Yes, macro helps. But most autofocus digital cameras have fairly good macro capabilities, the trick is to have enough light on the subject to allow the autofocus to work properly.

I don't think I'd use flash in the case of feeding a snake for fear it would distract it from the task at hand. However, shining some sort of light can help the camera do its thing.

Anyway, this juvenile Knobby agrees about the pinkies!