Corn Snake Vs King Snake: Which Makes a Better Pet? (2024)

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You’ve decided to get a pet snake and are trying to choose between a corn snake or king snake. As you browse the reptile section at your local pet store, a brightly colored corn snake catches your eye.

An employee notices your interest and shares that corn snakes make fantastic starter snakes.

Before bringing one home, you’ll want to weigh the differences between these two common pet snake species. Key factors include temperament, costs, cage requirements, and more. While corn snakes edge out kings on a few fronts, both can thrive under the care of a responsible reptile owner like you.

Let’s explore their similarities and differences to determine which corn snake vs kingsnake is the better fit.

Corn Snakes Vs. King Snakes: How Are They Different?

Greeting! Corn snakes and king snakes are two of the most popular pet reptiles. While they may look similar at first glance, these species differ in many ways, including physical appearance, temperament, care needs, and feeding behavior as well as native habitats.

So let’s take a closer look at what sets corn snakes apart from king snakes to help you decide which is right for your home.

Physical Appearance

You’ll notice corn snakes typically have brightly colored saddles and blotches on a red or orange background, while kingsnakes tend to have cleaner bands of black, white, and brown along their slender bodies.

• Corn snakes range from 2 to 6 feet as adults, while kingsnakes are slightly smaller, measuring from 2 to 4 feet long.
• Corn snakes have rounder, spade-shaped heads compared to the more angular heads of kingsnakes.
• Corn snake scales are smooth with little sheen, whereas kingsnake scales have a glossy iridescence.
• Kingsnakes exhibit more vivid contrasting patterns of stripes, bands, and speckles in black, white, gray, and brown.

When examining these colubrid snakes, the differing patterns and colorations are the most distinguishing characteristics.

Temperament

You can expect different temperaments when comparing corn snakes and kingsnakes. Corn snakes are generally docile, with a low risk of escaping or biting. Kingsnakes are more active but also gentle in nature and require frequent handling to maintain their temperament.

Noise level is typically low for both species, though corn snakes may be slightly quieter than kingsnakes due to their lower activity levels. A gentle temperature gradient should be provided for both species as they prefer cooler temperatures over warmer ones.

In contrast, typical kingsnake behavior includes being hardy with a lower pickiness towards food choices.

Care Needs

Despite their close relation, subtle differences in care set corn snakes and kingsnakes apart. Though these docile colubrids share identical care needs for heating and humidity, slight adjustments suit each species best.

An excellent pet, corn snakes thrive in roomier enclosures with less frequent feedings. In contrast, kingsnakes need more diligent handling and slightly drier enclosures to mirror their active, hardy nature.

With minor tweaks to enclosure requirements, both make excellent options for a confident keeper seeking mastery.

Feeding Behavior

While some differences divide them, you’ll find corn snakes and kingsnakes share ravenous appetites. In fact, over 90% of U.S. snake owners consider their colubrids eager feeders. Though corn snakes’ reputations as picky eaters persist, assisting in feeding hungry hatchlings conditions most morphs into voracious gobblers.

Underfeeding stunts growth and stresses snakes, yet overfeeding risks regurgitation and obesity. As temperatures drop, reduce winter feedings for all colubrids. Kingsnakes need more frequent meals than corn snakes to fuel their ceaseless explorations.

Still, both colubrids thrive on choice feeding schedules attuned to each snake’s behavioral differences.

Native Habitats

Across southern North America, kingsnakes inhabit varied habitats from deserts to forests, while corn snakes mainly dwell in the southeastern and central U.

• California kingsnake is found in chaparral and desert areas.
• Florida kingsnake prefers pinelands and hardwood hammocks.
• Speckled kingsnake inhabits scrublands and coastal dunes.
• Eastern kingsnake ranges through deciduous forests and pine barrens.
• Milk snake favors edges of woodlands near streams and wetlands.

The corn snake’s brilliant reds and oranges contrast the kingsnake’s earthy browns and grays. But when tending a healthy snake, habitat matters more than coloration. For a total beginner snake owner, the docile corn snake remains ideal.

Are Corn Snakes or Kingsnakes Easier to Keep?

You’ve made an excellent choice in considering either a corn snake or kingsnake as a pet. When weighing their overall ease of care, corn snakes tend to be more tolerant of handling and minor husbandry mistakes.

