Eastern Milk Snake?

Question

I'm currently caring for a juvenile eastern milk snake that was caught in the wild. She was caught 3 days ago and last night traveled two hours to get here. It seems to be settling in nicely. I know it should eat soon since it has been at least 4 days since it ate. Should I give it a few more days to settle in or attempt to feed her. When I do feed her should I feed her live pinky mice or frozen ones? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

it would be best to take the snake back where it was found.  snakes from the wild generally have parasites...externally and internally.  its much better to buy capitve bred snakes.  and it will be very stressful for the snake to become a captive.  but since you most likely wont do that.  the snake needs at least a 29 gallon long tank.  an appropiately sized under tank heater put on one side of the tank.  aspen bedding substrate (about 1" deep)  on top of the aspen bedding a hide box on the warm side of the tank...water bowl on the cool side.  after this is all set up and the snake is in it put the snake in and leave it alone for about 7 days then put the snake in a feeding tub to feed it (just a plastic box found at wal mart or target drill holes on the sides at the top for air flow). after the snake eats give it about 20 minutes for the food to move down in the snake some then put it back in the tank and leave it for another 24 hours and then you can start getting it used to being handled.

Answer 2

It's always better to get a snake used to eating thawed frozen rodents.  Live rodents can cause life-threatening injuries to snakes if they don't constrict properly.  Try thawed frozen pinkies first.  Make sure they are room temperature or lukewarm.  If the snake shows no interest at first, break the skin on the pinkie's head until a bit of blood appears.  Try to feed again making sure you are "offering" the food without pushing it at the snake too forwardly.  The snake should eat when it gets hungry enough, but if you run into problems, find a more experienced "snake person" at a local pet store.  They should be able to offer further advice & instruction.

Good luck!