Albino Corn Snake – Profile, Care, Facts
As the name suggests, Albino corn snakes do not have melanin in their bodies. In essence, melanin protects the skin against harmful UV light and also provides pigmentation in animals and humans.
Similar to other morphs in the Corn snake family, Albinos are non-venomous and relatively docile. Albinos are easy to maintain, have a pleasant temperament, and enjoy a comparatively long lifespan compared to other species.
The beauty of it all is that Albino corn snakes come in diverse colors and morphs for about $40. In addition, they do not require special diet requirements familiar with other snake pets. Keep following as we extensively define Albino corn snake’s temperament, plus their diet, health, and habitat requirements.
Appearance
How to recognize an albino corn snake? How do you know if a corn snake is regular or albino?
Without the dark pigmentation common in other species, most Albino corn snakes have white and red or orange pigmentation all over their bodies. It is not uncommon to spot some morphs with red saddle marks bounded by a bold orange border. Like other Corn snakes, Albinos have white bellies and patterns that broaden their heads, forming a triangular image.
Besides, you can get some species with different markings like Motley, Tessera, and Okeetee. One of the most outstanding features of these magnificent serpents is their beautiful red eyes. Due to lack of pigmentation, the eyes do not have the standard black color. Instead, they shine brightly, giving a fiery fascinating appeal.
On rare occasions, you may find some Albino snakes with pink or bright orange eyes. Indisputably, this coloration gives Albinos a more exotic look compared to others. When kept in captivity, Corn snakes may grow three to four feet in length.
Behavior
Are albino corn snakes aggressive or docile?
Albino corn snakes are naturally solitary and rarely interact with others apart from breeding purposes. In the wild, they spend most of the time hiding deep in high glasses waiting for nightfall to start hunting. Amazingly, this inclination is still typical in captivity, where Albinos spend their days hidden in dark corners or boxes.
Despite that, Albinos are pretty curious, especially when placed in a new environment. In such a scenario, you may notice their tongue flicking as they sense the surroundings. When agitated, Albino corn snakes may hiss, rattle or shake their tails as a defense mechanism.
Thanks to their pleasant temperament, Albinos appreciate frequent human handling, promoting quick tameness and deeper companionship. For this reason, do not leave your serpents friends unattended for long durations. Likewise, ensure that you wash your hands before and after handling to prevent the spread of contaminations.
Lifespan
What is the average lifespan of albino corn snakes? How long do albino corn snakes usually live?
A healthy corn snake in the wild lives an average life of seven to eight years. Surprisingly, a better quality of life offered in enclosures significantly increases their lifespan to about 25 years. This sounds like quite a long duration taking caring for a pet.
Keep in mind that snakes have minimal requirements compared to other pets. Also, Albino corn snakes are impressively hardy and rarely suffer from life-threatening conditions.
Regardless, there are common ailments that mainly originate from a dirty vivarium. Some of them include mouth rot, respiratory issues, and shedding complications. Unfortunately, these ailments can cause immense pain or deter proper feeding, further worsening the situation.
Primarily, shedding issues develop when some old skin remains on the snake’s body. A quick remedy to this frustrating condition is to increase humidity levels in the cage. Also, give your slithering pets a warm bath to quicken the process.
General Care & Requirements
How to care for a pet albino corn snake? What are the temperature, light, humidity requirements ideal for albino corn snakes? How to house a pet corn snake, what is the ideal enclosure size?
The incredible factor about Albino snakes is that they do not require special care requirements. You only need to provide a clean enclosure, nutritious meals and monitor their medical needs. Below are other essential requirements you should put into consideration.
– Temperature and Lighting
Albino corn snakes are some of the reptile pets that do not require special lighting needs. In reality, plenty of natural light is perfectly fitting for your scaled friends. Nonetheless, ensure that you do not place the aquarium next to windows and doors to control heat intensity.
Similar to other cold-blooded creatures, snakes prefer to absorb heat from the underside. For this reason, invest in a reliable heating tape or pad, but avoid warming the entire cage. Without any doubt, heat is vital for reptiles as it helps in digestion and strengthens your pet’s muscles.
Likewise, it aids in circulating blood, reproduction, and maintaining a robust immune system. As a result, strive to provide your docile pets with 80-85°F heat in the warm side of the cage.