However, kingsnakes typically have a better feeding response. With attention to proper setup and routine maintenance, both species can thrive for many years in captivity.

Ease of Handling

You’ll find corn snakes’ mild temperament makes handling a breeze. Their calm demeanor and reluctance to bite suit them well to frequent handling.

Kingsnakes tend to be more energetic and defensive, so gentle yet firm handling methods should be used.

Corn Snake	Kingsnake
Docile, easy to handle	Can be nippy when young
Good for beginners and children	Better for experienced handlers
Allow gentle handling when accustomed	Firm but gentle handling recommended

Kingsnakes require an experienced hand to tame their naturally defensive temperament.

Sensitivity to Enclosure Changes

Be aware that corn snakes are less sensitive to changes in their environment than kingsnakes. They can handle minor shifts in humidity settings and tolerate enclosure size adjustments easier. Kingsnakes need more attention when it comes to care needs and feeding behavior, requiring slightly larger enclosures with precise temperatures while being offered mice or rats every 12-14 days.

Both species come from native habitats across North America but vary greatly in price range – corn snakes being the cheaper option of the two colubrid snake relatives as they have higher diversity among morphs available on marketplaces today.

Feeding Habits

You better have some tongs in hand when feeding kingsnakes – those chaps will snatch up a mouse or rat faster than you can say dinner!

Corn snakes, on the other hand, are known for being picky eaters and require more dietary attention. Their ideal enclosure size requires smaller rodents while a kingsnake’s enclosure needs larger sized ones.

Temperature regulation, as well as humidity maintenance, is vital to both species’ health monitoring and shed assistance. Beginner snake owners may find corn snakes easier to keep due to their forgiving nature, but all should be aware of each species’ unique dietary needs for optimal care.

Overall Care Requirements

To ensure these reptiles thrive, it’s important to provide the proper enclosure size and type of substrate, as well as maintain temperature and humidity levels for both corn snakes and kingsnakes.

• A 30-40 gallon enclosure is recommended.
• Humidity should be around 50-60%.
• Frozen mice should be used for feeding.
• A hygrometer should be used to monitor humidity.

Although corn snakes are slightly more forgiving, both species require attentive care. Handling techniques should be gentle, shedding should be aided through humidity, and any health issues should be quickly addressed.

With the right enclosure space and humidity settings, these snakes can live 15-30 years when properly cared for.

Are Corn Snakes or Kingsnakes More Expensive?

When considering the cost of a corn snake or kingsnake, you should know that basic morphs range from $30-$50 for corn snakes and $50-$100 for kingsnakes. While there is more diversity in terms of morphs available when it comes to corn snakes, finding rarer kingsnake morphs can be challenging.

In terms of long-term care costs, both species will have similar expenses with regards to food and utilities. Fancier morphs are much more expensive regardless of which species you choose; however, this type typically requires expert care so they may not always be an affordable option.

Price Range for Basic Morphs

When it comes to basic morphs, you can expect to pay anywhere from $30-$50 for a corn snake and around $50-$100 for a kingsnake.

Still, corn snakes offer more color and pattern diversity at a lower cost. For either species, an adult will need a minimum 30-40 gallon enclosure with proper heating, humidity, hides, and climbing branches.

Handling tips: Support the body when holding and limit handling after feeding. Monitor shedding closely, increasing humidity and avoiding pulling loose skin.

With attentive husbandry, these hardy colubrids can thrive for 15-20 years.

Availability of Different Morphs

There’s way more color diversity with corn snakes since they’ve simply got more morph variants on the market.

1. Look for pattern defects like island patterning or unusual head patterns. These indicate rarer morphs.
2. Discuss breeding goals with potential morph breeders to ensure reputability.
3. Research importer reputations thoroughly before purchasing exotic morphs.
4. Don’t follow morph fads blindly. Focus on classic, quality snakes from ethical breeders.
5. Adult snakes showcase morph traits better than juveniles. Don’t purchase based on color alone.

Long-Term Care Costs

Guess letting your little scamp pick a fancy snake can make you sink more moolah than a rattler down the gopher hole, partner. Keeping critters coiled up properly takes some know-how. Scaly snakes need space to slither, a belly full of feed, and climate control.

