Have you ever seen a snake that looks like a sweet strawberry treat?
The Strawberry Corn Snake is a captivating morph with its bright pinkish-red colours that almost seem too vibrant to be real.
Are you curious about its origins and what makes it such a favourite among snake enthusiasts? Let’s discover with us!
Strawberry Corn Snake History & Genetics
The story of the Strawberry Corn Snake begins in the captivating realm of selective breeding, where breeders sought to craft a corn snake as striking as a ripe, juicy strawberry.
Their goal? To blend vibrant colours into a morph that would captivate anyone who laid eyes on it.
And thus, the Strawberry Corn Snake was born—a beautiful creation boasting an enchanting reddish-pink colour that practically glows.
Genetically, it carries hypo traits, reducing melanin to produce a more vivid, lighter hue that makes it pop even more against other corn snakes.
It’s as if breeders bottled up a burst of summer and infused it into this snake, combining nature’s charm with a touch of artistry.
Strawberry Corn Snake Traits
Appearance:
- Body Color: The Strawberry CornSnake has a bright reddish-pink body, giving it an eye-catching, almost candy-like appearance.
- Shape: Its body is slender and muscular, with smooth scales that add to its vibrant shine.
- Eyes & Belly: Its eyes are usually a reddish or pink hue, matching the strawberry tones of its body. The belly features a classic black and white checkered pattern typical of corn snakes.
- Head Shape and Tail: It has a slightly triangular head that smoothly transitions to a long, tapered tail.
- Speed: They are quite agile, capable of quick movements when hunting or exploring, but generally move at a calm pace when handled.
Size and Weight:
- Length: As adults, they typically reach between 4 to 5 feet long.
- Weight: An adult weighs around 1 to 2 pounds, depending on diet and overall health.
Behaviour and Temperament:
- They are known for their friendly and calm temperament, making it a popular choice for both beginners and experienced keepers.
- It’s curious and enjoys exploring its environment, but isn’t overly aggressive.
Lifespan:
With proper care, these corn snakes can live up to 15 to 20 years in captivity, making them a long-term commitment.
Strawberry Corn Snake Cost
- Hatchlings: Hatchlings typically cost between $60 to $100, depending on the breeder.
- Adults: Adult Strawberry Corn Snakes may range from $150 to $250, based on color intensity and pattern quality.
- Julien (Juvenile): Juveniles are usually priced between $80 to $120.
Where to Buy:
The best place to purchase a Strawberry Corn Snake is through reputable breeders or specialized reptile expos where you can find well-cared-for snakes and get advice directly from breeders.
Strawberry Corn Snake Breeding & Reproduction
Breeding typically starts in early spring when the temperatures rise, signalling it’s time to find a mate.
This is when both male and female Strawberry Corn Snakes become more active.
To prepare for breeding, breeders often put these snakes through a process called brumation during winter.
This means keeping them at lower temperatures (around 55-65°F) for about 8-10 weeks. It helps trigger their natural breeding cycle once temperatures warm up.
After brumation, males become eager to find females. They begin by following the female closely, flicking their tongues to pick up her scent.
Once the male aligns with the female, mating takes place, which can last several hours.
Egg-Laying & Incubation
Around 30 to 45 days after successful mating, the female Snake will lay a clutch of eggs.
She usually lays between 10-30 eggs, and she’ll look for a warm, humid spot to place them.
The eggs need to be incubated at around 80-85°F with a high level of humidity to ensure they remain moist.
Incubation usually takes between 55-60 days before hatching.
Once they hatch, the baby Strawberry Corn Snakes are about 10-12 inches long, full of energy, and ready to explore their surroundings.
They’ll start feeding on small prey after their first shed.
Some Famous Strawberry Corn Snake Morph Combinations
- Strawberry Snow Corn Snake:
- This morph combines the striking reddish-pink of the Strawberry Corn Snake with the albino trait, resulting in a beautiful snake with a light pink and creamy white coloration.
