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You’ve stumbled upon quite the unique find – the scaleless corn snake. Don’t let their name fool you; these snakes aren’t completely devoid of scales, just selectively so. Their lack of scales makes them softer than your average corn snake, almost velvety to the touch.
Got a newbie herper or a nervous family member? This scaleless could be the perfect introductory snake with its docile temperament. Most just see a genetic mutation, but you and I know there’s real beauty in diversity.
Let this unique morph into your family and experience their alien smoothness yourself. With proper care from an experienced caretaker like you, these snakes can live a long and healthy life.
You ready for a scaly new friend? The scaleless corn awaits.
Table Of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Scaleless corn snakes have vibrant colors and patterns without dulling scales due to a genetic mutation.
- Proper humidity around 65-75% is essential for scaleless corn snakes to support healthy shedding.
- Scaleless corn snakes require very gentle handling to avoid injuring their skin and eyes without protective scales.
- Scaleless corn snake morphs are highly sought after and expensive, with blue-eyed leucistic snakes costing $2000 or more.
What Are Scaleless Corn Snakes?
Scaleless corn snakes originated from crossing Emory’s rat snakes and normal corn snakes in the wild. The lack of scales except on the belly reveals their bright natural colors and patterns, especially striking in popular morphs like tessera, blizzards, and lavenders.
Genetics & Origins
You’d never guess these vibrant beauties with their eyes poppin’ and colors blazin’ originated from a chance crossin’ between a rat snake and corn in the wild.
- Scaleless corns first spotted around 1990s in Texas
- Random cross of wild Emory’s rat x wild corn snake
- Mutation causes lack of scales except belly
- Recessive trait, so breed scaleless x scaleless or carrier
- Without scales, colors and patterns stand out
The mutant scaleless trait arose naturally from the wild cross-breeding. Since it’s recessive, intentional breeding methods are needed to consistently produce scaleless offspring.
Popular Morphs
You can find scaleless corns with crazy colors like albinos, tesseras with pixelated patterns, blizzard and lavender morphs with light pink and purple markings.
| Morph | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Albino | No melanin, bright red/pink with red eyes | $500-2,500 |
| Tessera | Pixelated checkerboard pattern | $200-1,000 |
| Blizzard | Very light pink, almost translucent | $300-1,500 |
| Lavender | Light pink with purple/gray blotches | $250-1,500 |
Whether you’re into the intense albinos or subtle lavenders, there’s a scaleless for you. Prices vary based on rarity and breeder reputation, but morphing never slows down in this niche hobby.
Scaleless Corn Snake Care
Scaleless corn snakes require careful handling and a well-prepared habitat to thrive. Their unique physical vulnerabilities mean paying close attention to humidity, temperature, substrate, and enclosure furnishings to support healthy shedding, feeding, and overall well-being.
Habitat & Handling
Cause their skin’s much more delicate, handle scaleless corns gently and avoid excess handling.
- Frequently check them over for tiny lesions or pink bumps.
- Keep their enclosure warm with a temperature gradient from 75 to 88 F.
- Use safe, smooth decorations without sharp edges or rough textures.
- Mist the enclosure daily to maintain humidity around 70%.
Scaleless corns need a secure habitat since their naked skin’s so exposed. Set them up with lots of hides, plants, and climbing branches to feel safe and comfortable.
Feeding & Shedding
Gotta make sure your snake sheds its entire skin if the humidity’s proper, ’cause these unique critters can live 20-25 years with the right care!
As scaleless snakes lack brille scales to protect their eyes while shedding, maintaining proper humidity levels is crucial. Ideal humidity for corn snakes is between 65-75%. Lower humidity can lead to incomplete sheds, especially around the eyes.
Check for cloudiness or blue tint to the eyes as a sign a shed is coming. Increase misting and restrict ventilation until it sheds cleanly.
| Substrate | Impact on Shedding |
|---|---|
| Newspaper | Low humidity, poor sheds |
| Aspen | Absorbs some moisture |
| Cypress mulch | Holds humidity well |
| Sphagnum moss | Boosts humidity, good for hides |
Are Scaleless Corn Snakes Good Pets?
Considering bringing home a new scaly friend, the unique smooth beauty of scaleless corns can be quite tempting. Though their fragile exposed skin may give some pause, these snakes can absolutely thrive as pets with proper care.
Their soft, velvety feel is a unique trait, as is seeing their vibrant colors and patterns unobstructed by scales. You’ll need to maintain cleanliness and a perfect temperature gradient to avoid injuries, but overall scaleless corns are hardy when captive bred.
They readily feed on frozen-thawed rodents to minimize damage. Their eyes seem large without surrounding scales, but don’t require special protection. Handling is easy since the delicate skin won’t catch on your fingers. Overall, scaleless morphs make wonderful pets.
