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All snakes are carnivores.  With over 2900 different species, some snakes have highly [[Snake Diet|specialised diets]] (eggs, lizards, frogs, fish, fish eggs or invertebrates such as slugs or termites) while others are generalists and will eat a wide variety of prey items.  Common pet snakes such as rat snakes, milk snakes boas and [[Royal Python|pythons]] typically feed on rodents but some pet and many exhibition snakes require [[Snake Diet|special diets]].  It is therefore necessary to have species-specific information to determine the most appropriate prey.

All snakes are carnivores.  With over 2900 different species, some snakes have highly specialised diets (eggs, lizards, frogs, fish, fish eggs or invertebrates such as slugs or termites) while others are generalists and will eat a wide variety of prey items.  Common pet snakes such as rat snakes, milk snakes, boas and pythons typically feed on rodents but some pet and many exhibition snakes require [[Snake Diet|special diets]].  It is therefore necessary to have species-specific information to determine the most appropriate prey.

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

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

* '''Find out information on the''' [[Snake Digestive System]].

* '''Find out information on the''' [[Snake Digestive System]].

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 such as 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 such as 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 olfactory cues when hunting (see [[Snake Special Senses|snake special senses]]; therefore, 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]]); therefore, 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==

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]].

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 and therefore a large water basin that provides an additional soaking area is recommended.  Soaking can help facilitate [[Ecdysis|shedding]] and stimulate the gastrointestinal tract.

 

==References==

==References==

Fowler, M.E. and Miller, R.E. (2003). Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine. Saunders, 5th Edition. pp. 84. ISBN 0-7216-9499-3

Fowler, M.E. and Miller, R.E. (2003). Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine. Saunders, 5th Edition. pp. 84. ISBN 0-7216-9499-3

Mitchell, M.A. (2004). Snake care and husbandry. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice 7:2 pp. 421-446.

Mitchell, M.A. (2004). Snake care and husbandry. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice 7:2 pp. 421-446.

[[Category:Snake_Husbandry]]

[[Category:Snake_Husbandry]]