How Big Do Corn Snakes Get (And How Long Does it Take For Them to Grow)?
Corn snakes are one of the most popular pet snakes in the world, and their manageable adult size is a big part of why. They are large enough to be satisfying to handle but small enough that they do not require massive enclosures or specialized care. Here is what to expect as your corn snake grows.
Average Adult Size
Adult corn snakes typically reach 3 to 5 feet in length, with most individuals falling in the 3.5 to 4.5 foot range. Females tend to be slightly shorter and thicker than males, but the difference is not dramatic. An adult corn snake is about as thick as a quarter to a half dollar coin.
Exceptional individuals can reach 5.5 to 6 feet, but this is uncommon. Genetics, diet, and overall care all play a role in how large a corn snake ultimately gets. If you want a larger snake, choosing one from parents that were on the larger side increases your chances.
Growth Timeline
Corn snakes hatch at about 8 to 14 inches long and grow steadily over the next several years. Here is a general timeline of what to expect.
Hatchling (0 to 6 months): 8 to 14 inches. Babies grow quickly on a diet of pinky mice every 5 to 7 days. They may double in length during this period.
Juvenile (6 months to 1 year): 16 to 24 inches. Growth continues at a good pace as the snake graduates from pinkies to fuzzy mice and then hopper mice.
Sub adult (1 to 2 years): 24 to 36 inches. The snake is eating small adult mice and beginning to approach its adult length. Growth starts to slow down.
Adult (2 to 4 years): 36 to 54 inches. Most corn snakes reach their full adult length by age 3 to 4. Growth after this point is very slow, adding only an inch or two per year at most.
Factors That Affect Size
Several things influence how big your corn snake will get. Genetics is the biggest factor. A snake from large parents has the potential to be larger than one from smaller parents. If you buy from a breeder, ask about the size of the parents.
Feeding plays an important role too. A corn snake that is fed consistently with appropriately sized prey will reach its genetic potential. One that is underfed may be smaller and thinner than average. On the flip side, overfeeding leads to obesity, which is one of the most common health problems in pet corn snakes.
The right balance is feeding your corn snake prey that is about 1 to 1.5 times the width of its body at the widest point. Juveniles eat every 5 to 7 days, while adults eat every 7 to 14 days.
Do Morphs Affect Size
Color and pattern morphs generally do not affect a corn snake’s adult size. An albino corn snake will grow to the same size as a normal colored one, assuming the same genetics and care. Morphs are purely cosmetic variations that affect appearance but not size, health, or temperament.
Enclosure Size
Because corn snakes top out at 3 to 5 feet, they do not need enormous enclosures. A 20 gallon long tank works well for juveniles, and a 40 gallon breeder tank (36 by 18 inches) is appropriate for most adults. Corn snakes are semi arboreal and enjoy climbing, so an enclosure with some vertical space and branches or ledges is appreciated.
Their moderate size is one of the reasons corn snakes are so popular. They are big enough to be enjoyable to handle but small enough that housing them is practical even in apartments or smaller homes. Combined with their gentle temperament, manageable size makes corn snakes one of the best pet snakes available.
How big do corn snakes get?
Adult corn snakes typically reach 3 to 5 feet in length, with most falling in the 3.5 to 4.5 foot range. Exceptional individuals can reach up to 6 feet.
How long does it take for a corn snake to reach full size?
Most corn snakes reach their full adult length by 3 to 4 years of age. They grow most rapidly during their first two years.
What size tank does a corn snake need?
A 40 gallon breeder tank (36 by 18 inches) is appropriate for most adult corn snakes. Juveniles can start in a 20 gallon long tank and be upgraded as they grow.