The Okeetee corn snake is a subspecies of the North American corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) known for its vibrant orange and black coloration. These snakes are nonvenomous and are famous pets due to their docile behavior and relief of care. They are born in the southeastern United States and typically grow 4-5 feet long. They are also known for their hardiness and adaptability in captivity, which makes them an excellent choice for first-time snake owners.
Appearance
The Okeetee corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) is known for its vibrant orange and black coloration. The orange is typically a bright, almost fluorescent orange, while the black color is usually a deep, rich black. They have a distinctive black or dark brown pattern and orange or yellow, forming a series of large, irregular blotches along their back, with more minor spots or stripes along their sides.
The belly is usually white or cream-colored with black or dark brown spots. These snakes can reach 4-5 feet, but most adult specimens are 2-3 feet long. They are typically thin and medium-sized snakes with smooth, glossy scales.
Okeetee Corn Size
The Okeetee corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) is known to grow up to 4-5 feet in length. The size of an individual snake can vary depending on several factors, such as the specific subspecies and habitat, as well as their diet and overall health. A healthy Okeetee corn snake will reach its maximum size with optimal living conditions, including a proper diet and a suitable enclosure.
What makes a corn snake Okeetee?
An Okeetee corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) is a specific corn snake known for its vibrant orange and black coloration. The name “Okeetee” refers to a particular locality, the Okeetee Hunt Club in Jasper County, South Carolina, where this subspecies of corn snake was found initially. The Okeetee corn snake is characterized by its bright, almost fluorescent orange color and deep, rich black coloration. They are known for having a distinctive black or dark brown and orange or yellow pattern that forms a series of large, irregular blotches along their back, with more minor spots or stripes along their sides.
The Okeetee corn snake is considered one of the most highly sought-after subspecies of corn snakes by collectors and hobbyists due to its striking coloration, hardiness, and adaptability in captivity.
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How to Take Maintenance of an Okeetee Snake?
Taking care of an Okeetee corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) is relatively easy, as they are known for being hardy and adaptable in captivity. Here are some general guidelines for caring for an Okeetee corn snake:
- Provide a suitable enclosure: A 20-gallon terrarium is ideal for a single adult Okeetee corn snake. Ensure the square has a secure lid and a heating source, such as a heat lamp or a heating pad, to maintain a temperature range of 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Offer a hiding spot: Okeetee corn snakes need a place to hide and feel secure. Using a plastic hide box or a hollowed-out log, you can provide a hiding spot.
- Provide appropriate lighting: Okeetee corn snakes need a day and night cycle, so provide a light source for 12-14 hours daily, and use a red or blue light bulb at night.
- Offer a water bowl: Keep fresh water in the enclosure for drinking and soaking.
- Feeding: Feed your Okeetee corn snake small mice or rats, depending on the snake’s size. Juveniles should be fed once a week, while adults should be fed every 10 to 14 days.
- Handling: Okeetee corn snakes are docile and easy to handle. You can manage them regularly, but avoid taking them immediately after they have been fed, as they may regurgitate their food.
- Cleaning: Clean the enclosure at least once a week by removing feces and uneaten food and spot cleaning as needed.
Okeetee Snake Diet
An Okeetee corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) is primarily a carnivorous animal that feeds on small rodents, such as rats, in the wild. They can be fed a diet of pre-killed or frozen-thawed mice or rats in captivity.
The feeding frequency will depend on the size and age of the snake. Juvenile Okeetee corn snakes should be fed once a week, while adult Okeetee corn snakes should be fed every 10 to 14 days. It is important to note that Okeetee corn snakes are not very active, so you should provide them with smaller prey items, as they may need more oversized prey items.
Okeetee Corn Snake Lifespan
The lifespan of an Okeetee corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) can vary depending on several factors, such as genetics, diet, and overall health. In captivity, with proper care, Okeetee corn snakes can live for 10-20 years, with some individuals living even longer.
In the wild, the lifespan of an Okeetee corn snake can be shorter due to predation, disease, and other environmental factors. Therefore, in captivity, they have a better chance of living a more extended life.
Proper nutrition, including an appropriate diet and the right amount of food, is also crucial for maintaining a healthy lifespan for your Okeetee corn snake. Feeding a diet that is too high in fat or providing too much can lead to obesity and other health problems, which can shorten the snake’s lifespan.
Okeetee Corn Snake Breeding
Breeding Okeetee corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) in captivity is straightforward but requires specific conditions and knowledge.
The first step in breeding Okeetee corn snakes is to obtain a pair of healthy and mature individuals. Both males and females should be at least two years old and in good physical condition before breeding.
The next step is to provide them with a cool-down period; during the winter, the temperature should be dropped to around 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8-10 weeks to simulate a winter dormancy period. This will help to trigger breeding behavior in the spring.
Once the cooling period is over, the temperature should be raised again to around 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit and the snakes should be provided with a hiding spot. This will help to simulate a breeding environment.
The female Okeetee corn snake will begin to lay eggs about 2-4 weeks after breeding. The eggs should be removed from the enclosure and placed in an incubator. The eggs should be kept at around 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit and a humidity level of approximately 60-70%. After about 60-65 days, the eggs will hatch, and the baby Okeetee corn snakes will be ready to be raised.
Okeetee Corn Snakes as Good Pets
Okeetee corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) are famous pets due to their vibrant coloration, docile nature, and ease of care. They are nonvenomous, and their small size and hardiness make them an excellent choice for first-time snake owners.
One of the main advantages of keeping Okeetee corn snakes as pets is their hardiness and adaptability. They are reasonably easy to care for and adjust well to captivity when provided with the proper environment, diet, and care.
FAQs
How much is an Okeetee corn snake?
The price of an Okeetee corn snake can vary depending on the snake’s age, size, and quality. On average, a captive-bred Okeetee corn snake can cost anywhere from $50 to $200. Some morphs or high-end specimens can cost more.
How poisonous is a corn snake?
Corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) are nonvenomous, which means they do not have venom that can be dangerous to humans. They are generally considered to be safe to keep as pets and can be handled without the need for special precautions.
Can corn snakes hurt you?
Corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) are generally not harmful to humans. They are nonvenomous, which means they do not have venom that can be dangerous to humans. They are considered docile and easy to handle, and their bites are not painful.
Will a wild corn snake bite you?
A wild corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) is generally not inclined to bite humans. They are nonvenomous, and their bites are not harmful to humans.
Is a corn snake suitable for beginners?
Corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) are good pets for beginners. They are nonvenomous, docile, and easy to handle. They also have relatively low maintenance and do not require much space, making them a good option for people who live in small flats or homes.
Let’s End the Article
In conclusion, Okeetee corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) are a beautiful subspecies of the North American corn snake known for their vibrant orange and black coloration. They are born in the southeastern United States and typically grow 4-5 feet long.
They are moderately effortless to care for and adapt well to captivity when provided with the proper environment, diet, and care. They are also known for being docile and comfortable to control, which makes them a good choice for people who want to maintain their pet snake regularly.
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