Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Months ago I caught a cool little coachwhip. I'm starting to become quite concerned because I can't get him to eat anything (at least, I've never SEEN him eat anything). I've tried small mice, fuzzies, pinkies, lizards, fish, frogs, and even a large cockroach.

Actually, I did put a small frog in with him a few weeks ago and it disappeared, but I didn't see any evidence that the snake ate it (no little lump or anything).

I was wondering if I might find some advice for feeding him and keeping him healthy. I want him to grow big and strong as a pet, and I'd really hate to have to release him because they are so tough to catch. This is the 2nd I have ever caught. The first was an adult racer (the kind with the black neck) and it escaped its enclosure, never to be seen again.

Any ideas?

I've attached a photo I took when I first caught the snake. You can see my fingers so you can see how small he is... though he's very long still. (also, if someone can accurately and precisely identify this type of coachwhip for me I would appreciate it. So far I think it's a Wester Coachwhip. I seem to be confused about the differences between the different racers and coachwhips.

That is definitely a Red coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum piceus). Racers and coachwhips really seem to relish frogs(especially treefrogs), however lizards are their staple for the most part.
From the start my Red coachwhip would eat hopper-size mice, and Western fence lizards when left alone. If you haven't yet, I would try putting the snake in a "tupperware" container with a couple live pinky mice(or whatever else you want to feed it). Cover the container with a dark colored piece of material, such as a black shirt, and leave the snake in the container for an hour or two. For some reason this works pretty well despite the coachwhips diurnal nature, it may simulate a rodent burrow. If worse comes to worse, you can feed it pinky mice by grasping the snake a couple inches behind the head, then rub the mouse against its snout until the snake opens its mouth, put the mouse in and the snake should swallow it down. Good Luck!
-Roy

Thank you so much for the advice! I will definitely try what you said.

...and thanks for identifying it for me as well. So it's a Red Racer (or Coachwhip) after all? I was hoping for that. He's not red at all, but I know they become more red as they grow larger, and his neck sports a very faint "gray" area, which seems to be the area that will become black later in life.

Your welcome for the advice, I really hope it helps. My Red coachwhip is actually jet black which fades to tan towards the tail. About halfway down his body his stomach is a salmon color. I think Western coachwhips are more solid red.
Again, good luck!