Corn Snake Feeding Schedule UK 2025: Complete Guide by Age & Weight

Getting your corn snake's feeding schedule right is one of the most important aspects of their care. Feed too often and you risk obesity; feed too little and your snake won't thrive. This comprehensive UK guide covers everything from hatchling pinkies to adult mice, with current 2025 prices and troubleshooting for common feeding problems.

Corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) are one of the best first exotic pets in the UK and are completely legal without a license. See our complete corn snake care guide for full husbandry details. Their feeding requirements are straightforward once you understand the basics. This guide is based on RSPCA guidelines and UK exotic veterinary recommendations.

🗓️ Corn Snake Feeding Schedule by Age

Your corn snake's feeding frequency depends primarily on age and size. Here's a complete breakdown:

Hatchlings (0-6 months)

• Frequency: Every 5-6 days

• Prey size: Pinky mice (1-3g)

• Why so often? Rapid growth phase - hatchlings can double in size within months

Baby corn snakes need frequent, small meals to fuel their rapid growth. A healthy hatchling should be eager to eat and strike quickly at prey. If your hatchling refuses its first few meals, this is normal - they may still be absorbing their egg yolk.

Juveniles (6-12 months)

• Frequency: Every 7-10 days

• Prey size: Fuzzies (4-5g) progressing to hoppers (6-9g)

• Growth rate: Steady but slowing from hatchling pace

As your corn snake grows, increase prey size rather than frequency. A juvenile eating hoppers doesn't need to be fed as often as a hatchling eating pinkies.

Sub-Adults (12-24 months)

• Frequency: Every 7-14 days

• Prey size: Small to medium mice (10-20g)

• Transition period: Adjust based on body condition

Adults (2+ years)

• Frequency: Every 10-14 days (some keepers prefer every 14-21 days)

• Prey size: Large mice or small rats (25-40g)

• Maintenance feeding: Focus on maintaining healthy weight, not growth

Important: Adult corn snakes in captivity are more often overfed than underfed. Obesity is a common problem. If your adult snake is maintaining a healthy body condition, feeding every 14-21 days is perfectly acceptable.

Breeding Females

• Pre-breeding: Increase feeding frequency to every 7-10 days

• Gravid (carrying eggs): May refuse food entirely - this is normal

• Post-laying: Resume normal feeding after eggs are laid

📏 Prey Size Chart: Pinkies to Adult Mice

Choosing the right prey size is crucial. Feed prey that is approximately 1-1.5 times the width of your snake at its widest point (mid-body). The prey should leave a small, visible lump after feeding that disappears within 48-72 hours.

Understanding Prey Terminology

• Pinky: Newborn mouse, hairless, eyes closed (1-3g)

• Fuzzy: Baby mouse with fine fur starting to grow (4-6g)

• Hopper: Young mouse, fully furred, active (6-12g)

• Weaner: Weaned mouse, nearly adult size (15-25g)

• Adult: Fully grown mouse (25-35g)

• Ex-Breeder: Retired breeding mouse, larger (35-45g)

💷 UK Frozen Mouse Costs 2025

One advantage of corn snakes is their affordable feeding costs compared to larger reptiles. Here are current UK prices from major suppliers:

Prices from Swell Reptiles, December 2025. Prices may vary by supplier.

Monthly Feeding Costs by Snake Age

• Hatchling (pinkies, 5 per month): £2-£3/month

• Juvenile (fuzzies/hoppers, 4 per month): £3-£4/month

• Adult (large mice, 2-3 per month): £4-£8/month

Annual cost: £40-£100 depending on snake size and feeding frequency. This makes corn snakes one of the cheapest reptiles to maintain in the UK.

UK Frozen Feeder Suppliers

• 🛒 Amazon UK - Frozen Reptile Food

• Swell Reptiles - Next-day delivery, wide range

• KB Animal Foods - Bulk orders available

Essential Feeding Equipment

• 🛒 Reptile Feeding Tongs (£5-£12) - Essential for safe feeding

• 🛒 Feeding Tubs (£3-£8) - Some keepers prefer separate feeding containers

• 🛒 Reptile Thermostat (£25-£50) - Maintains digestion temperature

• 🛒 Digital Thermometer (£8-£15) - Check basking spot before feeding

Tip: Buy in bulk and store in a dedicated freezer. Frozen mice last 6-12 months when properly stored at -18°C or below.

