- Prey. Bull snakes are highly feared animals, but there’s no need to worry. This powerful constrictor will eat anything that passes its way, including rodents, birds, mice, and rats.
- Habitat. Bull snakes can reproduce at the age of three or four. Mating takes place when these snakes emerge from their winter hibernation.
- Breeding season. The breeding season of Bull Snakes generally begins in March or April. ...
- Diet. One of the most commonly-asked questions involving the diet of bull snakes is what they eat. ...
- Predators. Bull snakes eat many different kinds of prey. Hatchlings will eat a whole mouse when it is young. ...
- Eggs. The first reason to watch for the egg-eating snake is the size of the egg. ...
- Birds. Many people don’t realize that bull snakes also eat small rodents. These snakes are commonly mistaken as helpful pest control measures for rodents.
- Mice. Most of us would think that bull snakes don’t eat mice. However, this is not necessarily the case. ...
- Rats. Rat snakes are found throughout the United States. In some regions, they are common and can be found in suburban and urban areas.
- Toads. Snakes are omnivores, so if you find one in your yard, be sure to leave it alone. ...
What should I Feed my bull snake?
- Contains 10 Frozen Medium Rats
- Age: Thirty-four to trhirty-nine days
- Length (Inches): 6.00 – 8.00 (not including tail)
- Weight (Grams): 85.00 – 174.99
Can a bull snake eat a small dog?
Bullsnakes are generally around 5-6 feet long. They are also known as a Gopher snake. They primarily eat small rodents, but the larger ones can take down prairie dogs and rabbits too. If threatened, a Bullsnake will hiss and shake its tail, and flatten its head to appear like a rattlesnake. Click to see full answer.
Do bull snakes eat chicken eggs?
Yes, snakes do eat full grown chickens, however, it is more likely they are there for the eggs but snakes have eaten chicks out from underneath the mother hen and taken full grown chickens as well. Snakes don’t eat daily, it may be 4 to 40 days or even longer before they return fop a refill.
Do bull snakes eat toads?
What do snakes drink and eat? All snakes are carnivores. Their diet depends on the species. Some eat warm-blooded prey (e.g., rodents, rabbits, birds), while others eat insects, amphibians (frogs or toads), eggs, other reptiles, fish, earthworms, or slugs. Snakes swallow their food whole.
What can I feed a baby bull snake?
9:5811:31Feeding Baby Snakes their First Meals! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd that's because for our babies since we have so many of them it's just easier to keep them onMoreAnd that's because for our babies since we have so many of them it's just easier to keep them on paper towels. So that when we feed them we can just drop a pinky or a fuzzy for the bull snakes in here
Can you keep a wild bull snake as a pet?
Bullsnakes (Pituophis catenifer sayi) are very easy to keep in captivity, especially if they are from captive-bred stock. If you follow a few simple husbandry techniques, these large members of the colubrid family can be rewarding and enjoyable to keep.
Do bull snakes need water?
Humidity requirements are low for Bullsnakes; however, they should have a water bowl large enough to soak in if desired. Humidity in the 30% to 40% range is about right when the snake is not in shed.
How often do wild bull snakes eat?
Like many snakes of North America, the bull snake consumes small rodents like mice and rats. In captivity frozen then thawed mice and rats are healthier because they cannot fight back or spread disease. Adult snakes need to eat only once every 7-10 days.
How long can bull snakes go without eating?
How Long Can a Bull Snake Go Without Eating? Snakes in general can go for extended periods of time without eating–anywhere from several weeks to 6 months.
What is the lifespan of a bull snake?
They are found throughout much of the western half of United States and northern Mexico. They live in sandy areas, prairies, open forest, agricultural fields and brush. Life Span: These snakes can live 20-25 years in captivity. Perils in the wild: Birds of prey, some carnivores, human activity.
How often should you feed a bull snake?
A hatchling can eat at least one mouse a week; an adult will eat a rat or several mice every week to 10 days. Let your snake's activity patterns tell you when it's hungry. As a rule of thumb, the largest meal you feed your snake should not greatly exceed the diameter of your snake's head.
Do bull snakes need UV light?
As with Ball Pythons, Bull Snakes do perfectly fine without UV lighting. Despite being mostly diurnal, they become nocturnal during the summer months in parts of their range or spend most of their time in rodent burrows. This means they will be able to synthesise their own vitamin D without the aid of UVB.
How do you tame a bull snake?
