Corn Snake Feeding Schedule by Age & Weight
How often a corn snake eats changes dramatically as it grows — frequent small meals as a hatchling, stretching to once every few weeks as an adult. The schedule below shows frequency by weight class.
| Snake weight | Prey item | Prey weight | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| under 30 g | Pinky mouse (2–5g) | ~3 g | every 6 days |
| 30–80 g | Fuzzy mouse (5–10g) | ~7 g | every 7 days |
| 80–200 g | Hopper mouse (10–20g) | ~15 g | every 7 days |
| 200–400 g | Adult mouse (20–30g) | ~25 g | every 9 days |
| 400 g and up | Jumbo mouse or rat pup (30–50g) | ~40 g | every 12 days |
What to feed
Corn snakes are carnivores that eat appropriately-sized mice (and small rats for large adults). Prey should be roughly the width of the snake's widest point, generally 10-15% of body weight. Frozen-thawed prey is the safe standard.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I feed a corn snake?
It depends on age and weight — hatchlings eat every 5-7 days, while adults may eat only every 2-3 weeks. See the schedule above for the frequency at each weight class.
Is it normal for my snake to skip meals?
For many snakes, yes — especially in cooler months or around shedding. A healthy adult can safely fast for a while. Monitor weight and husbandry before worrying.
How often should I feed a corn snake?
Hatchlings every 5-7 days, juveniles about every 7 days, and adults every 10-14 days. Stretch the interval as the snake matures to avoid obesity.