Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hey i have a new copperhead its about 7 inches long i cannot get it to eat ive tried newborn pinkies small frogs and newborn rat pups hints anyone how do i get this snake to eat??

Southern babies usually prefer small tree frogs, But northerns prefer 5 lined skinks. This makes it very tough to get them feeding. You may have luck with anoles. I dont know what type of copperhead you have. Is it wild caught? You can also try red back salamandas. Since it is winter you may have to resort to force feeding. It is probally easiest to force feed mouse tails. This willget them through the winter. They usually take them down on their own once you get the tail in a quater of the way. Most solenoglyphic sankes take food down on their own once you get it started. I have a few friends that cut thin strips of beef heart for copperheads and rattlesnakes. I dont care for it but; it does work for them. And beef heart is packed with nutrients. If you must force feed get invest in a pair of Midwest gloves. Or at least good welding gloves.

yes it is wc and thank you for the info ill try the mouse tails and then work from there

Just please go slow and get the gloves first before you try force feeding.