0:2814:21How to Tame an "Aggressive" Snake - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd it will just become calmer and calmer with time we recommend taking a timid snake out twice aMoreAnd it will just become calmer and calmer with time we recommend taking a timid snake out twice a day for 15 minutes each unless it's in shed or just eight of course.
Can a bull snake eat a chicken?
Hunting Behavior: Most snakes too small to be predators of adult chickens. Instead, they tend to be predators of eggs and young chicks.
Do bull snakes bite?
The bullsnake is non-venomous and kills its prey by strangulation. However, it can inflict a painful bite. When threatened, a bullsnake can mimic a venomous rattlesnake by puffing up its body, shaking its tail, and hissing.
What is a Bull Snake and where are they found?
Bull Snakes are a species of nonvenomous colubrid snake that is found in the United States and Mexico.
What is the lifespan of a Bull Snake?
The lifespan of a bull snake can vary greatly depending on the conditions under which it is kept. In captivity, bull snakes have been known to live...
Are Bull Snakes venomous?
Bull snakes are not venomous. They are constrictors, meaning they kill their prey by coiling around it and suffocating it. They are non-venomous an...
Are Bull Snakes beneficial to humans?
Bull Snakes are beneficial to humans because they eat rodents, which can damage crops and spread disease. Bull Snakes are not venomous and they typ...
How many eggs do Bull Snakes lay at once, and when do they hatch?
Depending on the species, Bull Snakes can lay anywhere from 4 to 40 eggs at a time. Hatchlings usually appear after about 60 days.
What are some fun facts about Bull Snakes?
Bull snakes are found in North America, specifically in the western United States and Mexico. [2] They get their name from their stout body and wid...
What do bull snakes eat?
Like many constrictors, bull snakes will eat almost anything they can kill and fit in their mouths, such as rodents, lizards, eggs, birds, rabbits, and other small animals.
Why don't bull snakes make good pets?
One of the other reasons why bull snakes don’t make the best pets is their size. Even the babies are pretty big, and they can emerge from the egg already at up to 18 inches long! Unlike snake breeds that stay relatively small, such as hognose snakes or milk snakes, bull snakes can quickly outgrow a small enclosure.
What happens if a bull snake chokes?
For example, if a bull snake’s chosen prey is too big, it could cause the snake to choke. Also, if a bull snake attempts to constrict something too big, it might break free or even injure the snake during the fight. Bull snakes mostly stick to birds, small mammals, reptiles, eggs, and amphibians.
How big do bull snakes get?
This leaves a lot of room for development since bull snakes can reach up to eight feet in length!
Do bull snakes eat prey?
Bull snakes are opportunistic. If they can catch it, kill it, and swallow it, they will eat it. That means they will go after any prey that’s available, as long as it is not too large for them to overwhelm and swallow. And since bull snakes get quite large, that makes for a pretty long list of potential food. ...
Do bull snakes eat rattlesnakes?
They might imitate rattlesnakes, but they are far less dangerous. Furthermore, bull snakes don’t have an actual rattle on the end of their tails. And finally, bull snakes are known to snack on rattlesnakes when necessary. So if you see a bull snake in the wild, try and give it space to do its job.
Can a bull snake bite you?
Bull snakes are non-venomous, so a bite from one will not send you to the hospital, but it’ll still hurt. Additionally, as with any large constrictor, if a bull snake were to wrap its body around your neck and squeeze, it could put you in danger.
What do bull snakes eat?
The bullsnake is a very powerful constrictor snake who eats voles, mice, rats, ground squirrels, pocket gophers and rabbits. In addition they also eat birds eggs, nesting birds and lizards. They have the ability to climb trees really well so they have the ability to raid bird nests and also bird houses to get the birds.
Do bull snakes eat rattlesnakes?
More Information About Bull Snakes Diet. It is common said by many that bullsnakes will occasionally eat rattle snakes and therefore humans should not harm bullsnakes when they encounter them.
Do bullsnakes eat duck eggs?
They sometimes hunt at night but most often hunt during the day when it is hot outside. One other thing bullsnakes are known for eating is duck eggs.
What temperature should a bull snake be?
Provide a temperature range or "gradient" so your snake has options. I recommend a range of about 75 to 87 degrees Fahrenheit.
How often should I feed a baby snake?
I recommend offering frozen / thawed rodents, as opposed to live rodents, because it's safer for the snake and easier for you. Babies and juveniles can be fed every 5 - 7 days. Adults can be fed an appropriate-sized meal every 10 - 14 days. See the "Feeding Tips" section below for more information.
