Corn Snake vs King Snake: A Comparison of Popular Pet Snakes
Appearance: Both the corn snake and the king snake are beautiful creatures with unique patterns. The corn snake is known for its vibrant colors, which can range from bright oranges and reds to subtle yellows and browns. Their patterns mimic the corn kernels hence the name. On the other hand, the king snake has a more subdued appearance with a glossy black body and colorful bands or stripes that can be red, yellow, or white.
Temperament and Handling
Feeding and Care
Feeding and care are essential aspects to consider when keeping a snake as a pet. Both the corn snake and the king snake are relatively easy to care for, making them ideal for beginner snake owners.
Feeding
Enclosure and Habitat
Creating the right enclosure and habitat is crucial for the health and well-being of your pet snake. Both corn snakes and king snakes require an enclosure that provides enough space for them to move around comfortably. A glass or plastic terrarium with a secure lid is a popular choice for housing pet snakes.
The enclosure should be equipped with appropriate heating and lighting to maintain the necessary temperature and light cycle. Snakes are ectothermic, which means they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature.
The substrate or bedding in the enclosure should be easy to clean and should mimic the snakes’ natural habitat. Aspen shavings or reptile carpet are commonly used as substrates for snake enclosures.
Handling and Socialization
Both corn snakes and king snakes can be easily handled and tame. However, it is crucial to handle them with care and respect. Snakes can feel stressed or threatened when handled improperly, which can result in defensive behaviors such as biting or hissing.
Health and Lifespan
Corn Snake
King Snake
Overall, both corn snakes and king snakes have similar lifespans with proper care, and their health can be maintained by providing them with a suitable environment, a balanced diet, and regular veterinary check-ups.
| Corn Snake | King Snake | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Lifespan | 20 years or more | 20 years or more |
| Common Health Issues | Respiratory infections, mouth rot | Scale rot, obesity |
Price and Availability
Corn Snake
The corn snake is widely available in the pet trade and comes in a variety of color morphs. These morphs can significantly affect the price, with rarer and more unique patterns fetching higher prices. On average, a corn snake can cost anywhere between $20 to $100, depending on its morph and other factors such as age and size.
Corn snakes are bred in captivity, making them readily available from breeders, reptile expos, and pet stores. This abundance contributes to their affordability and accessibility, making them a popular choice for first-time snake owners or those on a budget.
King Snake
Similar to corn snakes, king snakes are also widely available in the pet trade. They come in various color patterns, including bold and striking designs. The price of a king snake can range from $50 to $150 or more, depending on its morph, age, and size.
However, compared to corn snakes, king snakes may be slightly more expensive. This is mainly due to their popularity and the demand for certain morphs with vibrant and unique patterns. While some king snakes can be found in pet stores, specialty breeders and online reptile shops are often the best sources for finding a wider variety of king snake morphs.
I’m Lena Adams—a product of an unconventional upbringing in the African wilderness. My father, a daring explorer of African wildlife, sparked my fascination with reptiles, a passion that intertwined with the tragic loss of my mother during an expedition, leaving an indelible mark on my life. Driven to understand the creatures that captivated my parents, I embarked on my journey, sharing insights about reptiles, frogs, and lizards on my website. Through my explorations and conservation efforts, I honour my family’s legacy while seeking connections—to the creatures, nature, and the mother whose presence I yearn to understand.