The numbers
Enclosure
120 × 60 × 60 cm
Diet
Rodents (mice → small rats) · Every 10–14 days
Temperature
warm 28–30 °C (80–86 °F) / cool 22–26 °C (72–80 °F) / night No heat needed unless < 15 °C
Humidity
40–50% (60–70% during shed)
UVB
Optional; low-level beneficial
Identity
Family / Order
Colubridae / Squamata
Distribution
New Jersey to Florida; fields, farms, pine forest
Adult size
120–150 cm
Lifespan (captivity)
15–20 yrs (up to ~30)
Activity
Crepuscular; semi-terrestrial
Temperament
Docile, active, very forgiving
Price (THB)
~800–3,000 (morphs more)
Morphs
21 morphs, with how each one is inherited. 1 of them carry a documented welfare cost, and those are listed first. A morph list that hides this sells a pattern and says nothing about what it costs the animal.
ScalelessRecessiveNo scales → sensitive skin/hydration; smooth decor, clean substrateSuper form: —Caution
Amelanistic (Amel)RecessiveRed albinoSuper form: —
Anerythristic ARecessiveNo redSuper form: —
Blizzard (Amel+Charcoal)comboSuper form: —
Bloodred / DiffusedRecessiveSuper form: —
Butter (Amel+Caramel)comboSuper form: —
CaramelRecessiveSuper form: —
Charcoal (Anery B)RecessiveSuper form: —
DiluteRecessiveSuper form: —
Fire (Amel+Bloodred)comboSuper form: —
Ghost (Hypo+Anery)comboSuper form: —
HypomelanisticRecessiveSuper form: —
LavenderRecessiveSuper form: —
MotleyRecessivePatternSuper form: —
Opal (Amel+Lavender)comboSuper form: —
PalmettoRecessiveWhite with specklesSuper form: —
Snow (Amel+Anery)comboSuper form: —
StripeRecessiveSuper form: —
SunkissedRecessiveSuper form: —
TesseraDominantDominant patternSuper form: —
Ultra / UltramelCo-dominantAmel allelicSuper form: —
Enclosure and conditions
Warm side / basking
28–30 °C (80–86 °F)
Cool side
22–26 °C (72–80 °F)
Night
No heat needed unless < 15 °C
Humidity
40–50% (60–70% during shed)
UVB
Optional; low-level beneficial
Min. size
120 × 60 × 60 cm for an adult
Substrate
Aspen, coco husk; escape-proof lid a must
Hides
2 hides + climbing branches
Water
Medium bowl, fresh daily
Diet
Staple
Rodents (mice → small rats)
Prey size
≈ widest part of the body (or ~10% body weight)
Method
Frozen-thawed preferred
Hatchlings
Every 5–7 days (pinkies)
Adults
Every 10–14 days
Supplements
None needed
Fasting
Reduced appetite in cool season is normal
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Excellent first snake; tolerant & curious
Escape
Notorious escape artist — secure the lid
Cohabitation
House individually
Defense
May rattle tail / musk; bites minor & rare
Children
Great with supervision
Reproduction
Sexual maturity
18–36 months (size over age)
Sexing
Probing / popping
Clutch
10–30 eggs
Incubation
~55–65 days at 27–28 °C
Breeding trigger
2–3 month cool brumation ~13–15 °C
Common health problems
Respiratory infection
Signswheezing, mucus, open-mouth breathing
Preventavoid cold/damp; correct gradient
Mites
Signsblack dots, excess soaking
Preventquarantine new snakes
Retained shed
Signsstuck skin / eye caps
Preventraise humidity during shed + humid hide
Obesity
Signsfrom overfeeding
Preventcorrect prey size & interval
When to see a vet
This is not veterinary advice. If red flags appear (open-mouth breathing, months of weight loss, 'stargazing', persistent regurgitation) consult a qualified exotic (herp) veterinarian. Quarantine new arrivals 30–90 days.
Good to know
- Named for the maize-like belly pattern (and for hunting rodents in corn stores).
- The reptile hobby's #1 beginner snake, with hundreds of color morphs.
- Harmless to humans and a natural rodent-control ally for farmers.
Common questions
Is it venomous?
No — completely harmless.
Will it escape?
Yes if the lid isn't secured — they're escape experts.
Good for a child's first snake?
One of the best choices.
What it needs
- Enclosure 120×60×60
- Thermostat
- Heat mat/DHP
- 2 hides + branches
- Aspen substrate
- Water bowl
- Hygrometer/thermometer
- F/T mice