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What Are the Best Tips for Corn Snake Breeding?

Kaiser Castro
Kaiser Castro

Corn snake breeding will usually require mature snakes that are timely placed together through the March and May months. Successful breeding will also require the caretaker to purchase a separate terrarium for the pregnant female with a comfortable birthing environment, allowing the snake to complete the process with minimal stress. Making sure to separate the parent snake from the eggs and to provide the clutch of eggs with an incubator is important for successful development of the offspring.

When dealing with corn snake breeding, it is usually best to wait for the snakes to be about two years old before attempting to breed them. For successful corn snake breeding, only bring the female and male snake together through the months of March through May to lower territorial attacks. Successful breeding will be evident when a bump forms at the base of the female’s abdomen. The bump will be unusually low — do not confuse it with the normal intestinal bump caused by recently-consumed food.

It's best to wait until corn snakes are two years old before breeding them.
It's best to wait until corn snakes are two years old before breeding them.

Once the formation of eggs near the base of its tail is evident, it is best to place the female in a separate terrarium. The snake is oviparous, meaning that it will lay a clutch of eggs, instead of birthing live young. Pregnant female corn snakes should not be disturbed during this time; just make sure that there is a heat lamp set to about 85° Fahrenheit (29° Celsius) on one end of the cage, allowing the snake to move to cooler areas whenever it’s uncomfortable. Do not worry too much about the humidity of the terrarium, as corn snakes are known to thrive at a normal room humidity of about 40%.

Corn snakes feed on mice.
Corn snakes feed on mice.

It is necessary that the female has a cozy and safe area to lay the eggs. Remove the water dishes just before spawning, as the female snake may choose very humid areas to lay the eggs. Provide construction sites that will make the pregnant snake feel secure, like an upside-down flower pot with an opening cut into it.

A few hours after the female has laid her eggs, move them to an incubator to maintain the core temperature. It is essential that an incubator has been purchased beforehand. It is very important to transfer the eggs with as little movement as possible — if the eggs are turned, the embryo will be pressed against the wall of the shell, quickly killing it. Set the incubator for 80° Fahrenheit (26° Celsius), and keep a close eye on the eggs as they will hatch in about 10 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal age for breeding corn snakes?

Corn snakes reach sexual maturity at about 18 to 24 months of age. It's best to wait until they are at least two years old or have reached a good size (usually around 300 grams) to ensure they are healthy and robust enough for breeding. Breeding too young can stress the snake and lead to health issues.

How do you prepare corn snakes for breeding?

Preparation for breeding corn snakes involves a process called brumation, which is a period of cooling that mimics winter conditions. This typically lasts for 60 to 90 days at temperatures of 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit. After brumation, gradually increase the temperature to normal levels to simulate spring and trigger breeding behavior.

What are the signs that corn snakes are ready to mate?

When ready to mate, male corn snakes often become more active and may refuse food. Females might show similar behavior and develop a noticeable bulge after ovulation. Males will also exhibit 'courting' behavior, such as aligning their bodies with the female and twitching their tails rapidly against her.

How long is the gestation period for corn snakes, and how many eggs do they lay?

The gestation period for corn snakes is typically around 60 days. After this period, a female corn snake can lay anywhere from 10 to 30 eggs. The number of eggs can vary based on the size and health of the female, with larger and healthier snakes generally laying more eggs.

What are the optimal conditions for incubating corn snake eggs?

For successful incubation, corn snake eggs require a stable environment with temperatures between 78 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity levels around 90%. The eggs should be placed in a vermiculite or perlite substrate that is moist but not wet, to prevent mold growth and provide adequate moisture for the developing embryos.

How do you ensure the health and safety of hatchling corn snakes?

Once hatched, it's crucial to provide a clean and secure enclosure with appropriate temperatures (75-85 degrees Fahrenheit) and hiding spots for the hatchlings. Offer them their first meal, typically a pinky mouse, after their first shed, which occurs about a week after hatching. Monitor their growth and health closely, keeping them individually to prevent stress and competition for resources.

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    • It's best to wait until corn snakes are two years old before breeding them.
      By: KJ Lodrigue, Jr.
      It's best to wait until corn snakes are two years old before breeding them.
    • Corn snakes feed on mice.
      By: Rafal Kucharek
      Corn snakes feed on mice.