Corn Snake Feeding Chart by Age, Size & Weight
Use this chart to feed your corn snake the right prey size at every life stage. Overfeeding causes obesity; underfeeding stunts growth. Stick to the schedule and adjust based on body condition — including your snake's weight.
Quick Reference Feeding Chart
| Age | Snake Length | Approx. Snake Weight | Prey Size | Prey Weight | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hatchling (0–3 months) | 10–14 in | 10–25 g | Pinky mouse | 2–4 g | Every 5–7 days |
| Juvenile (3–12 months) | 14–24 in | 25–100 g | Fuzzy / hopper mouse | 5–10 g | Every 7 days |
| Sub-adult (1–2 years) | 24–40 in | 100–250 g | Adult mouse | 10–20 g | Every 7–10 days |
| Adult (2+ years) | 40–60 in | 250–900 g | Adult mouse / small rat | 20–30 g | Every 10–14 days |
Don't rush prey sizes based on age alone. Some corn snakes grow faster than others. Always use your snake's body width as the final guide when selecting feeder size.
Quick Rule: Choose prey that's 1–1.5× the widest part of your snake's body. A slight lump after feeding is normal. A large bulge means the prey was too large.
Prey Size Guide
- Pinky: newborn mouse, ~2–4 g — hatchlings only
- Fuzzy: lightly furred mouse, ~5–7 g — young juveniles
- Hopper: eyes-open mouse, ~7–12 g — older juveniles
- Adult mouse: ~20–25 g — sub-adults and adults
- Small rat (weaner): ~30–40 g — large adults only
Frozen/Thawed vs. Live
Always feed frozen/thawed prey. Live prey can injure your snake — even a mouse can bite and cause serious wounds. Thaw prey in warm water (not a microwave) until it reaches ~100°F before offering. See our picks for the Best Frozen Feeders for Reptiles.
How to Feed
- Thaw prey in a sealed bag in warm water for 20–30 minutes.
- Use long feeding tongs — never your bare hands. See our picks for the Best Feeding Tongs for Reptiles.
- Offer prey by gently wiggling it near the snake's head.
- Leave the snake undisturbed for 48 hours after feeding to prevent regurgitation.
FAQ
Can I feed my corn snake two mice instead of one?
Yes. If your snake is between prey sizes, feeding two appropriately sized mice is often better than moving to a prey item that's too large. This keeps the feeding response strong and avoids the regurgitation risk that comes with oversized prey.
When corn snakes refuse food
Refusal is common during shed cycles, breeding season (spring), and after environmental changes. If your snake hasn't eaten in 3+ weeks outside of shed, check husbandry first — temperatures, humidity, and hide availability are the most common culprits.
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Free tools: Feeding Log