Imagine a snake as stunning as freshly fallen snow, with soft hues of pink and white gliding through its enclosure.
The Snow Corn Snake is one of the most mesmerizing and sought-after morphs in the reptile world.
But what makes this snake so special? How did it get its unique look, and is it the right pet for you?
Whether you’re a first-time snake owner or a seasoned reptile enthusiast, the Snow Corn Snake has a charm that captivates all who see it.
Ready to discover why this snake stands out among other Corn Snakes? Keep reading to find out what makes this morph truly extraordinary!
Snow Corn Snake History & Genetics
The Snow Corn Snake is a result of selective breeding, designed to combine two key traits: amelanism (absence of black pigment) and anerythrism (absence of red pigment).
This breeding effort started in the 1970s when reptile enthusiasts sought to create visually striking snakes by eliminating darker colours.
The outcome was the beautiful white and pink Snow Corn Snake we know today.
Genetically, the Snow Corn Snake is a double-recessive morph, meaning both parents must carry the genes for both amelanism and anerythrism to produce Snow offspring.
This unique genetic combination gives them their pale, snow-like appearance with pinkish eyes.
Snow Corn Snake Physical Characteristics
Snow Corn Snake Appearance
They have a stunning white or creamy body colour, with subtle hints of pink, light yellow, or lavender.
Their markings often appear in shades of pale pink or beige, giving them a soft and unique look.
Body Shape: Their body is long and slender, ideal for slithering through tight spaces. They have a smooth and sleek appearance, with scales that feel soft when touched.
Tail: The tail tapers gracefully toward the end, often matching the body colour but slightly lighter, creating a smooth transition from the body.
Head-shape: Their head is slightly wider than the neck, giving it a distinct yet soft triangular shape.
Snow corn snake Eyes: They have captivating pinkish or reddish eyes due to the lack of pigment, which stands out against their pale scales.
Their round pupils are a characteristic feature that adds to their gentle appearance.
Snow Corn Snake Size, Weight, & Speed
They grow between 4 to 5.5 feet long when fully mature, making them medium-sized snakes that are manageable for most owners.
An adult Snow Corn Snake typically weighs 1 to 2 pounds, depending on its diet and care. It is relatively lightweight for its size.
They aren’t the fastest, but they can move swiftly when needed.
They use their smooth scales to glide effortlessly, especially when hunting or exploring their environment.
Behavior & Temperament
They are known for their calm and friendly nature, making them one of the most popular pet snakes. They are not aggressive and rarely bite, which is why they are perfect for beginners.
These Corn Snakes enjoy exploring their enclosure and are curious by nature, often gently wrapping around their owner’s hand during handling.
They are active primarily at night (nocturnal), but you may see them moving around during dusk or dawn.
Snow Corn Snake Lifespan
With proper care, they can live up to 20 years in captivity. This long lifespan makes them a long-term companion for snake enthusiasts.
Snow Corn Snake Cost
Their price can vary depending on their age and morph quality:
Snow Corn Snake Breeding & Reproduction
Breeding Snow Corn Snakes is relatively straightforward. They reach sexual maturity around 2-3 years of age.
During the spring breeding season, after a winter brumation period, males and females are introduced.
After successful mating, the female lays 10-30 eggs about 30 days later. The eggs are incubated at a warm temperature of around 80-85°F (27-29°C) for 55-60 days.
Once hatched, the tiny Snow Corn Snake babies are independent and ready to eat small prey like pinky mice.
Snow Corn Snakes are known for producing beautiful colour variations, making breeding them both rewarding and fascinating!
Famous Snow Corn Snake Morphs Combinations
1. Albino Snow Corn Snake: An albino version of the Snow Corn Snake, it lacks dark pigments, showing off a pure white body with pinkish eyes and soft pastel markings.
2. Coral Pink Snow Corn Snake: Known for its warm pink hues, this morph has a mix of white and coral-like tones, making it more vibrant than the typical Snow Corn Snake.
3. Salmon Snow Corn Snake: This morph features a soft salmon colour that blends beautifully with the white background, giving the snake a subtle, peachy appearance.
4. Pink Snow Corn Snakeke: With a clean, linear pattern running along its back, this morph has fewer markings and more uniform colour, making it stand out from typical Snow morphs.
5. Bubblegum Snow Corn Snake: A unique and rare morph, this snake lacks traditional scales, giving it a smooth and shiny texture while maintaining the classic Snow colouring.