- Strawberry Hypo Corn Snake:
- The Hypo trait reduces the amount of melanin in the snake, making its colours even more vibrant. The Strawberry Hypo has a bright pink body with less contrast in its patterns.
- Strawberry Butter Corn Snake:
- This morph is a combination of the Strawberry and Butter traits, creating a snake with a softer, lighter appearance. The colours are more muted, resulting in a pastel-like hue.
- Strawberry Caramel Corn Snake:
- Combining the Strawberry morph with the Caramel trait produces a snake with warm, rich colours, giving it a unique and beautiful appearance that can range from golden to reddish tones.
- Strawberry Sunkissed Corn Snake:
- The Sunkissed trait adds a warm, golden glow to the Strawberry Corn Snake, resulting in a striking, sun-kissed appearance that enhances its bright colours.
- Strawberry Pied Corn Snake:
- The Pied trait introduces unique white patches along the body of the Strawberry Corn Snake, creating a captivating contrast against its vibrant pink colour.
These morphs highlight the beauty and variety within the Strawberry Corn Snake, making them popular choices for collectors and pet owners alike.
Strawberry Corn Snake Care Sheet
1. Habitat & Enclosure Requirements
- Enclosure Size: A juvenile Strawberry Corn Snake can live comfortably in a 20-gallon tank, but an adult needs at least a 40-gallon tank for sufficient space.
- Substrate: Use aspen shavings, cypress mulch, or paper towels as bedding. Avoid sand or pine as they can cause harm.
- Hides and Accessories: Provide at least two hides—one on the warm side and one on the cool side. Add climbing structures and a water bowl large enough for soaking.
- Temperature and Humidity: Maintain a temperature range of 75°F to 85°F during the day, with a drop to 70°F at night. Keep humidity levels between 40-50%.
- Lighting: Although UVB lighting isn’t necessary for corn snakes, a 12-hour light/dark cycle mimics their natural habitat.
2. Diet & Feeding
- Food Type: Feed your Strawberry Corn Snake frozen/thawed mice of appropriate size.
- Feeding Frequency: Juveniles should be fed every 5-7 days, while adults can be fed every 7-10 days.
- Supplements: No additional supplements are needed as long as the diet is balanced.
3. Water & Hydration
- Water Bowl: Ensure a medium-sized water bowl is available for drinking and occasional soaking. Clean and refill it daily.
- Special Hydration Needs: Mist the enclosure lightly during shedding to aid in hydration.
4. Handling & Socialization
- Handling Frequency: Handle your Strawberry Corn Snake 2-3 times per week to keep it tame and accustomed to human interaction.
- Safe Handling Tips: Approach calmly, supporting the body while lifting. Avoid handling right after feeding to prevent regurgitation.
5. Shedding
- Signs of Shedding: The snake’s skin will become dull, and its eyes will turn cloudy before shedding.
- Shedding Assistance: Increase humidity slightly and provide rough surfaces in the enclosure to help the snake remove its old skin.
6. Health & Common Issues
- Signs of a Healthy Snake: A healthy Strawberry Corn Snake will be active, have clear eyes, and have a consistent appetite.
- Common Health Problems: Respiratory infections, parasites, and incomplete sheds are common issues. Look for signs like wheezing or unusual skin retention.
- Prevention & Care: Clean the enclosure regularly, maintain proper humidity, and provide a balanced diet. Consult a vet if you notice any concerning symptoms.
7. Cleaning & Maintenance
- Spot Cleaning: Remove waste and uneaten food daily to keep the enclosure clean.
- Deep Cleaning: Once a month, replace the substrate and disinfect the enclosure using reptile-safe products.
Conclusion
The Strawberry Corn Snake morph is a vibrant and stunning addition to the world of pet snakes, captivating enthusiasts with its striking reddish-pink coloration and charming personality.
With its unique breeding history and diverse morphs, this snake continues to be a favorite for both novice and experienced reptile lovers alike.