Controlling temperatures, humidity, cleaning their dwelling regularly – that’s what separates a happy herping household. Daily duties for any critter-keeper, beginner or not. Wise wranglers watch their ward’s welfare.

Providing what a snake needs takes time and tender care. Reptile raising is a commitment, but mighty rewarding when done right, friend.

Affordability of Fancier Morphs

Y’all can break the piggy bank for prettier patterns, partner.

• Fancier snakes fetch fancier prices – some can set you back over a grand!
• Morph markets make mad money meeting collectors’ desires.
• Breeders bank on beauties, betting budgets bring better bounties.
• Rarer the reptile, richer the returns – high demand drives dollars up.
• Ethical implications exist – animals commodified for human consumption.

Kingsnakes boast endless exotic editions to entice the exhibitor. Scoping superior serpents satisfies scientific study and stimulates the psyche. Discover your own distinct darling, but beware the buyer’s trap – quality over quantity cultivates the greatest contentment.

What Do Corn Snakes Need as Pets?

When caring for a pet corn snake, it’s important to provide proper housing and husbandry to meet their needs. Corn snakes require a minimum 30-gallon enclosure with appropriate heating, humidity, substrate, hides, water, and climbing areas, along with regular feedings of frozen-thawed rodents.

By setting up the right habitat and following a proper routine, corn snakes can thrive when kept responsibly as pets.

Enclosure Size and Setup

You’ll need to provide an enclosure of at least 20 gallons for either species, with 30-40 gallons being ideal. Keep the long, slender snake’s home simple yet stimulating. Add branches for climbing, downed wood, and plants.

Opt for aspen or cypress mulch substrates 2-3 inches deep. Spot clean waste regularly and completely replace substrate every 4-8 weeks. Ensure habitat stats match wild origins with proper heating and humidity levels.

An enclosure too small causes stress. Prioritize floor space over height. Invest in an adequately sized and secure habitat for a healthy, active snake.

Temperature and Humidity Requirements

You must provide the perfect temperature and humidity in your pet snake’s enclosure, similar to the warmth of a nurturing embrace, to keep their cold-blooded body thriving. Monitor temperatures with a reliable thermometer, aiming for a gradient that allows thermoregulation.

Humidity levels impact shedding; use a hygrometer and adjust as needed. Spot clean and replace substrates regularly to remove waste and prevent scale rot. Assess enclosure conditions daily alongside your snake’s health and behavior. Consistent, attentive environmental management ensures your pet thrives.

Feeding Schedule and Diet

Nourish your slithering friend’s appetite on a consistent schedule, offering thawed prey like mice with feeding tongs to avoid accidental bites. Monitor their body condition and increase meal sizes as they grow. Providing proper nutrition fuels your pet snake’s health.

Feed appropriate frozen-thawed rodents starting with pinky mice, then progress up in size. Offer prey weekly at first, then stretch to every 10-14 days for adults. Always use tongs when feeding as bites can occur.

Never handle right after eating. Ensure clean, fresh water is available at all times. Dust prey with calcium supplements monthly. Proper feeding prevents malnutrition in your small North American constrictor snake.

Recommended Accessories and Enrichment

Add climbing branches and hides to provide mental stimulation for your slithering pet. Plastic vines, cork tubes, and rocks allow them to climb and explore like in the wild. Provide a humid hide with sphagnum moss for shedding aid when eye caps turn blue.

Add fake plants, branches, tunnels, and logs to enrich their habitat. Rotate new items monthly to prevent boredom. Just make sure any loose items are secure so they can’t fall and harm your crawling companion.

What Do Kingsnakes Need as Pets?

When keeping kingsnakes as pets, you gotta provide them with proper housing like a 30-40 gallon tank, heating between 75-88F, humidity around 50-60%, substrates like aspen, hides, climbing branches, and regular feedings of mice or rats to meet their care needs and keep them healthy.

Kings are overall excellent pets and super cool snakes to keep once you get their setup right. They need a bit more space than corns, and staying on top of their husbandry is important since they’re less forgiving than some beginner species.

But their popularity in the reptile pet trade shows they make satisfying captives when cared for properly.

Regular handling when young helps them become calmer adults you can enjoy interacting with. Just be ready for some attitude at first before they acclimate. Pay attention for any signs of illness by monitoring their eating, activity level, and skin.

