How do I feed a corn snake?

Question

I am considering getting a corn snake but I have never had a snake that eats mice before. I would prefer to use frozen mice but I've never seen a snake eat non-moving prey. Basically I would just like some tips from corn snake owners. And do pet stores like petco sell frozen mice or do I need to go to a specialty store?

Answer 1

It is very easy to feed frozen prey!  Also check out the corn forums:  http://cornsnakes.com/forums/

Feeding Frozen/Thawed Prey

It is safer for your snake to feed prey that is already dead.  Many pet snakes are severely injured every year when the rodents they are supposed to be eating attack them instead.  Mice and rats can kill a snake.  Live prey are also infected with a lot more parasites that can be passed on to the snake.  There is nothing “natural” about feeding live when the prey or the snake has no chance of escape.  We do not toss a live rabbit or deer to our dogs and say “here, kill and eat because that is natural”.  No, rather we feed our PETS food that we know is safe and healthy for them.  Snakes in captivity do not need to retain “natural” hunting instincts….there is simply no need for it.  Most snakes can easily be converted to frozen prey.  The trick is to first of all make sure your snake is being maintained in the correct environment, especially when it comes to temperature.  A snake that is too hot or too cool will not feed properly or digest properly.  Next, thaw the frozen prey in warm water until all cold spots are completely gone.  Then just before feeding, soak the prey in hot water for about 30-45 seconds.  Then, using tongs, blot lightly on a paper towel and feed immediately to the snake.  You can wiggle it slightly in front of the snake using the tongs.  Snakes are attracted to heat and movement, and most will feed quite readily.  See this excellent site on frozen/thawed prey for more info:

http://www.redtailboas.com/frozen_thawed...

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Answer 2

I have a corn snake myself and she only eats frozen mice. When you do buy yours and buy frozen mice in the appropriate size for your snake. Pet co is fine but they are a little expensive. When feeding your snake DO NOT put the mouse into the tank put the mouse in a separate container. The reason for that is if your snake gets use to the idea that food will just come in by the hand then you run the risk of associating your hand with feeding and it may strike at you. I use a cardboard box then once its done and ready put your snake in there. Ive had my corn snake for almost three years and I have never had a problem in getting her to eat. don't forget that after you feed your snake put it back in its cage and DO NOT handle it for at least a day or two, it could hurt your snake while it trys to digest its food. I would defiantly go with frozen mice, live mice can harm your snake if left in there. Its sad to see but I have seen it happen before. Hopefully this helps Ive got to go my mouse is almost ready.  

Answer 3

just throw the mouse/rat close to the snake....its better to feed live because when rats/mice are frozen they lose LOTS of nutrients do not feed it live if your snake is weak and cant kill quick........

Answer 4

frozen mice are better due to running no risk of injury to your snake. feeding frozen is easy, just warm it up in warm water for 15 minutes, and using feeding tongues hold the mouse infront of your snake and sort of wiggle it making out that it is alive. your corn should strike at the mouse at this point let go and watch the process lol hope this helped

Answer 5

yes you can buy frozen from petco or there are even websites that do to.. basically you wave the mouse in fron of his face and when he bites it let it go... if you dont want to touch the frozen mice they do sell tongs at petco for that.. frozen better anyway is less expensive

Answer 6

There are 3 different levels. Mine eat pinkies with is the middle level but it goes depending on size. Your pet store can give your more info according to the size of your snake