How Fast Does a Corn Snake Grow (Size + Growth Chart)
Corn snakes are native to the southeastern United States and are often found in cornfields where they feed on rodents that are attracted to the crops. That’s how they got their name!
One of the most fascinating aspects of owning a corn snake is watching them grow from a tiny hatchling into a mature adult. From diet and habitat to genetics and environmental factors, there are numerous fascinating aspects to explore when it comes to corn snake growth.
In this article, we will dive deeper into the world of corn snake growth and learn about the different stages of development these snakes go through as they mature into the beautiful creatures they are.
So, How Fast Do Corn Snakes Grow?
Corn snakes are known to be moderate growers and can grow up to 4-6 feet long in adulthood, as compared to ball pythons which are another most popular pet snake that can grow up to 5-6 feet. They can live up to 15-20 years in captivity if cared for properly. The growth rate varies with gender, and females tend to be slightly larger than males.
The growth rate of corn snakes varies significantly from hatchling to adulthood. A hatchling corn snake is usually about 8-12 inches long and weighs around 6-10 grams. They grow rapidly in their first year and can gain up to 10 inches in length and 50-100 grams in weight. By the end of their first year, they can be around 18-22 inches long and weigh around 60-150 grams.
The growth rate slows down after their first year, and they gain around 3-6 inches in length and 20-30 grams in weight every year. They reach sexual maturity at the age of 2-3 years, and by that time, they can be around 24-36 inches long and weigh around 250-500 grams.
Complete Corn Snake Growth Chart
Here is a table showing the average size and weight of corn snakes at different ages:
| Age (months) | Length (inches) | Weight (grams) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8-12 | 6-10 |
| 6 | 20-24 | 30-60 |
| 12 | 36-48 | 250-500 |
| 24 | 48-60 | 500-1000 |
| 36 | 60-72 | 1000-1500 |
Do Male & Female Corn Snakes Grow At A Different Pace?
In general, male and female corn snakes do not grow at significantly different rates. Both sexes typically reach sexual maturity at around 2-3 years of age and can grow to be around 4-6 feet in length. But there are 3 minor differences in their growth rate:
- During their initial year, female corn snakes experience the fastest growth rate, which gradually slows down afterward. On the other hand, male corn snakes tend to weigh less than females when they are one year old but eventually become considerably heavier when they reach full maturity, which typically takes around two years.
- One noticeable difference between fully-grown male and female corn snakes is their length, with males generally being longer than females.
- Additionally, females may grow slightly larger than males, particularly during the reproductive season when they are producing eggs.
Factors That Affect The Growth Of Corn Snakes
Corn snakes are fascinating creatures that go through several stages of development as they grow from hatchlings to adult snakes. Many factors can affect the growth of a corn snake, including genetic factors, diet, temperature, and environmental conditions.
Factor #1- Genetics
Genetics is the primary factor that influences the growth of a corn snake. The size and growth rate of a corn snake are determined by its genetic makeup, and some snakes may grow larger and faster than others due to their genes. In short, genetic factors can cause them to grow faster or slower than average.
Factor #2 – Diet
Diet is another crucial factor that affects the growth of a corn snake. Corn snakes are carnivorous and require a diet of small rodents such as mice or rats. The size and frequency of feedings can impact the growth rate of a corn snake.
Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems, while underfeeding can stunt growth and lead to malnourishment. Also, corn snakes can live up to 2 months without food as well, but it sure does affect their growth.
Factor #3 – Temperature
Temperature is also an important factor in the growth of a corn snake. These reptiles are ectothermic creatures, indicating that they depend on outside sources of warmth to regulate their internal body temperature. The temperature of the snake’s enclosure can affect its metabolism, digestion, and overall growth rate.
Editor’s Note
Corn snakes require a basking spot with a temperature between 85 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit to aid in digestion and stimulate growth.
Factor #4 – Tank Size
Though not a major factor, tank size can stunt the growth of a corn snake if it’s too small. Similarly, keeping baby snakes in a tank that is too big can cause them to feel frightened and retreat to hiding places, which limits their opportunities for stretching and moving. Insufficient movement and stretching can impede a snake’s growth. The ideal tank size for baby snakes is 5 gallons and that for adult snakes is 20 gallons.
For reptiles in captivity, setting up the right enclosure is the most important thing for a healthy life.
Factor #5 – Environmental conditions
Corn snakes thrive in humidity levels between 40% to 50%. A properly sized and maintained enclosure with the correct temperature and humidity levels can help a corn snake grow at a healthy rate. Humidity affects shedding and ultimately the health of the snake. Very high humidity levels can cause scale rot, which is a dangerous condition.
How Large Do Corn Snakes Actually Grow?
The largest recorded corn snake was 1.8 meters or 72 inches in length! That’s huge, right?
But corn snakes are not the largest species of snakes in the world. The reticulated python is considered the longest snake in the world, with the longest recorded specimen measuring over 30 feet in length. The green anaconda is considered the heaviest snake in the world, with the largest specimens weighing over 500 pounds.
The average adult corn snake can grow to be between 4 and 6 feet in length. But some individuals may grow larger or smaller depending on the factors we discussed above.
Corn snakes typically reach their full adult size at around three to four years of age. Proper care, including a healthy diet, proper temperature and humidity levels, and a suitable enclosure, can help ensure that corn snakes grow at a healthy rate and reach their full potential size. Here’s the most comprehensive corn snake owner guide you can buy to learn everything about corn snakes.
FAQs
Does captivity affect the size of corn snakes?
Yes, captivity does slightly affect the growth of a corn snake. Wild corn snakes are slightly larger than their captive-bred cousins.
How often should I feed my corn snake to promote healthy growth?
Corn snakes should be fed once a week or every 10-14 days, depending on their size and age. Overfeeding can cause obesity and health problems, while underfeeding can cause stunted growth.
If my corn snake stops eating for a while, what will happen to its growth?
It is very common for an adult corn snake can go on without eating for 2-3 months. But a juvenile snake will simply not grow to its potential if it stops eating.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this guide has made you an expert in the nuances of corn snake growth. As a pet owner, you can help your corn snake grow and thrive by providing a healthy diet, proper temperature and humidity levels, and a suitable enclosure that allows it to move around and explore. It is important to monitor their growth rate regularly and make adjustments to their care as necessary to promote healthy growth.