they can cause health issues.
Temperature and humidity
Keep the temperature in the enclosure between 75 and 85°F (24 and 29°C). Use a heat lamp on one side of the enclosure to create a temperature gradient so the snake can choose its preferred temperature.
Keep the humidity level in your snake’s enclosure between 40% and 60%. They don’t need special lighting, but providing a regular day/night cycle with a light on for about 12 hours a day can help maintain their natural rhythm.
Feeding
Juvenile pink snakes fed pink mice or rats. While adult pink 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 pink corn snake every 5-7 days and adult every 7-10 days. Provide a clean water dish at all times. Change the water regularly to keep it fresh and ensure your snake stays hydrated.
Handling and Cleaning
Corn snakes are generally calm and easy to handle. Start by letting your snake get used to your presence, then gently pick it up and support its body. Avoid handling right after feeding to prevent stress.
Remove any waste or soiled substrate daily. Every 4 to 6 weeks, perform a thorough cleaning of the enclosure. Wash and disinfect the enclosure, replace the substrate, and clean the water dish.
Shedding
A pink corn snake sheds its skin regularly as it grows. Shedding usually happens every few weeks or months, depending on the snake’s age and health. Before shedding, you might notice your snake’s colour becoming dull and its eyes turning cloudy or bluish. This is normal and means the old skin is getting ready to come off.
Make sure the humidity is just right and provide a rough surface in the enclosure, like a rock or a branch, for the snake to rub against. After shedding, your snake will have bright, fresh skin underneath. If any skin is left behind, especially around the eyes, it’s important to gently help remove it to prevent problems.
Pink Corn Snake Health Issues
Even though Pink Corn Snakes are generally healthy pets, they can sometimes face a few common health problems. Here’s what to watch for and how to address these issues:
- Respiratory Infections
- Symptoms: Sneezing, wheezing, or mucus around the nose and mouth.
- Cause: Often caused by poor humidity or temperature conditions.
- Treatment: Improve the enclosure’s humidity and temperature. If symptoms persist, consult a reptile vet for treatment.
- Mites
- Symptoms: small, dark spots on the snake’s skin, or excessive scratching and rubbing against surfaces.
- Cause: Mites are tiny parasites that can infest the snake’s skin.
- Treatment: Use a reptile-safe mite treatment and thoroughly clean the enclosure. A vet can provide specific treatment options.
- Shedding Problems
- Symptoms: Retained skin, especially around the eyes or tail, or incomplete shedding.
- Cause: Often due to low humidity or improper temperatures.
- Treatment: Increase humidity and provide a shedding box with damp moss.
- Digestive issues
- Symptoms: Lack of appetite, regurgitation, or constipation.
- Cause: This can be caused by feeding large-sized prey.
- Treatment: Ensure you’re feeding appropriately sized prey and avoid handling right after meals. If issues persist, a vet can help.
- Abscesses
- Symptoms: swelling or lumps under the skin.
- Cause: Often due to injuries or infections.
- Treatment: Keep the enclosure clean and monitor for injuries. If an abscess forms, seek veterinary care for proper treatment.
- Parasites
- Symptoms: weight loss, unusual feces, or visible worms.
- Cause: Internal parasites can affect the snake’s health.
- Treatment: A vet can diagnose and provide medication to treat internal parasites.
- Burns
- Symptoms: red or swollen areas on the skin.
- Cause: This can happen if the snake comes into direct contact with a heat source.
- Treatment: Adjust the heating setup to prevent direct contact and consult a vet for treatment if burns occur.
Conclusion
Understanding the history and taxonomy of the Pink Corn Snake provides insight into its unique origins and classification. Knowing how to care for it, from proper housing and feeding to addressing common health issues, ensures that your Pink Corn Snake remains healthy and happy.
By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you’ll be well-equipped to provide a thriving environment for your Pink Corn Snake. Whether you’re captivated by its beauty or its easy-going temperament, the Pink Corn Snake makes a wonderful addition to any reptile collection. Embrace the journey of caring for this stunning morph, and you’ll surely find it to be a rewarding and enriching experience.
