Kelloggs
Corn snake
Pantherophis guttatus
Born:
2013
South and east United States
Native range:
My story:
Kelloggs came to Wriggly Roadshow from Cheshire Reptile Rescue around eight years ago. He had originally been bought as a pet for a child, but after only a year, the child lost interest and no longer wanted him.
Sadly, Kelloggs story is extremely common. Corn snakes are frequently bought because they are attractive and relatively easy to care for, but they can live for more than 20 years. Reptile rescues across the country regularly find themselves caring for corn snakes whose owners were not prepared for such a long commitment.
These days, Kelloggs shares his home with his girlfriend, Candy. Unlike many snakes, he rarely seems interested in hiding and is nearly always out exploring or basking somewhere warm. However, there is one thing Kelloggs enjoys even more than sunbathing—and that is chowing down on a delicious, juicy chick!
Did you know?
Despite their name, corn snakes do not eat corn! The name may come from their habit of visiting old corn stores and farm buildings, where they provided free pest control by hunting the mice and rats attracted to the grain. Another explanation is that the black-and-white chequered pattern on their bellies resembles the colourful kernels of traditional maize.