What Do Baby Rat Snakes Eat?

December 25, 2023 by Marjorie R. Rogers, MA (English), Certified Consultant

In the wild, baby rat snakes typically eat small rodents like voles, shrews, and mice. They will also eat lizards, frogs, and birds. In captivity, they can be fed pinky mice or appropriately sized insects.

As they grow older, they will need to be fed larger prey items.

If you’re wondering what baby rat snakes eat, the answer is pretty simple – they eat rodents. This includes mice, rats, and other small mammals. They will also consume bird eggs and nestlings if given the opportunity.

In captivity, they should be offered a diet of live rodents or frozen/thawed mice or rats.

how to get your new baby rat snakes on the right path

Do Baby Rat Snakes Eat Crickets

One of the most frequently asked questions about baby rat snakes is what they eat. The simple answer is that they eat small rodents and birds. However, what many people don’t realize is that these snakes will also consume insects.

So, if you have a cricket infestation in your home, your snake may be interested in feasting on them as well! Crickets are a good source of protein for baby snakes and can help them grow and develop properly. If you’re feeding your snake crickets, it’s important to offer a variety of sizes so that they can properly digest their food.

Baby rat snakes typically shed their skin every 4-6 weeks, so you may find cricket legs or wings in their feces during this time. If you have concerns about your baby snake eating crickets, be sure to consult with a reptile veterinarian or experienced snake keeper for guidance.

Credit: reptilesmagazine.com

What Can You Feed a Baby Rat Snake?

If you have a baby rat snake, you may be wondering what to feed it. The good news is that there are a variety of options available to you. In this article, we will discuss what you can feed a baby rat snake.

One option is to feed the baby rat snake live food. This includes small insects, such as crickets or worms. You can also offer small rodents, such as pinkie mice.

It is important to note that live food can pose a risk of injury to your snake, so be sure to supervise closely when feeding time rolls around. Another option is to feed your baby rat snake frozen/thawed food. This is a safer option than feeding live food, as there is no risk of injury involved.

Pinkie mice and other small rodents make great meals for young snakes. Simply thaw the rodent prior to feeding time, and offer it up on a plate or in a dish for your snake to enjoy. No matter which type of food you choose to feed your baby rat snake, it is important to ensure that the food items are appropriately sized for your snake’s mouth.

Giving your snake too large of a meal can result in health problems down the road, so err on the side of caution when choosing what size prey items to offer up at each feeding session.

How Long Can a Baby Rat Snake Go Without Eating?

A baby rat snake can go without eating for up to two years. This is because they are born with a yolk sac, which provides them with all the nutrients they need to survive during their first few months of life. After the yolk sac is depleted, the snake will start to hunt for food.

However, if food is scarce, the snake can survive for long periods of time without eating anything.

What Do You Feed a Baby Snake?

If you have a baby snake, congratulations! You have a new pet that will bring you years of enjoyment. But what do you feed a baby snake?

There are a few things to consider when deciding what to feed your baby snake. The first is what kind of snake you have. If you have a constrictor, such as a boa or python, then you will need to provide them with live food.

This can be in the form of pinkie mice or day-old chicks. If you have a non-constrictor, such as a garter snake or king snakes, then you can provide them with either live food or frozen/thawed food. Some owners prefer to start their babies on frozen/thawed food because it is easier to control portion sizes and there is less risk of injury from struggling prey items.

The next thing to consider is how often you should be feeding your baby snake. For constrictors, they should be fed once every 5-7 days. For non-constrictors, they can be fed every 3-5 days.

It is important not to overfeed your baby snake as this can lead to health problems down the road. Start with small meals and increase the size as your snake grows. Finally, make sure that whatever food items you choose are appropriately sized for your baby snake.

Prey items that are too large can cause choking or intestinal blockages, both of which can be fatal for snakes.

Conclusion

Baby rat snakes eat small mammals, such as rodents and birds. They will also consume lizards, frogs, and other small reptiles. In the wild, these predators typically hunt at night.