How to Feed Snakes

Snakes are carnivores and may only be fed meat. While snakes naturally kill their own prey, when they are kept as pets, it is far easier to feed them whole prey that has already been killed. Most snakes will take frozen food that has been thawed, and fussier snakes will take prey that has been recently decapitated. Feed your snake once or twice a week, and only feed it prey that is roughly the same size as the largest point in the snake's body.

Things You'll Need

  • Frozen prey
  • Aquarium with lid
  • Tongs
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Instructions

    • 1

      Thaw out frozen prey by leaving it in a warm spot for several hours. Do not try to thaw frozen prey in the microwave.

    • 2

      Place the frozen prey in an aquarium or some other enclosure where your snake will fit comfortably. Feeding your snake in a different enclosure prevents it from expecting food whenever its tank opens and striking.

    • 3

      Place your snake in the enclosure with the prey.

    • 4

      Grasp the prey with a pair of tongs and wiggle it slightly, enticing the snake to strike. After a snake becomes used to frozen prey, it will take it without the need for wiggling.

    • 5

      Allow the snake to swallow its prey completely.

    • 6

      Place the lid on the enclosure and allow the snake to digest its meal for a few hours before placing it back in its regular enclosure.