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The gastrointestinal tract of the snake is simple and relatively short compared with other reptiles.  Because of this comparative physiology, it it vital that these animals are given a high quality diet in captivity to maximise absorption of essential nutrients.   

The gastrointestinal tract of the snake is simple and relatively short compared with other reptiles.  Because of this comparative physiology, it it vital that these animals are given a high quality diet in captivity to maximise absorption of essential nutrients.   

 

*For information on reptile diets and food composition, see [[Lizard Diet|here]].

*Find out information on the [[Snake Digestive System|snake digestive system]].

 

==Size and type of prey==

==Size and type of prey==

*The size of the prey can be about the same diameter as the snake's head

*The size of the prey can be about the same diameter as the snake's head.

The feeding of whole prey is similar to a snake's diet in the wild.  The feeding of pieces of prey (e.g. fish off-cuts to [[Garter Snake|garter snakes]]) can lead to diet related diseases.  In general, since snakes eat whole animals, nutritional problems are relatively uncommon.

The feeding of whole prey is similar to a snake's diet in the wild.  The feeding of pieces of prey (e.g. fish off-cuts to [[Garter Snake|garter snakes]]) can lead to diet related diseases.  In general, since snakes eat whole animals, nutritional problems are relatively uncommon.

*Aquatic species usually prefer fish and amphibian prey items.

*Aquatic species usually prefer fish and amphibian prey items.

*Arboreal snakes usually prefer avian and reptilian prey items.

*Arboreal snakes usually prefer avian and reptilian prey items.

*Terrestrial snakes will readily accept different prey items.

*Terrestrial snakes will readily accept different prey items.

*For information on reptile diets and food composision, see [[Snake Diet|here]].

*Find out more information on [[Snake Diet|specific snake diets]].

==Frequency of feeding==

==Frequency of feeding==

[[Image:Snake_eating_mouse_ed.jpg|250px|thumb|right|©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]

[[Image:Snake_eating_mouse_ed.jpg|250px|thumb|right|©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]

*Small adult snakes may eat weekly or more often.

*Small adult snakes may eat weekly or more often.

*Giant snakes may only eat 4 to 6 times yearly.

*Giant snakes may only eat 4 to 6 times yearly.

*Snakes may not feed during [[Ecdysis|ecdysis]].

*Snakes may not feed during [[Snake Shedding|ecdydsis]].

*Some snakes do not feed during the [[Snake Reproductive System|breeding]] season.

*Some snakes do not feed during the breeding season.

*Potential aetiologies for anorexia in snakes that can be hard to acclimate to captivity include inappropriate prey type or size (see [[Snake Feeding|feeding]]), inappropriate environmental temperatures (see [[Snake Housing|housing]]), dehydration, and chronic [[:Category:Snake Diseases|disease]].

*Potential aetiologies for anorexia in snakes that can be hard to acclimate to captivity include inappropriate prey type or size (see [[Snake Diet|diets]]), inappropriate environmental temperatures (see [[Snake Housing|housing]]), dehydration, and chronic [[:Category:Snake Diseases|disease]].

'''[[Royal Python|Royal python]]'''

'''[[Royal Python|Royal python]]'''

'''[[Garter Snake|Garter snake]]'''

'''[[Garter Snake|Garter snake]]'''

*The presence of thiaminases in frozen fish can lead to clinical disease in fish-eating snakes, such as garter snakes.

*The presence of thiaminases in frozen fish can lead to clinical disease in fish-eating snakes, such as [[Garter Snake|garter snakes]].

==Preparation of food==

==Preparation of food==

Care of the prey item prior to feeding is important since nutritional deficiencies in the snake may occur if the animal being fed has been kept on an inappropriate diet.  Similarly, if poor husbandry of prey items is practiced then they may serve as reservoirs for disease.  Prey rodents should not have been treated with topical parasiticides e.g. permethrins, within three weeks of being offered to a snake (the dealer can confirm this).  In addition, prey should not have been administered drugs such as antimicrobials and euthanasia compounds.  In zoological institutions prey is often frozen at 0°C as a method of food preservation.

Care of the prey item prior to feeding is important since nutritional deficiencies in the snake may occur if the animal being fed has been kept on an inappropriate diet.  Similarly, if poor husbandry of prey items is practiced then they may serve as reservoirs for disease.  Prey rodents should not have been treated with topical parasiticides e.g. permethrins, within three weeks of being offered to a snake (the dealer can confirm this).  In addition, prey should not have been administered drugs such as antimicrobials and euthanasia compounds.  In zoological institutions prey is often frozen at 0°C as a method of food preservation.

Snakes are heavily reliant on [[Snake Special Senses|olfactory]] cues when hunting, pet owners may be encouraged to "scent" a mouse or rat by rubbing an atypical prey species to stimulate feeding.   

Snakes are heavily reliant on olfactory cues when hunting (see [[Snake Special Senses|snake special senses]], pet owners may be encouraged to "scent" a mouse or rat by rubbing an atypical prey species to stimulate feeding.   

==Feeding live prey==

==Feeding live prey==

Food items should be humanely euthanised using carbon dioxide or cervical dislocation.  Because snakes hunt using olfactory senses, they can be easily trained to accept euthanised prey.  It is not recommended to feed live prey for several reasons:

Food items should be humanely euthanised using carbon dioxide or cervical dislocation.  Because snakes hunt using olfactory senses, they can be easily trained to accept euthanised prey.  It is not recommended to feed live prey for several reasons:

# Illegal in the U.K.

# Illegal in the U.K.

==Obesity==

==Obesity==

In general, snakes are overfed in captivity and it is not uncommon to be presented with an obese animal in practice.  To prevent obesity, snakes should be regularly weighed and measured, and a [[Snake Physical Examination|body condition score]] determined.

In general, snakes are overfed in captivity and it is not uncommon to be presented with an obese animal in practice.  To prevent obesity, snakes should be regularly weighed and measured, and a body condition score determined.  See [[Snake Physical Examination|snake physical examination]].

==Water==

==Water==

Snakes derive a significant amount of water from their prey.  Many species will also drink from standing water, therefore a large water basin that provides an additional soaking area is recommended.  Soaking can help facilitate [[Ecdysis|shedding]] and stimulate the gastrointestinal tract.

Snakes derive a significant amount of water from their prey.  Many species will also drink from standing water, therefore a large water basin that provides an additional soaking area is recommended.  Soaking can help facilitate [[Ecdysis|shedding]] and stimulate the gastrointestinal tract.