Care guide
Caring for corn snakes, kingsnakes and milk snakes
Corn snakes, kingsnakes, milk snakes and hognoses are hardy, manageable snakes and great first snakes. They need a secure enclosure, a warm end and a frozen-thawed rodent every week or so.
Enclosure
Snakes are escape artists; use a locking lid. An adult corn snake needs at least about 120 × 60 × 60 cm, with hides at both the warm and cool ends, something to climb, and a water bowl.
Kingsnakes eat other snakes, including their own kind. House them alone.
Feeding
Feed frozen-thawed rodents about as wide as the snake's thickest part: young snakes every 5 to 7 days, adults every 10 to 14. Don't handle them for a day or two after a meal.
Hatchlings should go home only after they've eaten several meals on their own.
Handling and shedding
Support their body and let them move through your hands. A snake about to shed turns dull with cloudy eyes; leave them be, and add a humid hide to help.
Hognoses have mild venom that can cause swelling if they chew on you; handle them calmly.
Further reading
General information to help you prepare, not veterinary advice. Every animal is different: ask an experienced vet about yours. Reviewed by PerfectPal on October 13, 2026.