King Snake Feeding Schedule by Age & Weight
How often a king 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 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.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I feed a king 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 do kingsnakes eat?
Hatchlings every 5-7 days, juveniles weekly, and adults every 10-14 days. Space meals out further as the snake grows.