How Much Does a Corn Snake Cost?
Corn snakes are known to be one of the most popular types of snakes to be kept as pets due to their mild manners, easy handling and are known to be easier to care for than other snake species. These snakes make great pets because they are non-venomous and non-aggressive, known for its ability to withhold its bite.
Known for its belly patterns which resemble a maize, corn snakes are great climbers and considered as one of the best escape artists.
How much does a corn snake cost?
On average, the cost of corn snake depends on the morph and who you purchase it from. Most hatchlings, with more than 50 colors available on the market, will be anywhere from as little as $30 to $100. Refer to our table below to see what popular corn snake morphs may cost with a local breeder.
At PetSmart, for instance, the fancy corn snake retails for about $50.
Reptmart, for example, has more than five pages of corn snakes available. The prices, according to the retailer, range anywhere from $30 to more than $65.
| Morph | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Albino | $35 to $45 |
| Albino Bloodred | $55 to $70 |
| Albino Motley | $40 to $55 |
| Albino Okeetee | $50 to $60 |
| Albino Striped | $60 to $80 |
| Amber | $40 to $50 |
| Black | $35 to $45 |
| Black Albino | $75 to $95 |
| Black Bloodred | $50 to $60 |
| Blizzard | $70 to $90 |
| Blood Red | $60 to $80 |
| Butter | $50 to $65 |
| Caramel | $40 to $55 |
| Caramel Blood | $70 to $90 |
| Charcoal | $45 to $55 |
| Crimson | $60 to $80 |
| Fancy | $45 to $55 |
| Fire | $90 to $120 |
| Ghost | $40 to $55 |
| Gold Dust | $40 to $55 |
| Hypo Motley | $65 to $75 |
| Hypo Striped | $50 to $65 |
| Hypo Upper | $65 to $75 |
| Hypomelanistic | $40 to $55 |
| Lavende | $45 to $55 |
| Lavender Blood | $75 to $90 |
| Motley | $60 to $75 |
| Normal | $30 to $45 |
| Okeetee | $45 to $55 |
| Opal | $65 to $80 |
| Rosy | $45 to $55 |
| Silver Queen | $60 to $80 |
| Snow | $35 to $45 |
| Striped | $60 to $75 |
| Sunkissed | $75 to $90 |
| Ultra | $65 to $75 |
What are the extra costs?
If you are buying a corn snake online, you will most likely have to pay for the shipping costs. Due to the fragility of the shipment, plan on spending around $30 to $50 for next day shipping.
As for its diet, a corn snake will feed on frozen rodents every one to two weeks, depend on the snake’s age. Budget about $10 per month, with each frozen mouse retailing for about $1 each.
A cage, at a minimum, should be 20 to 40 gallons in size, but the larger, the better. This tank should include a mulch-type substrate, hiding spots, adequate lighting, a water dish and a constant 85-degree Fahrenheit temperature, with a humidity level between 40 to 60 percent. The full setup should cost about $200 to $300, depending on what type of setup you’re envisioning. This cage, to maintain a clean atmosphere, should be cleaned at least once a week with a bleach solution.
Tips to know:
The average adult takes up to three years to mature. When fully grown, it measures four to six feet long. As a hatchling, commonly found at a pet store, they will measure about 11 to 15 inches.
In captivity, as long as taken care of properly, the average corn snake can live 15 to 20 years.
Although they are non-venomous, corn snakes have potent toxins in their saliva that may cause redness if you are ever bitten.
Make sure that the cage for your corn snake has an escape-proof enclosure as they have been known to escape, even if you think they can’t. Always ensure the lid is as secure as it can be with no gaps present.
When purchasing, look for one that is well fleshed with clear eyes; no cuts or scrapes; no signs of mites or ticks; a clean vent; and one that is alert and flicking its tongue. All of the aforementioned characteristics are an indication of a healthy snake.
Red flags, on the other hand, may include vomiting, abnormal feces, bumps, shedding difficulties or a white substance in the mouth.
Corn snakes can be housed together; however, it’s best to avoid housing different species together.
When your snake is ready to shed, its eyes will turn a milky blue color, and time goes on, the skin will turn dull, developing a white-like sheen. The snake will shed regularly depending on its conditions.
Common health conditions, according to Petco, can include dermatitis, respiratory disease, stomatitis and/or mites.
A corn snake may bite if it feels frightened or hurt; however, if you were to be bitten by one, it usually won’t hurt due to their smaller-sized teeth.
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