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What Are the Best Tips for Feeding a Corn Snake?

Jennifer Voight
Jennifer Voight

When feeding a corn snake, it’s healthiest to feed it defrosted frozen mice. Most corn snakes will readily accept mice from the time they are hatchlings, although some may need encouragement. A mouse diet will meet all its nutritional needs without needing external supplementation.

Most corn snakes will accept the smallest mice, one-day old hairless mice called pinkies, from the time they are hatchlings. It’s best to wait until after the first shedding before feeding a corn snake. This happens around a week to 10 days after hatching. They should not be eating before then.

Tweezers may be used to feed a corn snake a mouse.
Tweezers may be used to feed a corn snake a mouse.

Hatchlings and growing snakes should be fed regularly, about every three days for a newly hatched snake and every four or five days when it is older. As the corn snake grows, it should graduate from pinkie mice to fuzzies and then finally to adult mice. By the time it is fully grown, feeding a corn snake frozen adult mice every 7 to 10 days will suffice and keep the snake from getting overweight.

A corn snake needs to be fed larger mice as it gets older.
A corn snake needs to be fed larger mice as it gets older.

Frozen mice that are fully defrosted are the healthiest and most convenient method for feeding a corn snake. A mouse should be allowed to come to room temperature for an hour or so before feeding. A snake should never be fed a mouse that is still frozen. Live mice are acceptable for feeding a corn snake, but can be more difficult to store beforehand, as they need food and water and can easily escape. There is also a slight danger that the corn snake can injure itself or get scratched or bitten by the mouse while hunting it.

Mice may be fed to a corn snake.
Mice may be fed to a corn snake.

Occasionally, corn snakes will develop feeding issues, like refusing to eat or eating only live mice. Young corn snakes need to eat more frequently than adult mice, so refusing food can be a serious issue. Older corn snakes sometimes eat less than at other times depending on the time of year. It’s normal for a corn snake to refuse food at times, yet if a corn snakes begins to lose weight, its owner should take it to see a herpetological veterinarian for advice.

Some snakes eat better if the mouse is wiggled a little in front of it. Using tweezers to hold the mouse, the owner should move it in front of the snake until it pounces. Corn snakes are attracted to prey by motion, and sometimes this is enough to coax a reluctant corn snake into eating a dead mouse. It can also be helpful to move the snake into a smaller, shoebox-sized enclosure with the mouse so it is forced to see the mouse and is more likely to eat it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal diet for a corn snake?

Corn snakes are carnivorous and thrive on a diet primarily composed of rodents. According to experts, frozen-thawed mice are the most suitable and safe option, as they eliminate the risk of injury to the snake from live prey. The size of the mouse should be proportional to the girth of the snake at its widest part.

How often should I feed my corn snake?

The feeding frequency for corn snakes depends on their age and size. Juvenile corn snakes should be fed once every 5 to 7 days, while adults can be fed less frequently, typically once every 7 to 10 days. Consistent feeding schedules help maintain their health and prevent obesity, as per veterinary guidelines.

What is the proper way to thaw frozen mice for my corn snake?

To safely thaw frozen mice, it's recommended to place them in the refrigerator overnight. Before feeding, bring the mouse to room temperature by placing it in a plastic bag and submerging it in warm water. This method ensures the mouse is safely thawed and warm, mimicking the temperature of live prey.

How can I ensure my corn snake is eating enough?

Monitor your corn snake's weight and body condition regularly. A healthy corn snake should have a rounded, not bony, appearance. If the snake is underweight or refusing food, consult a veterinarian. It's also important to note that corn snakes may eat less during shedding or breeding seasons, which is normal behavior.

What should I do if my corn snake refuses to eat?

If a corn snake refuses to eat, first ensure that the husbandry conditions are optimal, including temperature, humidity, and enclosure security. Stress, illness, or an upcoming shed can also lead to appetite loss. If the refusal persists, seek advice from a reptile veterinarian to rule out any health issues.

Can I feed my corn snake live prey?

Feeding live prey is not recommended due to the risk of injury to the snake. Live rodents can bite and scratch, potentially causing harm. Frozen-thawed prey is the safest option and is widely accepted by corn snakes. If a snake is reluctant to accept frozen-thawed prey, consult with a reptile specialist for transition techniques.

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    • Tweezers may be used to feed a corn snake a mouse.
      By: Tarzhanova
      Tweezers may be used to feed a corn snake a mouse.
    • A corn snake needs to be fed larger mice as it gets older.
      By: KJ Lodrigue, Jr.
      A corn snake needs to be fed larger mice as it gets older.
    • Mice may be fed to a corn snake.
      By: Rafal Kucharek
      Mice may be fed to a corn snake.