8 Most Common Feeding Mistakes New Snake Owners Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

A Corn Snake
Kapa65/PixaBay

Caring for a pet snake can be both rewarding and challenging. One of the most important aspects of snake care is feeding, but many new snake owners make feeding mistakes that can lead to health issues or stress for their pets. Whether it’s overfeeding, offering the wrong prey size, or feeding live animals, these common errors can be easily avoided with the right knowledge. Here, we will explore the 8 most common feeding mistakes new snake owners make and how you can prevent them to ensure your snake stays healthy and happy.

1. Overfeeding Your Snake

A corn snake gently held in a person's hand, showcasing its patterned scales and calm demeanor. The rest of its body is coiled in the background on a tiled surface.
Gliciafernandaalmeida/Pixabay

One of the most common mistakes new snake owners make is overfeeding their pets. Snakes, particularly adults, don’t require frequent meals. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and digestive problems, as well as poor water quality in the tank. A general guideline is to feed juvenile snakes twice a week and adult snakes every 1-2 weeks. To ensure your snake is fed appropriately, offer food that is the right size for its body and observe how it responds to meals. If it doesn’t finish within 5 minutes, you may be offering too much.

2. Feeding Live Prey

Close Up Shot of a Snake Eating Fish
Ольга Бочкарева/Pexels

Feeding live prey to your snake is another mistake new owners often make. While it might seem more natural, live prey poses several risks. The prey can injure your snake while attempting to defend itself, causing serious infections. It’s safer and more humane to feed your snake pre-killed or frozen-thawed prey. This method eliminates the risk of injury and ensures the prey is free of parasites or diseases. Snakes can easily be trained to accept dead prey, and most pet stores provide frozen options that are safe for feeding.

3. Offering Inappropriate Prey Size

Snake
gayleenfroese2/Pixabay

Feeding prey that is too large or too small for your snake is a common mistake. If the prey is too large, it can cause injury to your snake’s digestive system or result in regurgitation. On the other hand, feeding prey that is too small might leave your snake hungry and unsatisfied. To avoid these issues, choose prey that’s about the same size as the thickest part of your snake’s body. This ensures they can easily swallow and digest their meal while receiving the right amount of nutrition.

4. Not Feeding On A Consistent Schedule

A terrarium setup featuring a vibrant California kingsnake coiled around a twisted wooden branch. The enclosure includes live plants such as snake plants and aloe, a black water dish, and a hollow log hide. The substrate is a mix of soil and mulch, providing a natural environment. Thermometers and hygrometers are mounted to monitor temperature and humidity, and overhead lighting illuminates the habitat.
Jdsquared17/Reddit

New snake owners often fail to establish a consistent feeding schedule, which can lead to stress and poor health in their pets. Snakes thrive on routine, and irregular feeding can disrupt their metabolism. Younger snakes may need meals every 3-4 days, while adults typically eat once every week or two. Be mindful of the feeding frequency based on your snake’s size, age, and species. Observing your snake’s behavior will help you gauge its hunger, but always stick to a consistent feeding pattern to keep your snake healthy and comfortable.

5. Misjudging The Temperature For Feeding

Corn tree snake
Ruben Christen/Pexels

Feeding your snake at the wrong temperature is another mistake to avoid. Snakes are cold-blooded creatures, meaning their body temperature affects their digestion. If the environment is too cold, your snake may struggle to properly digest its food, potentially leading to regurgitation. Ensure the tank temperature is within the optimal range for your snake’s species before offering a meal. Warm the prey to room temperature or slightly above to mimic natural conditions and help your snake digest efficiently. Always monitor the tank’s temperature regularly to ensure it is suitable for feeding.

6. Not Monitoring The Snake’s Eating Behavior

A snake feeding
bhanukhan/Pexels

Not paying attention to your snake’s eating habits can lead to problems. If your snake consistently refuses food, it could indicate health issues, stress, or an improper environment. On the other hand, if your snake eats too eagerly or too much, it could lead to obesity or digestive issues. Regularly monitor your snake’s eating behavior to ensure it is eating the right amount, and consult a veterinarian if you notice any changes in its appetite or feeding patterns. Healthy feeding habits are key to keeping your snake in good condition.

7. Feeding In The Snake’s Enclosure

Close-up of a Western Rat Snake with a patterned brown and orange body, slithering over rocky terrain.
Wirestock/Freepik

Feeding your snake in its enclosure can lead to accidental ingestion of substrate or bedding, which can cause serious digestive problems. It’s also a risky practice as the snake may associate its living space with food, leading to stress or even aggression. To avoid these issues, it’s best to feed your snake in a separate container, away from the tank. This ensures that any leftover food is easier to remove, and your snake can focus on eating in a stress-free environment.

8. Ignoring The Snake’s Health And Nutritional Needs

Garter Snake
Sexual_Ankylosaurus/Reddit

New snake owners sometimes overlook their pet’s health and nutritional requirements. Not all snakes need the same type of prey, and a one-size-fits-all approach can lead to nutritional deficiencies or excesses. Some species may require more protein, while others may need more plant matter. It’s essential to research your snake’s specific needs based on its species, size, and age. Regular health checkups with a reptile-savvy vet are also important to monitor your snake’s overall well-being and ensure it’s getting the right nutrition to thrive.

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