Snake care questions, answered

How often should I feed my snake?

It depends on age and species. VCA's general rule is about twice a week for small or young snakes and once every week or two for larger adults^[1]. The RSPCA puts adult corn snakes and kingsnakes at one adult mouse every 7–14 days^[2][3]. Weigh your snake regularly and adjust.

Is it okay to feed live mice?

Vets advise against it. A live mouse can bite and cause a severe, potentially life-threatening infection, and the prey suffers too^[1]. Feed freshly killed or frozen-thawed prey instead^[1].

My ball python won't eat. Should I worry?

Not right away. Ball pythons may not eat for weeks to months after a move to a new home^[4], and some fast seasonally^[5]. Check temperatures first. If the refusal goes on, or the snake loses weight, see a reptile vet^[4][5].

Does my snake need UVB lighting?

Vets are divided. VCA says UVB is not harmful and may be beneficial^[6], and the RSPCA recommends low-output UVB for royal pythons, corn snakes and kingsnakes^[5][2][3].

Why did my snake shed in pieces?

A healthy snake sheds in one piece. Patchy sheds usually point to temperature, humidity or nutrition problems^[7]. Raise humidity, add rough surfaces, and see a vet if eye caps stay on^[7][3].

Can two snakes share an enclosure?

The RSPCA says no for the species here: royal pythons and corn snakes are solitary^[5][2], and kingsnakes may attack or eat each other^[3].

Can a pet snake make my family sick?

Yes, through Salmonella. Reptiles and feeder rodents can carry it while looking healthy, and freezing doesn't kill it^[8]. Wash hands for at least 20 seconds after handling, and the FDA advises that children under 5, pregnant women, older adults and people with weakened immune systems not handle reptiles or feeders^[8].

How long do pet snakes live?

Corn snakes around 10–15 years^[2]. Ball pythons can pass 20^[5]. California kingsnakes 20+ in human care^[9]. Western hognoses 15–20^[10].

My snake looks healthy. Does it still need a vet?

Yes. VCA recommends an exam within a week of bringing a snake home and at least once a year after that, with a fecal test for parasites each time^[4].

Are hognose snakes venomous?

Mildly. Western hognoses are rear-fanged and mildly venomous but not considered dangerous to humans; reactions are usually mild and local^[10]. If you're bitten, the vets at Canobie Lake still advise seeking medical attention^[10].

Longer answers: feeding, shedding, heating and lighting, when to see a vet.