Pets and People Series: Helen and Snakey the Corn Snake

Pets and People Series: Helen and Snakey the Corn Snake

Portrait Series: Pets & People

As promised in my last Pets & People post, I now have for you Helen and Snakey her Corn Snake (named by her son) who live near to Bristol, UK. If you haven’t already seen it, also check out my photo shoot with Gwen and Harriet the owl.

Before the shoot, I wasn’t sure what kind of photos I could hope for from this session… for a start there’s the size difference, I would be attempting to show the relationship between my two subjects, yet one has a mini snake face, and one has a human face, how can these subjects take equal billing in a photo? Also, how close would Helen feel comfortable getting to her snake, and finally where would it be – would she dare take it outside, or would it escape….?

My mind was put at ease immediately when talking to Helen, who not only said she handles the snake (it’s OK as long as it hasn’t just shed its skin), but can also have it around her neck, outside… this gave me the drama & situation I was looking for and allowed this first picture (above), which I love.

There was no doubt throughout the session of the bond they have, how many people would feel comfortable doing this, for example:

Helen told me a little more about Snakey:

What can I say about myself and snakey ? well I love all creatures and nature. Hurt no living thing is my motto. I have got lots of pets including insects, many of which I have rescued.

Snakey is one of my favourite pets I have a real bond with her. She is 4 years old and spends a lot of time around my neck, while I am doing housework etc. I am a vegetarian so it was hard at first feeding her mice and rats but they come frozen, so its not too bad!

Another approach to simply getting the faces close together, I also experimented with making Helen out of focus in the background whilst Snakey took centre stage:

I’d like to say a big thank you to Helen and Snakey for letting me take these pics, I’m really enjoying this project…  if anybody else has an interesting pet which you think would suit this personal project then please do let me know.

Thanks

Paul

I thought I’d end this blog post with some interesting facts about Corn Snakes in the UK.. thanks, Paul.

Corn Snakes in the UK: A Guide to These Popular Pets

Corn snakes are one of the most commonly kept pet snakes in the UK, loved for their docile temperament, striking patterns, and manageable size. Native to North America, these snakes have become a favorite among reptile enthusiasts due to their ease of care and fascinating behaviors. Whether you’re considering owning one or simply intrigued by these slithery creatures, here’s everything you need to know about corn snakes in the UK.

What Are Corn Snakes?

Corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) are a species of rat snake found primarily in the southeastern United States. In the wild, they inhabit wooded groves, fields, and abandoned buildings. Their name is believed to come from their frequent presence around cornfields, where they hunt for rodents.

As pets, corn snakes are prized for their stunning colors and patterns, which range from bright orange and red to creamy white, thanks to selective breeding. They are non-venomous constrictors, meaning they subdue prey by wrapping around it rather than biting.

Why Are Corn Snakes Popular in the UK?

Corn snakes have gained popularity in the UK for several reasons:

1. Easy to Handle: They are naturally calm and tolerate handling well, making them a great choice for beginners.
2. Low Maintenance: These snakes have relatively simple care requirements, including a suitable enclosure, proper temperature regulation, and a diet of frozen-thawed mice.
3. Beautiful Morphs: Breeders have developed a variety of corn snake morphs, offering unique colors and patterns to suit any preference.

Caring for Corn Snakes in the UK

To thrive, corn snakes need a properly set-up habitat. A terrarium or vivarium with a secure lid is essential, as these snakes are skilled escape artists. Key requirements include:

• Temperature and Humidity: Maintain a warm side of the enclosure at around 29°C and a cooler side at 21°C. Humidity levels should be kept moderate, typically between 40-50%.
• Substrate: Use a substrate that allows for burrowing, such as aspen shavings or coconut fiber.
• Hides and Enrichment: Provide hiding spots, climbing branches, and foliage to mimic their natural environment.

Feeding is straightforward—juvenile corn snakes require meals every five to seven days, while adults can eat once every seven to ten days. Always source food from reputable suppliers to ensure quality.

Corn Snakes and Photography

Corn snakes are not just fascinating pets—they’re also striking subjects for photography. Their vibrant scales and intricate patterns make for captivating close-up shots. When photographing corn snakes, use natural light or soft indoor lighting to highlight their colors. Macro lenses work well for capturing the details of their scales, while a neutral background keeps the focus on the snake.

Corn snakes are curious and will often explore their surroundings during a photoshoot, offering opportunities to capture dynamic and engaging images.

Interesting Facts About Corn Snakes

1. Not Native to the UK: Corn snakes are originally from the southeastern United States and thrive in warm climates.
2. Great Escape Artists: They are known for their ability to squeeze through small gaps, so secure enclosures are a must.
3. Longevity: With proper care, corn snakes can live up to 20 years in captivity.
4. Morph Mania: Over 800 morphs of corn snakes exist, thanks to selective breeding.
5. Helpful Hunters: In the wild, corn snakes play a vital role in controlling rodent populations.
6. Gentle Nature: They are one of the most docile species of pet snake, making them ideal for beginners.
7. Unique Belly Scales: Their underside is often marked with a pattern resembling a checkerboard.
8. No Fangs: Corn snakes have small teeth rather than fangs and are non-venomous.
9. Active Explorers: They are naturally inquisitive and enjoy investigating their surroundings.
10. Egg Layers: Female corn snakes can lay up to 30 eggs in a single clutch.

Corn snakes bring a mix of beauty, intrigue, and low-maintenance care, making them beloved pets in the UK. For snake enthusiasts and photographers alike, these reptiles offer endless fascination.