It mostly comes down to your comfort level. With some extra diligence providing proper husbandry, these snakes will readily survive into adulthood and reward you with their uniquely beautiful and smooth presence.
Breeding Scaleless Corn Snakes
You’ve absolutely gotta go about breedin’ scaleless corns carefully since they need extra handlin’ without protective scales. When it comes time to mate, be choosy ’bout partners – make sure at least one’s a carrier so the babies inherit scales on their bellies.
Once the female lays her clutch, move those eggs quick to an incubator and keep it humid ‘n around 80°F. The hatchlings’ll have big ol’ bug eyes and bright red irises from lackin’ brille scales.
Talk about that in your ads so buyers know proper care. The more folks bond with their scaleless snake, the more good it does for these captives. Make it your mission to find ’em lovin’ homes, and educate new owners on their needs.
Promote adoption, not wild capture. With some TLC, these scaly wonders thrive just as well as their scaled cousins.
Buying a Scaleless Corn Snake
Checkin’ out those vivid lavenders and blizzards’ll make you drool over your new pet.
- Search for breeders online, at expos, or specialty pet stores. Ask about their breeding and health practices.
- Look for alert, bright eyes, smooth skin, and no stuck shed. Make sure the snake tongues regularly.
- Request recent vet exam and fecal check for parasites. Quarantine new snakes a few weeks.
- Prepare habitat before your new snake arrives – proper lighting, hides, humidity.
Scaleless corns make awesome pets when bred ethically. Their soft skin and incredible colors create living rainbows to enjoy.
Cost of Scaleless Corn Snakes
As an aspiring herpetologist and reptile breeder, let’s walk through the exciting world of scaleless corn snake prices. These unique snakes cost $150-$500 for typical captive bred scaleless, depending on color.
One thing’s for sure, you get what you pay for with these beauties. Vibrant scales make dull wild-type corn snakes explode with color. Morphs like the purple-gray tessera or pinkish cream palmetto morphs look otherworldly.
Let your budget and color preferences guide you. Just remember scaleless corns need extra care to stay healthy.
Controversy Over Scaleless Snakes
Gotta say, some folks treat these snakes like the emperor’s new clothes, though they’re just tryin’ to slither on by like the rest of us. Now I ain’t no PETA lover, but I get folks askin’ if it’s ethical to breed snakes without their god-given scales.
Truth is, these mutations happen naturally – we’re just givin’ the little guys a chance.
See, in the wild, most scaleless hatchlings don’t make it past their first shed. Their colors and patterns just make ’em too dang easy for predators to spot! But in captivity, with proper tank conditions, they thrive just fine.
All we’re doin’ is lettin’ their true colors shine through. These snakes don’t know they’re different – they just wanna explore their pink backgrounds and show off their purple-gray markings like any cornsnake would.
So next time someone claims it’s cruelty, remind ’em these snakes already existed! We’re just givin’ their beauty a chance to be appreciated.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are scaleless corn snakes legal to own?
You bet! Scaleless corns are totally legal to keep as pets in most places. Their cool, smooth skin and funky colors make them super unique. Just be gentle and keep their environment clean, since they lack protective scales.
How do I transport a scaleless corn snake?
When transporting a scaleless corn snake, use a small padded container to prevent abrasions. Though eye-catching, their skin needs extra care. Gently place the snake inside, providing holes for air. Avoid sudden stops and bumps during travel to keep them comfortable. Handle slowly and watch for signs of stress.
What health issues or genetic defects are common in scaleless corn snakes?
Scaleless corn snakes are prone to eye injuries and skin abrasions without the protection of scales. Providing a clean, humid environment can help prevent these risks. Respiratory infections are also more common due to their delicate skin.
To support the health and wellbeing of scaleless corn snakes, give them a spotlessly clean and appropriately humid vivarium. Careful handling is also recommended to avoid injuring their fragile skin. With proper care and precautions, scaleless corn snakes can remain healthy and thrive.
What is the ideal humidity level for a scaleless corn snake enclosure?
Your new scaleless corn snake friend will be less lively without proper humidity. The ideal humidity level is 65-75% to support healthy shedding – any lower risks incomplete ecdysis and respiratory issues.
How do I clean and disinfect a scaleless corn snake enclosure?
Scrub and sanitize the terrarium thoroughly with a diluted bleach solution, being sure to rinse very well and allow to fully air dry before returning your scaleless snake. Always use gentle motions when handling the sensitive serpent during the cleaning process.
Conclusion
As a scaleless serpent keeper, your careful cultivation nurtures color through captivating combinations. Caring for your coiling corn snake’s conditions, including climate and cuisine, cultivates a calmer companion.
However, complex controversies concerning cosmetic corn creations compel conscientious custodians to contemplate compassionate husbandry. Ultimately, the uplifting underbellies of unique scaleless snakes showcase stunning serpentine splendor.
