How do you get a pet corn snake to reach its full size?
A well cared for snake should meet all of its growth standards with ease, eventually reaching a full length of six to eight feet. The eating pattern is the most important factor in the growth of a young snake. Owners need to take care of a frozen? mouse or Rat, thawed or reheated (not microwaved) to room temperature, about once a week or two during the day. A pinkie mouse should be the right size for a juvenile snake, while larger rodents should be fed to an adult. If the snake doesn’t eat right away, remove the food and offer it the next day. Feeding should also take place in a separate room so that it does not associate your hand with food.
Another factor that affects the growth rate is the environmental condition of the tank. The habitat should be set to an appropriate temperature (usually between 70 degrees and 85 degrees Fahrenheit) and humidity (between 40% and 60% under normal conditions; as much as 70% when molting). It should also be exposed to ultraviolet light for about eight to 12 hours, followed by a nighttime or infrared light at night. This should serve to replicate the desired conditions it needs in the wild.
Keep in mind that a small adult snake four feet or less is not necessarily the sign of a developmental problem; genetics also plays an important growth factor. But proper feeding and care as a juvenile will maximize your snake’s size potential in captivity.