My corn snake has a visible lump. Change food or feeding schedule?

Hello! Snake feeding requirements are more based on size and weight than on chronological age. So generally, yes a corn snake under 1 year should be eating pinkies and older corn snakes will typically start eating small mice, then larger mice, it can depend on the individual. I would recommend taking Franklin to a reptile vet for a wellness/new pet exam and they can give a much more specific feeding recommendation based on their exam findings. Since I can’t see Franklin, it’s hard for me to give you a specific instruction about size and number of mice or rats to feed, though I suspect that he should be eating more than just a pinkie every 2 weeks. Good luck!

Thanks for reaching out about Francis. His metabolism is based mostly on the environmental temperature (and a few other things). Monitor him for activity, often when starting to move around a lot, is searching for something to eat. Then monitor body score, if overfeeding with start putting on weight and "rounding out". Not a fan of a consistent feeding schedule as sometimes they get trained to eat at a specific time whether needing it or not. Good luck.

Feed your ball python an appropriately sized rodent once a week. "Appropriately sized" means prey items that are no bigger in circumference than the ball python is at its largest circumference. A snake that is eating twice a week is likely eating food that is too small so yes, I agree with you, you should probably increase the size of prey. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Consider bumping him up to a juvenile rat (or small adult) once a week. An exam with an experienced herp veterinarian would also be recommended to diagnose illness or injury. Frequently, either may result in behavioral changes or sudden aggression.

I honestly would not be overly concerned at this point. Snakes can go for very long periods of time (months) without eating at all. At least he is still eating something. He may be getting ready to shed or possibly the tank temperature has fallen too low. I suggest you check the temperature of the tank to make sure it is staying at the correct levels. There should be a temperature gradient of 70-85 degrees so that one side of the cage is warmer than the other. That way he can move around to the temperature he needs at any given time. When they are digesting their food they often need higher temps. After making sure the temperatures are correct, I recommend skipping one week of feed all together. Then the next week, try feeding him again to see if his appetite is back to normal.

Have her examined by your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet. The lump may be a temporary build up of fluid that collects and drains when she changes positions. This can indicate respiratory infection or cardiac disease. Monitor for difficulty or noisy breathing, especially clicking or wheezing. Limit handling to reduce stress until she sees the vet.

Thanks for reaching out about Ivory and including a photo. You are correct that snakes can be finicky eaters during weather changes. If you feed mice, try offering rat pups: to snakes they smell and taste differently. If that doesn't work, a veterinary visit is recommended as intestinal parasites or infections are common. Good luck.