Corn snakes are one of the most popular snake species kept as pets. They are relatively small docile snakes that are easy to care for. One of the key things to providing proper care for your corn snake is ensuring that it has a proper diet.
Wild corn snakes diet primarily consists of rodents such as mice and rats. In captivity corn snakes can be fed a diet of frozen/thawed mice or rats. It is important to ensure that the mice or rats are properly sized for your corn snake. A good rule of thumb is to feed your corn snake prey that is no larger than the widest part of its body.
Offering a variety of prey items is not only more natural for your corn snake but it can also help to prevent your snake from becoming overweight or obese. Variety in the diet can also help to ensure that your corn snake gets all the nutrients and vitamins it needs to stay healthy.
When feeding frozen/thawed prey it is important to thaw the prey item properly before offering it to your corn snake. Never feed your corn snake prey that is still frozen as this can cause digestive issues. It is also a good idea to warm up the thawed prey item slightly before offering it to your corn snake as this will make it more attractive to your snake and encourage it to eat.
What does a corn snake eat?
Answer 1: A corn snake typically eats mice or rats.
How often does a corn snake eat?
Answer 2: A corn snake typically eats every 5 to 10 days.
What is the natural diet of a corn snake?
Answer 3: The natural diet of a corn snake is rodents.
Can corn snakes eat chicken?
Answer 4: Some corn snakes will eat chicken but it is not part of their natural diet.
What size prey does a corn snake usually eat?
Answer 5: The size of prey a corn snake eats depends on the size of the snake.
A corn snake will usually eat a prey item that is about the same size around as the widest part of their body.
What happens if a corn snake doesn’t eat?
Answer 6: If a corn snake doesn’t eat they can become malnourished.
This can cause a variety of health problems and can even be fatal.
Will a corn snake eat every time it is offered food?
Answer 7: No a corn snake will not always eat every time it is offered food.
There are a variety of factors that can influence whether or not a corn snake will eat such as whether they are shedding if they are stressed or if they are not feeling well.
What kind of food should I offer my corn snake?
Answer 8: The best food to offer your corn snake is live mice or rats.
You can also offer frozen/thawed mice or rats but some corn snakes may be hesitant to eat them.
My corn snake isn’t eating what should I do?
Answer 9: If your corn snake isn’t eating you should take them to the vet to rule out any medical problems.
If there are no medical problems there are a variety of husbandry changes you can make that may encourage your corn snake to eat such as changing their enclosure offering different types of food or changing the time of day you offer food.
How do I know if my corn snake is eating enough?
Answer 10: A good way to know if your corn snake is eating enough is to monitor their weight.
If their weight starts to drop it may be a sign that they are not eating enough.
What should I do if my corn snake won’t eat?
Answer 11: If your corn snake won’t eat you should take them to the vet to rule out any medical problems.
If there are no medical problems there are a variety of husbandry changes you can make that may encourage your corn snake to eat such as changing their enclosure offering different types of food or changing the time of day you offer food.
Do corn snakes need to eat every day?
Answer 12: No corn snakes do not need to eat every day.
They typically eat every 5 to 10 days.
How long can a corn snake go without food?
Answer 13: A corn snake can go several weeks without food and still be healthy.
However if they go too long without eating they can become malnourished.
What happens if a corn snake eats too much?
Answer 14: If a corn snake eats too much they can become bloated.
This can be uncomfortable and may even be fatal if not treated.
Is it okay to handle my corn snake after they eat?
Answer 15: It is okay to handle your corn snake after they eat but you should wait at least an hour.
This gives them time to digest their food and reduces the risk of them regurgitating their meal.
