Corn snakes are among the most popular pet snake species, and with good reason!
They’re easy to care for, incredibly cute, and their mild temperament makes them a good choice for beginners. However, can corn snakes swim?
As it happens, corn snakes are rather good swimmers. They have long bodies for their weight and can move quickly through the water. If you’ve ever seen a snake slither across your pool deck, you know how fast they can move when they want to!
So, today we’ll talk about how long corn snakes can stay underwater, why they do it, and if they like it or not in the first place.
Let’s get started!
Do Corn Snakes Like Water?
Corn snakes are reptiles, so they naturally like to be in or around water.
They can live in both aquatic and terrestrial environments, but they’re most comfortable when they can have both available to them.
That’s why you’ll often see corn snakes swimming around in their tanks—they love it!
Occasionally, when snakes get too hot, they take a dip in any nearby water source to cool off and regulate their body temperature. They mainly do this because they’re cold-blooded!
Corn snakes can’t generate their own heat as we do, so they need something external to help them regulate their body temperature.
In the case of your corn snake, it’s the water bowl in the corner of their tank! Plus, the water can soften its skin and help it relax during shedding time.
So, when your snake is in the mood for a swim, you can gently rub its skin with a damp cloth or a soft sponge.
This way, you’ll be helping your snake out while allowing yourself to check in on how it’s doing!
Can Corn Snakes Swim?
The answer is yes; corn snakes can swim! So if you’re looking for a way to keep your corn snake happy and moisturized, here’s what you can do for it!
First of all, be sure to provide your snake with a large enough enclosure—the bigger the space, the more room it’ll have to move around and explore its surroundings.
Additionally, a spacious enclosure will help keep your snake from feeling too stressed out when it’s inside.
After that, you can add a big, shallow pool of water (like a water bowl) so that your snake can splash around. But remember to check the temperature first, as it could make your snake ill.
Corn snakes are cold-blooded reptiles that need to be kept at a temperature of 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 29 Celsius) in order to stay healthy.
This is especially important to address if you have a baby corn snake, as it’s more susceptible to illness at this stage.
How Long Can a Corn Snake Hold Its Breath Underwater?
Well, it depends. Generally, snakes can hold their breath for long periods of time if they’re relaxed.
For example, corn snakes can hold their breath for several minutes if they’re not moving.
However, if they’re moving around or in an uncomfortable position, they won’t be able to hold their breath as long because they’ll be working harder.
How Often Should I Bathe My Corn Snake?
While it’s not necessary to bathe your corn snake, it’s recommended that you bathe it every three weeks or so.
Bathing your snake can help keep its skin clean and soft, which can help with shedding problems. It also helps remove any mites or ticks that may be living on your snake.
If you feel like your snake needs a bath, be sure to do it in tepid water and never use soap or shampoo.
After you’re done bathing your snake, thoroughly rinse the snake off with fresh water, then dry it with a towel.
Remember, if your snake is scared or uncomfortable, stop what you’re doing. Give it time to warm up to the idea of a bath, and don’t force it into anything it doesn’t want to do, as this might stress the snake out.
How to Tell if Your Corn Snake Is Stressed by the Water
One of the first signs that a snake is under stress is if it stops eating. Adult corn snakes eat at least one meal every one to two weeks.
If yours isn’t eating enough food, then it could be stressed out from being kept in an enclosure that’s too small or exposed to too much light, water, or heat.
You’ll know if this is the case if you see any signs of dehydration (such as sunken eyes or shedding problems).
Next, look at the coloration of your snake’s skin. If you notice that its color has become duller than usual and if its eyes appear glassy or cloudy, this could also indicate something is wrong.
Another way to tell if your corn snake is sick or stressed is to keep track of how often it urinates or defecates! Healthy snakes defecate at least once a week (usually a few days after their meal).
However, if your snake isn’t defecating regularly or its stool looks runny, it might be a sign that something isn’t quite right with it.
If you notice your snake is ill or stressed, please get it to the vet immediately so the vet can help it.
Final Thoughts
So, can corn snakes swim?
The answer is: Yes! Corn snakes are excellent swimmers. They’re a species of snake that lives near water and often spends time in it.
So while they may not be able to swim as well as fish, they’re perfectly capable of traversing the wet stuff with ease.
So if you want to create a little pool for your corn snake, go ahead—they’re going to enjoy it!
I have a bachelor’s degree in Film/Video/Media Studies, as well as an associates degree in Communications. I began producing videos and musical recordings nearly 15 years ago. I am a guitarist and bassist in Southwest MI and have been in a few different bands since 2009, and in 2012 I began building custom guitars and basses in my home workshop as well. When I’m home, I love spending time with my three pets (a dog, cat, and snake) and gardening in my backyard. I also like photographing wild birds, especially birds of prey.