We’re an affiliate. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases through the links on this page. Learn more by reading our disclaimer.
Are Corn Snakes Constrictors?
Are corn snakes constrictors? Yes, corn snakes are constrictors. Corn snakes will bite and latch onto it with their thin sharp teeth and coil around their prey. They kill their prey by coiling around it and squeezing it until the animal can’t breathe.
Do corn snakes constrict their prey? Do they have venom? Are they dangerous? Let’s take a look at the facts. Corn snakes are one of the most common types of constrictors in the pet trade.
They are often sold as “starter snakes” because they are relatively easy to care for, and they make good pets for people who want something small to keep around the house.
In this blog post, we will explore the basics of corn snakes and how they use their strong muscles to immobilize their prey. Let’s sink our teeth into it.
Do Corn Snakes Constrict Their Prey?
Yes, corn snakes do constrict their prey. Since corn snakes are not venomous, they have to use their teeth to sink into their prey and coil around it. Once coiled around the prey, the corn snake will squeeze and constrict its prey until it can no longer breathe.
At this point, the corn snake will begin to eat its prey. They have very strong jaw muscles and can bite and hold onto something as thick as itself (1/2 inch).
Do Corn Snakes Constrict Humans?
There is one common misconception about these snakes that needs to be put to rest: they do not constrict humans. Corn snakes are non-venomous constrictors that can grow up to 6 feet long, meaning they kill their prey by wrapping their bodies around it and squeezing tightly.
This method of hunting is effective for small rodents, but it would be completely useless against a human. Corn snakes are not typically aggressive or strong enough to try to wrap around a human in an attempt to constrict.
So, if you’re considering getting a corn snake as a pet, you can rest assured that you won’t wake up to find yourself being squeezed in your sleep!
Can a Corn Snake Strangle You?
No, corn snakes are non-venomous constrictors, meaning they kill their prey by wrapping their body around it and squeezing tightly until it suffocates. However, they lack the size and strength to pose a threat to humans.
In fact, corn snakes are one of the most popular pet snakes precisely because they are small and docile. So if you’re worried about being strangled in your sleep by a corn snake, you can rest easy knowing that it’s highly unlikely.
Do Corn Snakes Bite Hurt?
Corn snake bites are not typically painful or dangerous to humans. While corn snakes have sharp teeth that can cause puncture wounds, they are not venomous and pose no serious threat to humans.
In fact, bites from corn snakes are often more dangerous to the snake than they are to the person being bitten! If a corn snake feels threatened, it may bite in self-defense.
However, these bites rarely break skin and cause little more than minor discomfort. So, if you’re thinking about adding a corn snake to your family, there’s no need to worry about being on the receiving end of a painful bite.
Are Corn Snakes Harmless?
Corn snakes are not typically aggressive and will sometimes bite when they feel threatened, they are relatively harmless to people or other pets (unless your pet is a small to medium mouse).
Do Corn Snakes Have Venom?
No, corn snakes are not venomous. They are constrictors, meaning they kill their prey by wrapping their body around it and squeezing tightly until it suffocates.
Corn snakes do have sharp teeth that can cause puncture wounds, but they are not venomous and pose no serious threat to humans.
In fact, corn snakes are one of the most popular pet snakes precisely because they are small and docile.
FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about corn snakes:
Do Corn Snakes Have Fangs?
No, corn snakes do not have fangs. They are nonvenomous and thus do not have fangs or venom glands. Corn snakes have approximately 25-30 small teeth that they use to grab their prey.
Why Is My Corn Snake Constricting?
Corn snakes constrict when they are trying to strangle their mouse, rat, or other prey items in order to eat it. There are other times that a corn snake might constrict such as when they are around your hand, arm, or other body parts as they may be trying to stay secure and not fall off.
Can You Put a Corn Snake Around Your Neck?
Yes, you can put your corn snake around your neck, arms, and other body appendages without the worry of the snake constricting or causing any harm to you. Even though a corn snake will most likely not be strong enough to actually hurt, it is advised to be careful while handling your corn snake and make sure that it is properly fed before handling.
Use your best judgment when handling your corn snakes and make good choices when it comes to how you handle or carry them around. If a snake of any kind feels threatened or unsafe, it could bite you out of self-defense.
How Big Are Corn Snakes?
The average size of an adult corn snake is between 3 and 5 feet depending on the sex of the snake and the care that it has received over the course of its life. Even though these are the typical sizes there have been specimens that have reached lengths as long as 6 feet.
What Do Corn Snakes Usually Eat?
Mice, small animals, and birds can all be prey for corn snakes. These stealthy predators lie in wait for their unsuspecting victims, then strike with lightning speed to wrap them up in their coils.
How Do Corn Snakes Reproduce?
Male and female corn snakes will usually find each other and mate in the spring. Female corn snakes will then lay anywhere between 4 and 35 eggs that are white and sort of leathery shelled around the beginning of summer. The mother doesn’t take care of the eggs while they are incubating and the eggs will hatch after 2-3 months.
These little corn snakes are tiny and will typically eat small insects and baby mice when they are babies until they get some size to them. Corn snakes will generally reach their adult size after about 3 years.
How Long Do Corn Snakes Live?
Rarely do wild snakes live past 20 years. In the wild, they face many predators and harsh conditions that take their toll over time. For snakes in captivity, however, life expectancy is much higher. With regular meals and vet care, captive snakes can live well into their 20s and even 30s.
There was even one corn snake that lived to be 32 years old. Even though this is amazing it is uncommon even with the proper care.
What Do Corn Snakes Eat?
Corn snakes are carnivores and will typically eat small animals such as mice, rats, other rodents, some small birds, and even eggs. In captivity, they are often fed frozen thawed mice or live mice. This can vary depending on age and size.
How Often Should I Feed My Corn Snake?
Corn snakes should be fed every 7-10 days. A good rule of thumb is to feed your corn snake 1 meal per week for every 2 inches of snake length. For example, a 12-inch corn snake should be fed 2 meals per week (1 meal every 3 to 4 days).
What Size Cage Does a Corn Snake Need?
A corn snake needs a cage that is at least 24 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches tall. If you are keeping multiple corn snakes together, you will need a larger cage.
The overall idea is that you provide enough tank space for your pet snake to be able to stretch completely out in its enclosure. This is one way to make sure that he/she has enough space.
Do Corn Snakes Make Good Pets?
Yes, corn snakes are good pets for people of all ages. They are relatively easy to care for and are not aggressive. Corn snakes are also relatively inexpensive to purchase and maintain.
In Conclusion
Corn snakes are constrictors that eat mice and even small rats. They do not pose any threat to humans or other pets and can make a great addition to your family. Corn snakes are relatively easy to take care of, and they’re certainly not picky eaters.
As long as you provide them with a warm place to hide and a regular supply of food, they’ll be happy. So if you’re looking for a pet that’s low-maintenance and gentle, a corn snake may be the perfect choice for you.