🍽️ How to Feed Your Corn Snake

Step 1: Thaw the Mouse

Never feed frozen prey. Thaw mice using one of these methods:

• Refrigerator method (recommended): Move mouse from freezer to fridge 12-24 hours before feeding

• Warm water method: Place mouse in sealed plastic bag, submerge in warm (not hot) water for 30-60 minutes

• Never microwave - creates dangerous hot spots that can burn your snake's mouth

Step 2: Warm to Body Temperature

After thawing, warm the mouse to approximately 35-40°C using warm water. This mimics live prey and encourages feeding response. Cold prey is less appealing and may be refused.

Step 3: Offer with Tongs

• Use feeding tongs (not your fingers!) to offer the mouse

• Hold the mouse by the tail or body

• Gently wiggle to simulate movement

• Offer near the snake's head, not from above (predator threat)

Step 4: Leave if Refused

If your snake doesn't strike within 15-20 minutes, leave the mouse in the enclosure overnight. Many corn snakes prefer to eat in private. Remove uneaten prey the next morning.

Step 5: Post-Feeding Care

• Do not handle for 48-72 hours to prevent regurgitation

• Ensure basking spot is available for digestion (28-30°C)

• Provide fresh water

• Watch for regurgitation (rare but serious)

❓ Corn Snake Not Eating? Troubleshooting

Food refusal is common in corn snakes and usually not a cause for panic. Healthy adults can safely fast for 2-3 months. Here are the most common reasons:

Normal Reasons (Don't Worry)

• Shedding (blue eyes phase): Most snakes refuse food 7-14 days before shedding. See our corn snake shedding guide

• Breeding season: Males may fast for months during mating season (typically spring)

• Brumation: Winter slowdown - some snakes eat less or stop entirely in cooler months

• Recent relocation: New snakes may refuse food for 1-2 weeks while settling in

• Recently fed: Simply not hungry yet - don't overfeed

Husbandry Problems (Check These)

• Temperature too low: Corn snakes need 28-30°C basking spot to digest. Cold snakes won't eat. Check with a digital thermometer

• Stress: Overhandling, loud noises, other pets, or visible predators (cats watching enclosure)

• Prey too large: Try offering smaller prey

• Prey too cold: Ensure mouse is warmed to body temperature

• Enclosure too exposed: Corn snakes need hides to feel secure

Tricks to Encourage Feeding

1. Brain the mouse: Make a small cut in the skull to release brain scent (stimulates feeding response)

2. Warm the mouse more: Use a hairdryer briefly to increase scent

3. Leave overnight: Many snakes prefer eating in private

4. Try a different colour: Some snakes prefer white mice over brown, or vice versa

5. Scent with reptile-safe attractant: Available from exotic pet shops

6. Leave snake alone: No handling for 7+ days, then offer food

⚠️ When Food Refusal Is Serious

Consult an exotic vet if your corn snake:

• Refuses food for 8+ weeks AND is losing weight

• Shows signs of respiratory infection (wheezing, mucus, open-mouth breathing)

• Has visible mites or ticks

• Is lethargic with dull eyes

• Has regurgitated more than once

⚖️ Weight Monitoring & Body Condition

Regular weighing helps you adjust feeding schedules and catch health problems early.

How to Weigh Your Corn Snake

• Use digital kitchen scales (accurate to 1g)

• Weigh in a secure container (tare the container first)

• Weigh monthly for adults, weekly/fortnightly for juveniles

• Record weights in a log

Healthy Body Condition

• Healthy: Rounded body, spine not visible, slight belly when viewed from side

• Underweight: Visible spine, triangular cross-section, prominent head

• Overweight: Fat rolls, scale spreading, hips visible, struggles to move

🛒 Digital Kitchen Scales for Snake Weighing (£10-£20)

Expected Weight Gain

• Hatchlings: 8-15g at birth, reaching 50-100g by 6 months

• 1 year: 150-250g

• 2 years: 300-500g

• Adult (3+ years): 400-900g (females often larger than males)

⛔ Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overfeeding

The #1 mistake. Corn snakes in captivity don't burn calories like wild snakes. Obesity causes fatty liver disease, reduced lifespan, and breeding problems. An adult corn snake does NOT need to eat weekly.

