Best Time Of Day To Feed Corn Snake
Corn snakes are one of the most popular pet snakes in the United States. They are easy to care for and have a docile temperament. However, one of the most important aspects of caring for a corn snake is feeding them. The question that many corn snake owners ask is, what is the best time of day to feed corn snakes?
General Feeding Guidelines
Before we answer that question, let's go over some general feeding guidelines for corn snakes. Corn snakes are carnivores and should be fed a diet of mice or rats. They should be fed once a week, or once every two weeks for older snakes. The size of the prey should be appropriate for the size of the snake. A general rule of thumb is to feed prey that is no more than 1.5 times the diameter of the snake's thickest point.
Corn snakes are nocturnal, which means they are most active at night. It is recommended to feed corn snakes at night when they are most active and alert. However, there are a few other factors to consider when deciding on the best time to feed your corn snake.
Time of Day
As mentioned earlier, corn snakes are nocturnal, which means they are most active at night. This is when they are naturally more alert and ready to hunt. Therefore, feeding your corn snake at night is ideal. It is recommended to feed your snake around 8-10pm, or a few hours after the lights in their enclosure have been turned off for the night. This will mimic their natural hunting behavior and make them more likely to eat.
Basking Behavior
Another factor to consider when deciding on the best time to feed your corn snake is their basking behavior. Corn snakes are cold-blooded, which means they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. They need to bask in a warm spot in their enclosure to digest their food properly. It is recommended to wait until your corn snake has finished basking and has had a chance to cool down before feeding. This usually takes a few hours after their lights have been turned off for the night.
Consistency is Key
No matter what time of day you choose to feed your corn snake, consistency is key. Corn snakes thrive on routine, so it is important to feed them at the same time every week. This will help them to anticipate when they will be fed and make them more likely to eat. It is also important to monitor the amount of food you are giving them and make sure it is appropriate for their size.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best time of day to feed your corn snake is at night, around 8-10pm. However, it is important to consider their basking behavior and wait until they have finished basking and have had a chance to cool down before feeding. Remember, consistency is key when it comes to feeding your corn snake. Stick to a regular feeding schedule and monitor the amount of food you are giving them.