Plan meals for an adult Pantherophis guttatus, including preparation and the period afterwards.
Choose the prey and plan
The RSPCA recommends good-quality dead mice, slightly wider than the snake's widest part. Its adult example is up to one adult mouse every 7-14 days, with regular weighing to monitor weight.
RSPCA Australia supports humanely killed or frozen/thawed mammalian prey. Do not offer live rodents.
Prepare separately
Obtain the frozen-prey supplier's preparation and uneaten-prey disposal directions before beginning.
The CDC advises using a designated container for storing and thawing pet food, separate from human food. Keep rodents and their supplies out of the kitchen. Do not thaw them in a microwave or kitchen sink.
Present the meal
Offer the prepared prey inside the vivarium using tongs. Wait 48 hours after feeding before handling. The RSPCA says extra supplements should not be needed with good-quality prey.
Finish and review
Wash hands with soap and running water; clean the designated container immediately after feeding.
Keep feeding and weight notes. Ask your reptile vet about weight or health concerns before changing the plan.
Our handling guide covers a separate transfer.
