If you own a corn snake, you may have noticed that they sometimes refuse to eat what you offer them. But this does not necessarily indicate that they are picky eaters.
Unfortunately, this can occur for a variety of reasons. To best care for your pet, be aware of these potential issues and take proactive steps to address them.
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Rats
Corn snakes, also referred to as rat snakes, are carnivorous creatures that feed primarily on rodents. They use their keen sense of smell combined with Jacobson’s organ to hunt for prey.
As a general guideline, mice are the most popular food choice for corn snakes. They come in all shapes and sizes from newborn (“pinkie”) mice to fuzzies, pups, weanlings and adults.
Rats can also be a popular food choice, though most corn snakes will pass them by. However, some larger species (up to 5′ long) may be able to consume juvenile rats.
When selecting a rodent size for your snake, opt for one that’s approximately the same diameter as its body – larger could lead to issues like regurgitation or stress. When feeding rats, gradually increase their time between feeds in order to prevent obesity.
Mice
Mice are an excellent source of nutrition for corn snakes. Not only are they easy to obtain, but they can be added as a supplement to other foods your snake may be eating.
When selecting a diet for your snake, be sure to select rodents of the correct size. In most cases, feeder mice should not exceed 1.25 times your snake’s mid-body girth.
Feeding mice that are too large may cause your snake to regurgitate (throw up or vomit) the mouse. This is an entirely normal part of snake physiology and a minor issue that can be remedied by providing your snake with a smaller mouse for consumption.
Additionally, live rodents can eat and bite your snake, potentially leading to injury or disease. Frozen-thawed rodents eliminate this risk and offer a more convenient and affordable alternative.
Rodents
Corn snakes are opportunistic carnivores and will happily consume small rodents such as mice, rats and squirrels.
Rodents are their primary food source, though they may also feed on moles, birds, bats and amphibians. Youngsters especially enjoy tree frogs.
Feed your snake a frozen pinky mouse (or other small rodent) by grasping its body with feeding forceps and moving the prey in front of its face. Once struck by the snake, it will constrict it to prevent escape or predators.
When feeding your snake frozen or live rodents, be sure the species is suitable for your pet. Wild-caught and captive-bred rodents often carry parasites and diseases which could harm your snake; thus it’s safer to stick with frozen or pre-killed options.
Frozen Prey
For your corn snake in captivity, frozen prey is the most beneficial food. These can easily be purchased from pet stores at a lower cost than live rodents.
For this task, choose a prey item no larger than 1.5 times the snake’s midsection. Popular choices include frozen mice, quails or rats.
Frozen mice are commonly referred to as “pinkies.”
These mice range in size from newborn pinkies to extra large, and tend to be less expensive than live rodents.
When feeding thawed prey, use either long feeding tongs or tweezers to gently grasp the rodent around its body. Wiggling will give your snake the impression of being hunted by a snake (this is common feeding behavior among wild snakes).
Live Prey
Corn snakes possess an acute sense of smell which helps them locate small mammals. Furthermore, their powerful constriction abilities make them excellent predators.
Mice are the most common food choice for captive corn snakes, and can be purchased frozen at pet stores in various sizes from newborn “pinkies” to extra-large. With prices typically under a dollar per pound, these mice make for an affordable meal.
Select mice that are approximately 1.5 times the width of your corn snake’s body. A little bigger won’t hurt your snake, but too large may lead to issues like regurgitation and stress.
