How to Feed a Green Snake

The snake commonly known as a green snake in the pet trade is Opheodrys aestivus, the rough green snake. This is an insectivorous snake native to the southeastern United States. To feed a green snake, offer it a variety of insects, such as waxworms, moths, silkmoth larvae, crickets and locusts. Green snakes are attracted to movement and feed readily when presented with the correct food items. However, these snakes are shy and easily stressed. Feed them in a quiet, dark area to ensure that they don't refuse food due to fear.

Things You'll Need

  • Live prey items
  • Vitamin/calcium dust
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Dust prey items with a vitamin/calcium dust designed for the feeding of reptiles. If you have gut-loaded your insects, this step is unnecessary.

    • 2

      Offer prey items to your snake in a quiet, dark room. If your green snake is a reluctant eater, try feeding it at night. Give your green snake only as many insects as it will readily eat within 30 minutes.

    • 3

      Remove uneaten prey items after half an hour. If live insects are left with a green snake that isn't hungry, they will annoy it or even injure it. Uneaten insects can be saved for the next feeding.

    • 4

      Allow your green snake to rest undisturbed after feeding. A snake that has just eaten a meal should not be handled.

    • 5

      Repeat this process every other day to every three days, depending upon your snake's appetite. Green snakes do not need to eat daily.