About feeding a king snake
Kingsnakes are robust, active colubrids known in the wild for eating other snakes — hence the name. In captivity they're hardy, enthusiastic feeders that take rodents readily, which again makes overfeeding the main risk.
How much should a king snake eat?
Snake feeding is based on prey size relative to body weight, matched to standard frozen prey. The chart below shows the right prey and frequency for each weight class — the calculator gives a specific recommendation for your snake's exact weight.
| Snake weight | Prey item | Prey weight | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| under 60 g | Pinky mouse (2–5g) | ~3 g | every 6 days |
| 60–150 g | Fuzzy mouse (5–10g) | ~7 g | every 7 days |
| 150–350 g | Hopper or adult mouse (10–25g) | ~18 g | every 9 days |
| 350 g and up | Adult mouse or small rat (20–45g) | ~30 g | every 12 days |
What to feed
Kingsnakes are carnivores fed appropriately-sized frozen-thawed mice and, for larger adults, small rats. Prey should be roughly the width of the snake's widest point. House kingsnakes alone — they will cannibalise other snakes.
How often to feed
Hatchlings eat every 5-7 days, juveniles every 7 days, and adults every 10-14 days. Their strong feeding response makes a consistent schedule important.
Common feeding mistakes
- Housing kingsnakes together — they may eat each other.
- Overfeeding these eager eaters into obesity.
- Prey that's too large for a relatively slender body.
- Handling too soon after feeding.
Weight & health
A well-fed kingsnake is muscular and sleek. Because they feed so willingly, portion control is the keeper's job. Watch for the loss of a defined body outline as a sign of overfeeding.
Frequently asked questions
How often do kingsnakes eat?
Hatchlings every 5-7 days, juveniles weekly, and adults every 10-14 days. Space meals out further as the snake grows.
What do kingsnakes eat?
Appropriately-sized frozen-thawed mice, moving to small rats for larger adults. In the wild they also eat other snakes, so never house two kingsnakes together.
Can kingsnakes be housed together?
No. Kingsnakes are known to eat other snakes, including their own kind, so they must be housed individually.
Why is my kingsnake always hungry?
Kingsnakes have a strong feeding response and often act hungry even when adequately fed. Follow a weight-appropriate schedule rather than feeding on demand.