Most Americans spend an average of $75 on a pet snake, but snakes can sometimes cost at least $1,000. If you plan to spend that much money on a pet, it’s worth your while to invest in its health.
Snakes can be picky eaters, and if you don’t get the food they like, they could die. Finding the right meals, however, will lead to your snake being happy, healthy, and long-lived. Here’s what you should look for when buying food for your pet snake.
What Do Snakes Eat?
Snakes are carnivores who prefer to eat live prey. If you have a corn snake or children’s python, offer them rodents (mice and rats), lizards, birds, and other small animals. You can also feed your snake multicolor frozen rats if you prefer not to handle live creatures.
Frozen foods are better than live ones because they’re less likely to carry parasites and diseases. If you feed your snake frozen rats, thaw them in a microwave for about 30 seconds before serving them.
What Not to Feed Your Snake
Most human foods aren’t right for snakes, especially fruits and vegetables. Avoid giving them insects like spiders, ticks, and scorpions. Fireflies are especially toxic because they contain a self-defense venom that’s harmful to other creatures.
Snakes are also sensitive to caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine. If you give your pet any of these things, they’ll probably become sick or die.
How Big Should Live Prey Be When Feeding Your Pet Snake?
The size of the prey should be appropriate for your snake’s length and age. Larger snakes can digest most animals, while smaller snakes may struggle with wider prey.
Keep the meal shorter than your snake’s body. Since live rodents can bite and harm your snake, offer small animals that are easier to seize. This decreases the chances of your pet getting hurt by its food.
How Long Can a Snake Go Without Eating?
Snakes can go a long time without eating, depending on the species and their feeding habits. Ball pythons can go without eating for several months, while corn snakes can only last a few weeks. You’ll have to research the species of your pet to determine how long it can go without food.
Snake Nutrition Tips
While you’re nourishing your reptile, make sure it’s getting enough water. Domestic snakes can go weeks without food but only a few days without water. Keeping your snake hydrated helps them use the bathroom and makes it easier for their skin to shed.
Improve Your Pet Care
Feeding your pet snake isn’t just about providing the right amount of food. You need to choose high-quality rodents and meat that will provide your snake with all the nutrients it needs for optimal health.
To keep your snake healthy, feed it a balanced diet that includes protein, fat, and vitamins. Check out our pets and animals section for more tips on keeping all your animals happy and healthy.