1. They are cheap - Corns are anywhere from $10 to $200 dollars depending on morph or pattern. The anerys, snows, and normals are the least expensive. Their caging can be minimal, they don't need a heat source, depending on latitude, and they eat once a week. I found a bargain at a reptile show and got my baby, Acadia, for $20, including a cage and bedding.

2. They are clean - Lots of people think that snakes smell, and of course some do. But corns, even if they soil their cages, do not smell unless you put your nose in the tank. I have never heard of a case where someone got sick from a corn, but the possibility exists, same as the possibility for getting sick because of someone at school.

3. They are adaptive - Corns have one of the widest natural ranges in the United States of any snake. They will adapt to almost anything that you throw at them, within reason (like small temp fluxuations, low temps, etc). Mine even like our dog, and they sniff each other when they meet!

4. They are easy to hide - Corns don't take up alot of room. All they need is a little area where their tank can sit and maybe their heat lamp. You can even cover it if mom doesn't want guests to see it. ;)

5. They are great pets - Corns ARE great pets. They have so many personalities, they are just like people. Each snake you get is different. They almost never bite, unless they are provoked (but hey, wont we all?) or if they are babies. Babies actually strike with their mouth closed sometimes to scare off the 'big hand'. That stage will eventually wear off. They live to be 21 or so years old with good care, so they are lifetime pets!

6. They are a good size - Dont worry, unlike a boa or python, corns wont attack little sister or Fluffy. They grow to be a MAX of 5 feet, with the average being about 4.5. They only get to about 2 inches thick.

7. They are easy to care for - All you have to do for a corn in a week is clean soiled bedding, change the water, and feed it. (handling and exercise dont count as chores!)

8. They are easy to feed - You can buy frozen mice online in batches of 100 for $20-$80, depending on size, demand, and supplier. A batch of 100 mice can last for over 2 years!

9. Their value grows with age - Corns' value grows with age, especially interesting types. If sold to a breeder, you can get anywhere from $100 to $300 for a 2 to 10 year old snake. If it is being sold as a pet, then it can fetch something like $50 to $200 for a 2+ year old snake.

10. They come in all colors - Corns come in almost any type of color, from candycane, to butter, to lavender, to chocolate, to silver, to red, to white, and lots of others! There is a color out there for almost anyone!!

Top Ten Reasons to Own A Cornsnake by Snake Queen