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

Quick Facts

Behavior

• Docile, calm, and excellent for beginners.

• Terrestrial and secretive; enjoys hiding and exploring.

• Active mainly at night and during dawn/dusk periods.

• Tolerates handling well once acclimated.

Enclosure Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 80–120 liters for a single adult

• Substrate: Aspen shavings, coconut fiber, or reptile-safe soil

• Decor: Hides at warm and cool ends, branches, rocks

• Humidity: 40–60%

• Temperature:

  • Basking / warm hide: 28–30°C

  • Ambient: 24–26°C

  • Night: 20–22°C

• Lighting: Indirect light; UVB optional but beneficial

• Ventilation: Moderate airflow

Compatibility

• Can be housed with conspecifics if space and feeding are carefully managed, but single housing recommended.

• Avoid cohabiting with aggressive species or significantly smaller reptiles.

Diet

• Carnivorous; feeds on appropriately sized rodents:

  • Frozen-thawed or pre-killed mice or small rats depending on size

• Juveniles: feed every 5–7 days

• Adults: feed every 10–14 days

• Provide a shallow water dish for drinking

Care Tips

• Provide hiding spots at both ends of the enclosure.

• Maintain a temperature gradient to allow thermoregulation.

• Spot-clean regularly; remove feces and uneaten prey.

• Handle gently and regularly to encourage docility.

• Monitor for signs of illness, refusal to eat, or shedding issues.

Breeding

• Oviparous; females lay 10–30 eggs per clutch.

• Eggs incubate at 26–28°C with moderate humidity for 55–65 days.

• Hatchlings are independent and require appropriately sized prey.

Visual Quick Guide

• 🏠 Enclosure: ≥80–120 L, hides, branches, substrate

• 🌡️ Temp: Basking 28–30°C / Ambient 24–26°C / Night 20–22°C

• 💧 Humidity: 40–60%

• 🍴 Diet: Carnivorous (appropriately sized rodents)

• 🕒 Activity: Nocturnal / crepuscular, terrestrial

• ⚠️ Stress: Provide hides, temperature gradient, and gentle handling

Please note: We don't ship live animals. You can order online and choose click and collect, and we will hold it for you.