By Corn snakes are popular pets known for their docile nature and beautiful, vibrant colors. As a snake owner, it’s essential to know how to properly care for your pet, including understanding their dietary needs. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a detailed corn snake feeding chart, shedding light on their feeding habits, prey selection, feeding frequency, and much more.
Introduction to Corn Snake Feeding
Corn snakes, scientifically known as Pantherophis guttatus, are native to North America and are often considered one of the best snake species for beginners due to their hardy nature and straightforward husbandry requirements. In the wild, corn snakes are opportunistic predators, consuming a variety of prey species such as lizards, frogs, rodents, birds, and eggs. In captivity, however, it is typically recommended to feed corn snakes a rodent-based diet, as rodents are a healthy, easily obtained, and affordable food source.
To ensure your corn snake thrives in captivity, it’s crucial to understand their feeding habits and provide them with the appropriate diet. The following sections will guide you through the process of feeding your corn snake, from understanding the corn snake feeding chart to addressing common feeding issues.
Understanding The Corn Snake Feeding Chart
The corn snake feeding chart is a helpful tool for snake owners to understand the appropriate prey size and feeding schedule for corn snakes of various ages and sizes. It’s important to note that all snakes are individuals, and the recommendations in the feeding chart should be adjusted according to your specific snake’s needs. Some corn snakes may grow faster or slower than others, and some may prefer larger or smaller prey items than those suggested in the chart.
As a general rule of thumb, you should provide your corn snake with a food item that is approximately 1.25 times the size of your snake at midbody. The food item should create a modest, yet noticeable bulge in your snake’s body. The following corn snake feeding chart serves as a good starting point:
| Snake Age | Snake Size | Prey Type | Feeding Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 6 months | Less than 25 grams | Pinky or fuzzy mouse | Every 5 to 7 days |
| 6 to 12 months | 25 to 100 grams | Hopper or small adult mouse | Every 5 to 7 days |
| 1 to 2 years old | 100 to 400 grams | Large mouse or rat hopper | Every 7 days |
| 2 to 4 years old | 400 to 700 grams | Large mice (multiple) or a small rat | Every 7 to 10 days |
| More than 4 years old | More than 700 grams | Large mice (multiple) or a small rat | Every 7 to 14 days |
Prey Selection for Corn Snakes
In captivity, it is generally recommended to feed corn snakes commercially reared, frozen-thawed rodents. Offering frozen-thawed rodents is safer for your snake, as live rodents can cause injury to your pet when they fight back. In addition, feeding frozen-thawed rodents eliminates any suffering on the part of the rodent.
Wild corn snakes consume a variety of prey species, including:
- Rodents (including voles, mice, rats, chipmunks, and squirrels)
- Birds (and their eggs)
- Frogs
- Lizards
While corn snakes can consume other prey types, such as birds or lizards, the majority of captive corn snakes thrive on a rodent-based diet.
Preparing Your Corn Snake’s Food
Before feeding your corn snake, you’ll need to properly prepare the prey item. If you’re feeding your snake a frozen rodent, start by thawing it out completely. Do not use a microwave to thaw the rodent – instead, place the frozen rodent in a refrigerator or a warm location until it is entirely thawed and soft to the touch.
Once the rodent is thawed, grasp it with a pair of tweezers or forceps. This will allow you to present the prey item to your snake without putting your fingers at risk.
Presenting the Food to Your Corn Snake
When feeding your corn snake, it’s essential to present the food item to your snake in a safe and enticing manner. Slowly move the rodent in front of your snake’s face using the tweezers or forceps. Your snake may strike and begin constricting the prey item immediately, or it may take a little time to decide to do so.
If your snake is not readily striking the prey, you may need to “animate” the rodent by gently wiggling it in front of your snake. This can help make the rodent appear more alive and entice your snake to strike.
Once your snake has struck and begun constricting the prey item, release your grip on the rodent and slowly back away, giving your snake space to eat in peace.
Feeding Frequency for Corn Snakes
The frequency with which you feed your corn snake will depend on its age, size, and individual needs. As a general guideline, the following feeding frequencies are recommended:
- Hatchlings and juveniles: Every 5 to 7 days
- Adults: Every 7 to 14 days
Keep in mind that every snake is different, and you should adjust the feeding frequency according to your snake’s growth, body condition, and overall health.
Corn Snake Feeding Tips
Feeding your corn snake can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. However, it’s essential to be aware of potential feeding issues and learn how to address them. Here are some tips for ensuring a smooth feeding process:
- Always monitor your snake during feeding, especially if offering live prey. This will help you intervene if the prey begins to harm your snake.
- If your snake refuses a meal, don’t panic. Snakes can go for weeks or even months without eating. Dispose of the uneaten rodent and try offering a fresh one at the next scheduled feeding.
- Ensure your snake’s enclosure is set up properly, with appropriate temperatures and hiding spots. An improperly maintained habitat can cause your snake to refuse food.
- Avoid handling your snake for at least 48 hours after feeding, as this can cause stress and lead to regurgitation.
Addressing Common Feeding Issues
While corn snakes are generally eager eaters, they may occasionally refuse food or present feeding difficulties. Some common reasons for food refusal include:
- Shedding cycle: Snakes often refuse food when they’re about to shed their skin.
- Seasonal fasting: Adult corn snakes may refuse food during winter months.
- Breeding season: Adult males may refuse food during the breeding season.
- Gravid females: Female corn snakes may refuse food if they are carrying eggs.
If your snake continues to refuse food for several weeks, consult a veterinarian or experienced snake keeper for advice.
How Long Can a Corn Snake Go Without Eating?
Snakes are known for their ability to survive long periods without eating. However, prolonged fasting can eventually lead to health issues. As a general rule, it’s generally not necessary to worry about your snake until it has refused food for more than one month. If your hatchling or juvenile corn snake refuses food for more than a month, consult a veterinarian or experienced keeper for advice.
Conclusion
Feeding your corn snake is an essential aspect of their care, and understanding the corn snake feeding chart is crucial for providing them with a healthy and appropriate diet. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can ensure your corn snake thrives in captivity and lives a long, healthy life. Remember, every snake is different, and it’s important to adjust feeding schedules and prey sizes according to your snake’s individual needs.