How often should I clean a snake bowl?
I recommend cleaning the water bowl a couple of times a week. Scrub the bowl well with antibacterial soap. If you clean it often, you won't need to use bleach. If the snake poops in the bowl, remove and clean the bowl immediately.
How do I heat a bull snake cage?
Heating Devices -- You can heat your bull snake's cage in a couple of ways. You can use heating pads or tape beneath the cage, which is known as "belly heat.". Or you can use heating bulbs to project the heat down from above, like the sun. I prefer using bulbs because they are easier to work with, replace, etc.
How big of a cage do you need for a bull snake?
A baby or juvenile can be kept in a smaller terrarium. And adult bull snake should be kept in a cage that is 4' x 2' in size, or larger . Clean the cage thoroughly at least once a month, and spot-clean as needed to remove feces, shed skin, etc.
How big do bull snakes get?
These snakes can also be quite large and impressive when they reach adult size. Don't be surprised if your bull snake grows to a length of six and half feet -- or even longer. As far as appearance goes, these snakes generally have a yellow or cream-colored base with brown or reddish-brown blotches down their backs.
What is the family of a bull snake?
When I say "relatives" in this context, I am referring to pine snakes and gopher snakes as well. They are all members of the Pituophis genus. The bull snake is Pituophis catenifer sayi.
Can you feed a bullsnake?
Feeding a Bullsnake live rodents can be dangerous and is not recommended. Captive bred snakes specifically, don't gain the instincts that they normally do in the wild and are much more susceptible to injury. If you leave live rodents in an enclosure with a snake that isn't hungry it may even get eaten by the rodents themselves. Live rodents also carry potentially dangerous diseases and pathogens that frozen rodents are much less likely to have. Lower temperatures help kill and prevent growth of diseases which is why it's not only recommended to use frozen feeders for your snakes safety but also your own health.
Can bullsnakes be aggressive?
Bullsnakes that aren't handled often can grow to become aggressive overtime, especially if they're only handled when being fed. When handled more often they tend to become more docile and less defensive. If taken care of well and handled frequently they make great pets!
How to get rid of a bullsnake bite?
If you get bitten by your bullsnake, gently lift the head from your skin and place the snake carefully back in its cage. Then clean your would thoroughly with soap and water. Keep an eye on it for signs f infection.
How long do bull snakes live?
These snakes have a very long lifespan; when bred in captivity, they can live for more than 20 years. Bullsnakes are slow moving snakes and they are good climbers.
What do you need to know about snakes?
What You Need To Know About Pet Snakes. If you are considering getting a pet snake, whether it is a bullsnake or any other species, there are some things you need to know. Snakes are definitely not the best pets for everyone, because they do require special attention and care.
Why are bull snakes confused with rattlesnakes?
Although they are completely different species, they are confused for each other due to their similar scale color and stripes. Bull snakes also mimic rattlesnakes by hissing and vibrating their tails when they are threatened, frightened or cornered.
Why do farmers let bullsnakes live in barns?
Some farmers let them live in their barns so they can prey on rodents and keep the populations in check. They are constrictors and a type of gopher snake. They kill their prey by coiling around them and squeezing tight.
What color are bull snakes?
These snakes have a yellow colored base with brown stripes around their back. When compared with other snakes of the same size, bullsnakes have distinct heads with larger eyes and slim necks. The hatchlings are very susceptible to predator attack.
How much does a bullsnake weigh?
The average weight of a bullsnake ranges from 2.2 to 3.3 pounds (1 to 1.5 kg), although there are larger specimens with an average weight of 7.7 to 9.9 pounds (3.5 – 4.5 kg). Their size is often determined by how regularly they feed and how much they can consume in each feeding.
What do you use for bull snakes?
If you are looking for a simple, inexpensive and clean substrate use butcher paper, paper towels or newspaper for your bull snake. If you want a more natural look, options like aspen bedding or cypress mulch. When given the opportunity, bull snakes will burro a couple of inches into loose substrates.
How hot should a bull snake be?
Provide large, sturdy branches for the bull snake to climb on and explore. Temperature/Lighting. A basking spot of 85F should be located on one end of the enclosure. If you need to provide heat to reach 85F, a heat bulb or a heat pad will work.
Why are bull snakes so aggressive?
