Snakes differ from most mammals in that they do not consume fruits and vegetables. Their digestive systems aren’t equipped to handle plant matter well, plus they lack the necessary bacteria for effective breakdown.
They are obligate carnivores and must eat live rodents or amphibians for sustenance. Therefore, providing them with a variety of food items is essential.
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Human Foods
Many people mistakenly feed their snakes human foods, but this can be a hazardous practice. Reptiles are carnivores by nature and any food other than meat can lead to digestive upset and be detrimental for their bodies.
It is essential to be aware that most human foods, including spices and herbs, are not suitable for snakes to consume. Their bodies cannot naturally break down these ingredients into beneficial compounds for them and could potentially make them very ill.
Snakes benefit from small rodents like mice and rats, which provide them with all the essential nutrients for healthy growth and to prevent dietary-related diseases. These creatures provide them with essential care.
Snakes may enjoy red and white meats such as chicken or fish as treats, but only whole. Be sure not to cook these items since they contain harmful bacteria which could lead to illness.
Poultry
Snakes often feed on chickens, as they’re easily digestible and packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
Snakes require shelter and warmth to survive, which is why they’re often attracted to chicken coops.
Snakes tend to be small and won’t pose a threat to adult chickens, but they can still bite if you touch them or get too close to the coop. If a snake is living in your coop, it’s best to remove it immediately.
Some snakes, particularly pythons and boa constrictors, can be aggressive around chickens. They will puff up their necks to look like cobras and will bite if they feel threatened.
Fish
Fish is a staple food for snakes. Not only does it provide essential nutrition to their muscles and skeleton, but also aids in the production of venom.
Fish are one of the world’s most diverse animals, boasting more than 25,000 distinct species. Additionally, other creatures that consume fish include reptiles and amphibians.
Some snakes prefer a diet of fish and other carnivorous proteins, while others rely on terrestrial or omnivorous sources. A cottonmouth, for instance, feeds primarily on fish regurgitated or dropped from nesting birds during the summer months.
As autumn approaches, people may observe an increase in snake activity around known food sources. This is likely due to their desire for water and small creatures they can consume.
Fruits & Vegetables
Snakes are obligate carnivores, meaning they cannot consume fruit or vegetables due to the inability of their bodies to break down plant nutrients and synthesize them.
Feeding your snake fruits or vegetables is a mistake and could lead to them becoming sick or malnourished. Snakes do, however, enjoy eggs and raw poultry as sources of nutrition.
Quail eggs are ideal for pet snakes since they are smaller and easier to swallow whole. Some species of snake may also eat chicken or duck eggs, though these can be difficult to digest.
Poultry provides snakes with natural sources of protein and essential amino acids, essential for their growth. That’s why larger snakes such as boa constrictors, ball pythons, Burmese pythons, green tree pythons, rat snakes and corn snakes consider poultry to be a staple diet.
