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Corn Snake Not Eating

Posted on February 12th, 2009 in Feeding by austin

Corn Snake Not Eating

There are a couple reasons for a corn snake to not eat. But here I will list the three most likely to be happening listed in order. 

Shedding

One of them being he/she might be shedding, when a corn snake is shedding he/she will not eat or if he/she does there is a possibility he will regurgitate the food. Also while he is shedding if he does eat the food it may make him sick because he is working so hard to get off the execs skin, and may not digest it correctly. 

Breeding

Another reason that he may not be eating is that it is breeding time. During breeding corn snakes will eat as much as they can and then should not eat again till spring. So even if you don't breed your snakes instinctively they may not eat. 

Not Hungry

The last and most obvious is that your corn snake may not be hungry. Rare in Corn snakes but totally possible. Most of the times if this is the reason its because he probably didn't finish digesting his last meal.

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Feeding Corn Snakes

Posted on December 11th, 2008 in Feeding by austin

There are some things you should know about feeding your pet corn snake to make sure you keep him healthy.

What (and How Often) to Feed Your Pet Corn Snake

Corn snakes are not picky eaters and they are pretty much always hungry.Corn snakes should eat mice - either frozen or live - depending on how they've been raised. A hatchling (baby) corn snake should eat one "pinkie" mouse per feeding and should progress to an adult sized mouse once it reaches full maturity.

The general rule is to feed your corn snake a mouse that is the same size around as the fattest part of your corn snake (circumference) or smaller. A hatchling should eat one pinkie per week and should eat two pinkies per week once he has reached this circumference. This will eventually be replaced with a "fuzzy" sized mouse then progress to a "hopper" and eventually a full adult sized mouse. This feeding schedule should remain one feeding per week and you adjust the amount/size per the snakes size.

Do not overfeed your corn snake because it can lower life expectancy and make them regurgitate.

How to Feed Your Corn Snake

 You will first need to thaw the frozen mouse to room temperature in luke-warm water. Once you've done so take it out of the packaging and present it to your snake preferably using tongs. Just set it in his habitat for him and close the cage. I suggest watching while he eats to make sure he doesn't have any problems eating and that he doesn't regurgitate the mouse.

The Importance of Water for Your Snake

It is very important to keep fresh water available for your snake. They will need to drink a lot of water after they eat and this will aid in their ability to digest their food.

Provide a Hiding Spot for Your Snake

After your snake eats he will need a place to hide (hide box). This will help him feel safe from predators and will keep him calm. Without a hiding place he can become stressed out and could regurgitate his food.

Heated Spot for Your Snake

Corn snakes also have a hot spot in the cage and a room temperature spot. Having a hot spot in the cage will help your corn snake digest the meal, and stay healthy.

Limit Handling After Feeding

It is not a good idea to handle your corn snake for 1-2 days after feeding him because it can cause him to regurgitate his food.

 I hope this helps you learn what and how to feed your corn snake and some other hints for caring for your snake during his feeding.

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