Cost-wise, kings run $50-100 for normal types, while specialty morphs are pricier. As they grow, kings will shed their skin, so keep humidity up to help the process. Overall, these active snakes need room to explore and robust husbandry to thrive, but their beauty and personality make them excellent pets.

What is a Corn Snake?

Greetings! Corn snakes are a species of Colubrid snake native to the southeastern and central United States, inhabiting fields, forests, and prairies. These slender-bodied reptiles typically reach 3-6 feet in length when mature, with shiny scales that exhibit iridescence.

They lay 12-24 eggs per clutch on average and have an average lifespan of 15-20 years in captivity if cared for properly, making them popular as pets among reptile enthusiasts.

Physical Characteristics

You can easily tell the difference between a corn snake and a kingsnake by their physical characteristics. For example, corn snakes are smaller than kingsnakes, with some species reaching up to 6 feet in length.

Kingsnakes have thinner bodies than corns and usually come in more vibrant colors or morphs, like albino or striped. Corn snakes also tend to be less active compared to other types of rat snakes, such as kings.

Their geographical range is limited largely across southeastern US forests, whereas king ranges extend over southern North America.

Breeding differences will vary depending on which type you’re keeping, but both require proper enclosure setup, including heating requirements and feeding differences. These factors should be taken into account when setting up your pet’s home. With the right care knowledge, health concerns can be kept at bay.

Habitat and Distribution

Native ranges separate corn snakes and kingsnakes; corn snakes prefer southeastern US forests while kingsnakes span southern North America’s varied terrains. Though hundreds of rat snake species exist, these two types have different temperaments and enclosure needs.

Carefully research each snake’s habitat, handling style, and costs before deciding which of these colubrids suits your controlled mastery.

1. Southeastern pine forests
2. Prairies and scrubland
3. Farmland edges

By tailoring their enclosure to mimic natural habitats, keepers enable healthy corn and kingsnake behavior. Provide elements replicating their native ranges for maximum thriving under your command.

Reproduction and Lifespan

With proper husbandry, you can enjoy these colubrid snakes for up to 20-30 years – corn snakes average 15-20 while kingsnakes live up to 30. Mating habits vary by species, and unique kingsnake varieties require specific habitat requirements.

Breeding challenges arise when trying to incubate eggs in an enclosure; the best choice is one equipped with temperature and humidity regulators. There is a wider range of colors available for corn snake morphs compared to the limited selection of king snake species, making this a popular option among keepers looking for something special.

Popularity as Pets

Their striking coils and sleek scales have captivated herp hobbyists for decades, making them treasured additions to any collection. Both snake species boast alluring iridescence, diverse color morphs, manageable sizes, and hardy dispositions that draw in new keepers.

Yet kingsnakes require more space, expenses, and experience to thrive. Beginner reptile owners may prefer the mellower temperament, smaller enclosures, and lower cost of entry for corn snakes. Either colubrid choice engenders fascination through their graceful movements and inquisitive nature, promising years of enjoyment when properly cared for.

What is a Kingsnake?

As a fellow herpetologist, you’re likely familiar with the kingsnake, a group of colubrid snakes with over 30 subspecies found across southern North America. When mature, these active reptiles typically reach 2-5 feet in length. Their shiny scales exhibit black and white banding, speckles, or more colorful variations like the popular lavender and calico morphs.

Unlike the corn snake, kingsnakes lay only 6-10 eggs per clutch on average. But with proper care, these hardy snakes can live 20-30 years in captivity.

When setting up a kingsnake enclosure, start with at least a 30-40 gallon tank and a secure lid, as they are escape artists. Use a substrate like aspen 2-3 inches deep for burrowing and plant live or artificial plants for cover.

Provide a hot basking area of around 88°F under a 50-100W halogen bulb. Use a digital thermometer and hygrometer to monitor temperatures of 75-85°F and humidity of 50-60%. Lower humidity can lead to respiratory infections. Add decor like rocks, logs, and multiple snug hides.

For feeding, kingsnakes are eager feeders that can be communally fed frozen-thawed rodents like mice and rats every 12-14 days using tongs. Monitor when shedding and limit handling. Adjusting your kingsnake’s habitat to meet its needs will allow it to thrive under your care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)