Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've recently acquired a juvenile (8'') northern water snake that seems to have a very large appetite. I'm feeding it thawed minnows dusted with Vitolife (contains Thiamine). I don't know if it's possible to overfeed a baby but this one seems to eat quite frequently. I've only had it a week or so and it's taken 6 minnows in that time.

What suggestions do you have for frequency of feedings?

All things are relative, sort of depends on the size of minnow. If the fish are about 1 1/2" long, 6 in a week is fine. Baby snakes will require/desire to be fed more frequently than adults.
A modest meal (3 fish?) every 4 days is not inappropriate. PLEASE READ the posts below regarding potential thiaminase problems and means of avoiding it.

Add to this, correct temperature with gradient, dry bedding, fresh and clean water as well as shelter (privacy) and you'll have a healthy well adjusted nerodia!
Michael

I have read the posts regarding Thiaminase problems. I am dusting the minnows with Vitolife reptile supplement which contains Thiamine. This is sufficiant I assume?

Thanks

In all likelyhood it is sufficient, but studies have not been performed to prove out the efficiency of supplements. Notwithstanding, a varied diet is by far the best, safest and possibly the kindest choice. Thiaminase is like most things, a question of degrees. Also, dusting with vitamins each meal is NOT recommended. Some vitamins build up in the system with toxic effects.
Michael

Six minnows a week isn't too much depending on the size of the snake and minnows. While a youngster you probably can't feed too much, as s/he gets older you can back off a little to keep the snake from getting obese. Waternsakes have a pretty high metabolism so they'll feed more than some species, especially if you keep them adequately warm.

As was mentioned below, you can dust a quallity multi-vitamin once a month or so, not every feeding. I think the biggest mistake regarding water snake care in captivity is that people think they need to be kept in a wet or moist enclosure. But they actually have to have a very dry environment with clean water always available. Dampness will quickly lead to scale rot on their ventral scales and eventually kill the snakes.

Joe
Reptiles and Amphibians of Iowa and Minnesota