Many snakes only are aggressive when they are startled or threatened. Diet. Like many snakes of North America, the bull snake consumes small rodents like mice and rats. In captivity frozen then thawed mice and rats are healthier because they cannot fight back or spread disease.
How long do bull snakes live?
They are not poisonous and adults can reach a length of 8 feet long. If cared for properly a bull snake will live from 15-25 years of age so be ready for a long term commitment. Handling/Aggression.
Where is the bull snake native to?
Bull Snake. Intro. The Bull Snake is also known as the gopher snake and the pine snake. It is native to the central United States and is a great snake to own. They are non-venomous and as adults, they are friendly and tame. Appearance.
Do bull snakes need water?
Humidity/Water. No extra humidity is required for bull snakes, but a large water bowl needs to be in the cage. Clean and refill the water daily because they are known to defecate and swim in their water bowl. Cleaning.
Can a bull snake eat a mouse?
A rule of thumb is to provide a mouse or rat that will make a noticeable lump at the snake�s thickest point, but not awkwardly protruding. A 6� bull snake can eat full sized rats, but hatchlings should be eating pinkie mice.
What do bullsnakes eat?
Bullsnakes are very powerful constrictors that eat small mammals, such as mice, moles, rats, pocket gophers, ground squirrels, as well as ground-nesting birds, birds' eggs and lizards. Their climbing proficiency enables them to raid bird nests (and birdhouses) to eat the nestlings or sitting mother.
What is the blotching pattern on a bull snake?
The blotching pattern is large blotches on top, three sets of spots on the sides, and bands of black on the tail. Many color variations have been found, including albinos and white varieties. A scale count is required to distinguish juvenile bullsnakes from other juvenile gopher snakes.
How big are bullsnakes?
Adult bullsnakes average about 4 to 6 ft (1.2 to 1.8 m) in length, and specimens of up to 8 ft 4 in (2.5 m) have been recorded. Possibly being the largest subspecies of gopher snake on average, mature specimens can have an average weight in the range of 1–1.5 kg (2.2–3.3 lb), though the heavier known specimens can attain 3.6–4.5 kg (7.9–9.9 lb), with larger specimens being quite bulky for a colubrid snake. This makes bullsnakes among the largest snakes native to Canada and the United States, although they are generally not as long as indigo snakes nor as heavy or as large in diameter as rattlesnakes. They are usually yellow, with brown, white, black, or sometimes reddish blotching. The blotching pattern is large blotches on top, three sets of spots on the sides, and bands of black on the tail. Many color variations have been found, including albinos and white varieties. A scale count is required to distinguish juvenile bullsnakes from other juvenile gopher snakes.
When do bullsnakes lay their eggs?
Bullsnakes breed in March or April (depending upon their location) and usually lay their eggs in April, May, or June (again, depending upon when the snakes breed.) They typically lay 12 eggs in sand or other protected areas and leave the eggs to incubate unprotected. Clutches of five to 22 eggs have been observed. The eggs are elliptical, leathery, rough, sticky, and up to 70 mm ( 2#N#+#N#3⁄4 in) long. The eggs typically hatch in August or September. Baby bullsnakes are 20–46 cm (7.9–18.1 in) at hatching. Their color is grayish until after their first shed.
Keeping Bull Snakes - Background Information
Description and Appearance
- These snakes can also be quite large and impressive when they reach adult size. Don't be surprised if your bull snake grows to a length of six and half feet -- or even longer. As far as appearance goes, these snakes generally have a yellow or cream-colored base with brown or reddish-brown blotches down their backs. People often mistake bull snakes for rattlesnakes in t…
Care Requirements For Bull Snakes
- That's a brief background on bull snakes in general. Now let's move on to the specific care requirements for keeping one as a pet. In particular, we will talk about housing, temperature requirements, feeding and more. 1. Housing-- As I mentioned earlier, the bull snake can be quite large when it reaches adult size. Specimens reaching 7' are not uncommon. So you need an appr…
Additional Feeding Tips
- Here's a good rule of thumb for feeding bull snakes of any size. If you offer one appropriate-sized rodent every week to 10 days, your snake will do just fine. You can feed babies a little more often than that, about once every five days. Within the context of this care sheet, an "appropriate" sized rodent is about the same width as the snake's wid...
Questions About Snake Care
- If you have a question about the care sheet provided above, or any other aspect of snake care, check out our Q&A blog. You can email us your question, and we will post a response on the blog for the benefit of other readers as well.