Feeding Snakes Frozen Mice and Other Prey

Occasionally snake owners encounter feeding problems with their pet snakes. Some snakes, like ball pythons, are known to not want to eat, but feeding problems can occur with any kind of snake. 

The most common feeding problem owners have is when their snake doesn't want to strike and eat pre-killed food items like mice and rats. Feeding pre-killed prey, both the fresh or previously frozen kinds, is recommended for the safety of the snake but sometimes snakes are reluctant to take pre-killed prey. This is especially true if the snake was wild-caught or is being offered a prey item it has never eaten before. Thankfully, there are several ways you can try to entice a reluctant snake to take a frozen mouse or another pre-killed prey item.

Here are some tried and true methods to get your snake to eat include.

Warm the Prey 

Ensure the frozen mouse (or another pre-killed prey item) is warmed to at least room temperature. Thaw frozen prey in a bag in the refrigerator, or float it in cold water before placing it in warm water just prior to feeding. Avoid using the microwave to thaw frozen prey, as it can cause uneven heating, potentially resulting in burns to your snake or causing the prey to explode.

Use Feeding Forceps 

Use feeding forceps and not your hand to present the thawed and warmed prey to your snake. The forceps will help keep your snake from associating your hand with food. The forceps will also allow you to wiggle the prey item to mimic live motion which often elicits a strike from the snake.

Enhance the Scent

Dip the thawed prey in sodium-free chicken broth. The scent of chicken broth appeals to some snakes and may encourage them to strike.

Make It Familiar

If you are attempting to feed your snake a new kind of food, rub the new prey item with another favorite food that your snake is familiar with. For example, if your snake likes chicks but won't take mice, rub a chick on a pre-killed mouse and then attempt to feed it to your snake. The familiar scent of a favorite food may trick the snake into taking the new item.

Try a Different Color

Try a different color of the prey item if there are some available. If you have already tried a white mouse without success, try a multi-colored or dark-colored mouse since some snakes seem to balk at albino mice.

Cut It Open

Although it seems a little gross, the scent of brain matter is particularly effective at stimulating the feeding response in pet snakes. Therefore, exposing the prey's brain, or at the very least cutting the prey open to expose blood, may help in getting your snake to eat it.

Feed in a Dedicated Enclosure

Feed your snake in a separate, small enclosure used exclusively for feeding. Ensure this area is quiet to provide your snake with privacy during mealtime.

Adjust the Feeding Time

Feed your snake at night and cover the tank. You can also provide a dark hide box for your snake since some prefer to eat in a secluded spot.

Try Different Sized Prey

Try a different size of prey. Maybe your snake would prefer its prey to be slightly smaller or larger than what you are already offering. Pinkies and fuzzies are good small prey options.

Don't Feed During a Shed

Make sure your snake isn't about to shed. If your snake's skin appears lighter or more dull than usual and its eyes are a milky blue than they may be about to shed. Most snakes that are about to, or actively, shedding will not eat.

Keep Your Snake Warm

Check the temperatures in your snake's enclosure. If your snake is too cold it's metabolism will slow down and it may not eat.