2. Feeding Live Prey

Live mice and rats can bite and scratch, causing serious injuries and infections. Frozen-thawed is safer, more convenient, and often cheaper. There is no nutritional benefit to live prey.

3. Handling After Feeding

Handling within 48-72 hours of feeding causes stress and can lead to regurgitation. Regurgitation is dangerous - stomach acids damage the oesophagus and dehydrate the snake.

4. Wrong Temperature

Corn snakes need warmth to digest. A snake fed in a cold enclosure may regurgitate. Ensure basking spot is 28-30°C before and after feeding.

5. Power Feeding

Feeding excessively large or frequent meals to accelerate growth. This causes obesity, organ damage, and shortened lifespan. Let your snake grow at a natural pace.

6. Only Feeding One Prey Type

While mice are the staple, occasional variety (chicks, rat pups) provides broader nutrition. Offer different prey monthly if available.

🏥 When to See a Vet

Most feeding issues resolve with husbandry adjustments, but some require veterinary attention:

• Repeated regurgitation: More than once indicates serious problem

• Weight loss: Noticeable weight loss over 2+ months

• Respiratory symptoms: Wheezing, mucus, open-mouth breathing

• Mouth rot: Swelling, redness, or discharge around mouth

• Parasites: Visible mites/ticks or suspected internal parasites

• Lethargy: Unusually inactive, not responding to stimuli

Find an RCVS-registered exotic vet near you before you need one. Initial consultation: £45-£75. See our exotic vet costs guide for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I feed my corn snake UK?

Hatchlings: every 5-6 days. Juveniles (6-12 months): every 7-10 days. Adults (2+ years): every 10-14 days. Breeding females may need more frequent feeding. Always adjust based on body condition - a healthy corn snake should have a rounded body without visible spine or ribs.

What size mouse should I feed my corn snake?

Feed prey approximately 1-1.5x the width of your snake's body at its widest point. Hatchlings start with pinkies (1-3g), progress to fuzzies (4-5g), then hoppers (6-9g), and adults eat small to large mice (15-35g). The prey should leave a small visible lump after feeding.

How much do frozen mice cost UK?

UK frozen mice prices (2025): Pinkies £3.99-£7.99 per 10-25 pack, Fuzzies £5.79-£12.49, Hoppers £6.99/10, Small mice £9.99/10, Large mice £13.49-£15.99/10. Buying in bulk (100 packs) saves money. Monthly feeding cost: £3-£8 depending on snake size.

Why is my corn snake not eating UK?

Common reasons: shedding (blue eyes phase), recent handling stress, wrong temperature (needs 28-30°C basking), breeding season behaviour, prey too large, or illness. Healthy adults can fast 2-3 months safely. If refusing food for 8+ weeks with weight loss, consult an exotic vet.

Can I feed my corn snake live mice UK?

Frozen-thawed is strongly recommended. Live prey can injure your snake with bites and scratches, potentially causing infections. Frozen mice are also more convenient, cheaper in bulk, and easier to store. All major UK reptile suppliers sell frozen feeders.

How long after feeding can I handle my corn snake?

Wait 48-72 hours after feeding before handling. Handling too soon causes stress and can lead to regurgitation, which is dangerous and can cause oesophageal damage. Watch for the feeding lump to disappear before resuming normal handling.

Official Sources

Information verified from official UK sources (December 2025):

• RSPCA - How to Care for a Corn Snake

• GOV.UK - Animal Welfare Guidance

Need more help? Use our UK Exotic Vet Directory to find a corn snake specialist, or check our 24/7 emergency vet finder. For more corn snake care, see our shedding guide and legal guide.