6. Snow Tessera Corn Snake: This morph features sharp, straight lines and intricate patterns along its back, making it a more structured version of the classic Snow morph.
7. Snowflake Corn Snake: This morph brings a tropical twist, blending soft coral tones into the usual white and pink of the Snow Corn Snake, creating a more colourful version.
8. Snow Stripe Corn Snake: A unique striped pattern runs along the length of this morph’s body, creating an elegant, linear design against the classic Snow colours.
9. Snow Scaleless Corn Snake: Lacking scales, this morph is smooth to the touch and features the classic Snow Corn Snake’s colouring, with its unique, glossy texture.
10. Snow Palmetto Corn Snake One of the most striking morphs, it has a white body with tiny colourful spots scattered throughout, resembling confetti on a pale canvas.
11. Scaleless Snow Corn Snake: A unique and rare morph, this snake lacks traditional scales, giving it a smooth and shiny texture while maintaining the classic Snow colouring.
Snow Corn Snake Care Sheet
1. Enclosure Setup
Tank Size: For a baby Snow Corn Snake, a 20-gallon tank will do just fine. But as they grow into adulthood, you’ll need to upgrade to a 40-gallon tank or larger.
Substrate: Corn Snakes love to burrow, so aspen bedding is a great choice. It allows them to dig, which mimics their natural behaviour.
Avoid cedar or pine bedding, as these can harm your snake due to the oils they release.
Hides: They need at least two hides: one on the warm side of the tank and one on the cool side.
These hides should be snug, so the snake feels secure by touching the sides. A happy snake feels safe!
Climbing Structures: Corn Snakes are semi-arboreal, meaning they like to climb.
Adding branches, rocks, and artificial plants will give your snake something to explore and climb on. This keeps them physically and mentally active.
Lighting: You don’t need to worry about special lighting like UVB for Snow Corn Snakes, as they are nocturnal.
However, you should still provide a 12-hour light and 12-hour dark cycle to mimic their natural environment.
A simple fluorescent or LED light will do, but make sure no light stays on at night.
2. Temperature & Heating
This Corn Snake morph relies on their environment to regulate their body temperature.
On one side of the tank, the warm spot should be around 85°F (29°C), while the cooler side should be about 75°F (24°C).
At night, the temperature can drop slightly but should never fall below 70°F (21°C).
Heat Source: Use a heat lamp or under-tank heater (UTH) to maintain the warm side. Stay away from heat rocks—they can cause burns.
Thermometer: It’s a good idea to have thermometers on both the warm and cool sides of the tank.
Digital thermometers with probes give the most accurate readings, helping you make sure the temperatures are just right for your snake.
3. Humidity
These Snakes are happiest with humidity levels between 40-50%.
Too much humidity can cause respiratory problems, while too little can lead to issues with shedding. Keep an eye on the humidity level.
During shedding, you might need to increase the humidity slightly. You can provide a humid hide—a small hide filled with damp moss or paper towels.
Place it on the cooler side of the tank to give your snake a moist space to help with shedding.
4. Snow Corn Snake Diet
All Snakes are carnivores, mainly eating frozen-thawed mice. Make sure the prey is roughly the same width as the thickest part of your snake’s body.
Start with pinky mice for baby corn snakes and increase prey size as they grow.
Feeding Frequency:
Always use feeding tongs to offer food to your Snake. This keeps them from mistaking your hand for food!
Also, ensure the prey is fully thawed and at room temperature before offering it.
5. Handling
After your Snake has had about a week to settle into its new home, you can begin handling it 1-2 times a week.
Corn Snakes are usually calm and tolerate handling well. However, too much handling or handling too soon after feeding can cause stress.
When picking up your snake, be gentle. Slide your hand under its body and lift slowly, supporting it as it moves.
Avoid quick movements, and over time, your snake will get used to being handled.
6. Shedding
7. Health & Common Issues
A healthy Snow Corn Snake will be alert, active, and have clear eyes, smooth skin, and regular feeding habits. They should also shed completely without any issues.
Common Health Problems:
It’s always a good idea to visit a reptile vet regularly, especially if you notice any signs of illness. Early intervention is key to keeping your snake healthy.
Conclusion
The Snow Corn Snake is truly a mesmerizing snake, with its stunning colors and calm personality. Whether you’re new to snakes or a seasoned enthusiast, this unique reptile is a wonderful companion. Its beauty and easy care make it a standout choice for anyone looking to add a bit of charm to their collection!
