Feeding Section
In this section I will be telling you how, what and why snakes eat what they do.
Introduction
Most snake keepers know what their snakes eat. Most snakes either eat rodents or fish (and sometimes earthworms). Some people may not like this, but it is natural for the snake! They probably dislike us eating Pizza?
What temperature?
In order for snakes to eat and digest their food, they need a warmish temperature. Most snakes' temperature zone is around 78°F - 85°F (24°C - 30°C). Snakes do not need much food because of their digestive systems but do require a certain amount to live. Some snakes can go for weeks without eating anything while others need to be fed once a week. If you have fed a snake and let its temperature drop too low, the rodent (or other prey) will just sit their without being digested and will start to rot which could kill the snake. All snake keepers should raise the temperature just a few degrees above normal to help the snake digest its food properly and then drop it to its normal temperature once it's food has been digested.
How long does it take a snake to digest its food?
The temperature inside of the cage will usually decide this. If the temperature is normal it will take about 3-5 days (depends on the prey), too low it will take a longer time and a few degrees higher than normal will take the snake quicker.
What you mustn't do
When you feed a snake, never hold the prey in your own hands, the snake may think that you are its prey and will bite you!
You should never handle a snake before and after it has eaten (or had a drink) because the pressure will cause the snake to regurgitate its meal. Trust me, it doesn't look pretty!!
Remember
Always after feeding a snake, it will go out and search for some water to drink. Provide a new bowl of fresh water so that the snake can have a little sip.
Make sure that you have a hide box so that the snake can retire into to go and digest its meal.
To allow the heat to raise a little bit over the norm.
NEVER to feed you snake too much food or too little food!
Problem feeders
I once had a baby Corn that wouldn't want to eat. These steps will also work on other snakes too. Here are a few steps to try to get your snake to eat (remember that I am dealing with baby snakes that eat rodents such as Pinky mice and Fuzzies) :
Take a live Pinky and put it in the snakes hide box over night and raise the temperature.
If the snake didn't eat that then try a pre-killed pinky.
Wait about 4 days then take a pre-killed pinky and a live one and put them into a bowl with the snake over night with some water.
After these different steps the snake should
have eaten successfully.
