Amel Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus “Amel”) Care Sheet

Quick Facts

Behavior

• Generally calm, easy to handle, and docile.

• May explore enclosure actively; occasionally hides in substrate or décor.

• Ideal beginner snake due to ease of care and manageable size.

Enclosure Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 20–40 gallons for adults; larger is better

• Substrate: Aspen shavings, cypress mulch, or paper towels

• Decor: Hides at both warm and cool ends, branches, artificial plants

• Humidity: 40–50%; increase slightly during shedding

• Temperature:

  • Basking Spot: 85–90°F (29–32°C)

  • Ambient: 75–80°F (24–27°C)

  • Night: 70–75°F (21–24°C)

• Lighting: No special UVB required; maintain day/night cycle

Compatibility

• Best housed singly.

• Avoid mixing with other snake species or conspecifics of similar size (may trigger stress or cannibalism).

Diet

• Carnivorous: primarily rodents

  • Juveniles: pinky mice every 5–7 days

  • Adults: adult mice or small rats every 7–14 days

• Prey should be appropriately sized (no larger than widest part of snake)

• Water dish available at all times

Care Tips

• Provide secure enclosure; snakes are escape artists.

• Spot-clean weekly; full substrate change every 1–2 months.

• Monitor for shedding problems, mites, or respiratory issues.

• Gentle handling helps maintain docile behavior.

Breeding

• Oviparous (egg-laying)

• Clutch size: 10–30 eggs

• Incubation: 55–65 days at 82–85°F (28–29°C)

• Hatchlings are independent at birth; feed small pinky mice

Visual Quick Guide

• 🏠 Enclosure: 20–40 gal, hides & climbing decor

• 🌡️ Temp: Basking 85–90°F, Ambient 75–80°F, Night 70–75°F

• 💧 Humidity: 40–50%

• 🍴 Diet: Carnivorous (mice/rats)

• 🕒 Activity: Crepuscular / nocturnal

• ⚠️ Stress: Avoid overcrowding & rough handling

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