On the contrary, lower the temperature on the cool side to 70-77°F. If necessary, add a basking light that warms specific corners of the cage at 90°F. However, restrain from installing the bulb inside the cage as it can quickly burn the serpents. That said, constantly monitor the enclosure temperature with a digital thermometer daily.
– Humidity
In their natural habitat, snakes live in a warm and humid environment. This exposure helps their respiratory tract and skin to remain moist, which is beneficial during the shedding session. In addition, optimal humidity levels prevent dehydration leading to a healthier longer life.
When it comes to Albino corn snakes, keep them in an enclosure of about 65 to 75% humidity. The easiest way to achieve such humidity levels is to mist the cage twice daily. However, remember that excess humidity may be detrimental to your pet’s health.
If the humidity is too high in the cage, you can reduce it by investing in a dehumidifier, increasing ventilation, changing the beddings, or moving away from the water container.
– Cage Size
An average-sized Albino corn snake can comfortably live in a typical 20-gallon vivarium measuring 12 by 30 by 12 inches. For juveniles, you can place them in vivaria and shoeboxes before they grow to 18 inches. When choosing a snake enclosure, ensure that it is easy to clean and access.
Do not forget to invest in a tank with a screen lid that allows ample light. Most important, the cage should have two openings on both sides to provide enough oxygen. Given that the snakes are escape experts, the holes should not be wider than four inches.
It is common for corn snakes to hide when threatened or during the shedding and shedding seasons. Installing a dark hiding spot plays the role and offers much-needed security to your snakes. Sometimes, you can heat the cover-up spot to ensure that the pets meet their heat requirements without relocating from their secure location.
For added comfort, you can add wood shavings, reptile carpets, or Aspen. Restrain from using wood mulches with toxic oils and aroma, which can trigger respiratory conditions.
Diet & Nutrition
What do albino corn snakes eat? Can they eat the same food as regular corn snakes? Do albino corn snakes need vitamins and supplements in order to stay healthy?
If you fail to offer your pets a proper diet and nutrition, there is a high likelihood of low immunity and a shorter lifespan. Here are essential tips on how to keep your Albinos healthy through a well-planned feeding program.
– Feeding
Immediately after your baby corns shed their first skin, you can offer them a pinkie or a newborn mouse. To avoid scaring your snakes, place the pre-killed prey slowly in the cage without disturbing them. Avoid throwing in several items at a go or dropping them on top of a sleeping reptile. As your pets grow bigger, some would prefer live prey to arouse their interest.
Nevertheless, remember that live rodents can scratch or harm your pets through the feeding process. Some of the most nutritious meals for Albinos include chicken eggs, quails, mice, and baby rats. Depending on the cage temperature levels, digestion may take place within three to four days after eating.
One effective way of reducing digestion complications is to avoid excessively feeding your pets or giving them food bigger than their heads. Immediately after feeding, allow your snakes to rest without handling them for at least three days. It is vital to note that they can become highly stressed and agitated at this stage, leading to bites.
– Supplements & Vitamins
Compared to the diet in the wild, pets held in captivity may require an intermittent source of vitamins like Nutrobal. During supplementation, dip or apply them on pre-killed rodents before feeding your pets. It is also prudent to introduce D3 calcium during every feeding session.
– Hydration
Most snakes get hydrated from the prey’s blood and water within their fur. Albinos can become dehydrated if the owner fails to give them enough water. In cases of extreme dehydration, allow your pet to soak in lukewarm water for about an hour.
Then provide clean water in a shallow basin for regular hydration. Remember to replace dirty water regularly to cut down on infections.
Breeding
Can you breed albino corn snakes? Will the albino genome be transmitted to their offspring?
It is not always easy to discern a female Albino from a male with their anatomy. However, a gentle prod at the bottom of the tail can reveal a slightly swollen budge in males. It might take at least four to six weeks for a female Albino to lay about 12 fertilized eggs.
Breeding is most successful when snake owners alternate heat temperatures to allow their pets to build up enough energy. Soon after your females lay eggs, incubate them within 78-80°F for about six to eight weeks. It is advisable to breed your female once a year to allow them to recuperate.
Wrap UP
Nothing beats the inquisitive and interactive nature of Albino Corn Snakes. Not to mention that they are also remarkably hardy and thrive well in different environments. Follow the critical points above and enjoy a rewarding journey with your Albino friend.
