[Florida] Lizards: An Occasional Treat for Corn Snakes

feeding on a variety of prey, including lizards. While mice are the most common food source for corn snakes in captivity, occasional treats of lizards can be beneficial and provide enrichment for the snake.

Corn snakes are carnivorous reptiles, meaning that they eat meat. In the wild, they primarily feed on small mammals such as mice, rats, and voles. However, they are opportunistic predators and will also consume other small animals like birds, amphibians, and lizards. This adaptability in their diet is important for their survival in different environments.

In captivity, corn snakes are commonly fed a diet of frozen and thawed mice. This provides a balanced and safe food source that is easy to obtain and store. The mice are available in various sizes to accommodate the different stages of a corn snake’s life, from hatchlings to adults.

However, some corn snake owners may wonder if they can provide other types of food for their snake as a treat or to add variety to their diet. One such occasional treat that can be offered to corn snakes is lizards. Lizards are a natural prey item for corn snakes in the wild, and introducing them into the snake’s diet can mimic their natural feeding behavior.

It is important to note that not all types of lizards are suitable for feeding to corn snakes. Some lizards may have sharp teeth or toxic secretions that could harm the snake. It is best to stick with small, non-toxic species that are commonly found in the snake’s natural habitat. An example of a safe lizard species to feed to corn snakes is the brown anole lizard (Anolis sagrei). These lizards are small and easily digestible for corn snakes.

When offering a lizard as a treat to a corn snake, it is crucial to ensure that the lizard is properly sourced and disease-free. It is best to purchase the lizard from a reputable pet store or breeders who can guarantee the health and safety of the lizard. Wild-caught lizards should be avoided as they may carry parasites or other diseases.

Before feeding the lizard to the corn snake, it should be pre-killed and frozen to eliminate any risk of injury to the snake and to prevent the lizard from biting or scratching the snake during feeding. It is important to thaw the lizard thoroughly before offering it to the snake. The lizard should be presented in a way that mimics natural feeding behavior, such as dangling it with tongs or wiggle it to simulate movement.

Feeding the corn snake a lizard as a treat can provide mental and physical stimulation for the snake. It allows them to exhibit natural hunting and feeding behaviors, which can help keep them mentally and physically active. It also offers a change in taste and texture compared to the usual mouse diet, which can be beneficial for picky eaters.

However, it is important to note that lizards should only be offered as an occasional treat and not as a regular part of the snake’s diet. Corn snakes are primarily rodent eaters, and their nutritional needs are best met with a balanced diet consisting of frozen and thawed mice. Offering lizards too frequently can lead to an imbalanced diet and may cause nutritional deficiencies in the snake.

In conclusion, lizards can be used as an occasional treat for corn snakes to add variety and mental stimulation to their diet. Safe lizard species such as brown anole lizards can be pre-killed and offered to the snake after thorough thawing. However, lizards should not replace the main food source of corn snakes, which is frozen and thawed mice. Offering lizards as occasional treats can enrich the snake’s feeding experience, but their diet should primarily consist of rodents to ensure proper nutrition and health.