What kind of eggs do snakes eat?
What type depends on the size of your snake. They never get big enough to eat chicken eggs, but the females grow big enough to eat quail eggs. If you get a male or a young female, you may have to feed it finch eggs at first.
What do snakes eat in captivity?
In captivity, some snakes are picky eaters. While they would eat unfertilized chicken eggs, they prefer the eggs fresh and may refuse refrigerated ones. Many snakes are opportunistic hunters in the wild, and it is rare to see snakes that would not eat eggs if food were scarce.
Can you keep egg-eating snakes as pets?
They’re easy to care for and docile. They’re non-venomous and toothless, so they can’t bite humans. The only issue can be sourcing eggs to feed your snake as they’re too small to eat chicken eggs. We’re going to look at the pros and cons of egg-eating snakes as pets in detail.
Can snakes eat quail eggs?
Sourcing eggs to feed your snake can be difficult because chicken eggs are too large. This means that you’ll need to give your female egg-eater Coturnix quail eggs and brown Button quail eggs to the males. We’re going to look at the pros and cons of egg-eating snakes as pets.
How big of a tank do African egg eating snakes need?
What do African snakes eat?
How many species of snakes eat eggs?
What are the health problems of African snakes?
Why do African egg eaters make a hissing sound?
How to keep an egg eater snake from curling up?
How big do snakes get?
See more
How often do you feed an egg-eating snake?
In the wild, they go for long periods of time without eating. Young pet egg-eating snakes need to be fed every 7 days. As they get older, feeding will be less often. These snake swill eat about once a month.
Are egg eating snakes easy to care for?
6:198:37How to Care for Egg-Eating Snakes! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd know exactly how old the baby is on the inside of that embryo. Because if there is a fullyMoreAnd know exactly how old the baby is on the inside of that embryo. Because if there is a fully developed chick or even partially developed chick on the inside. They can't very easily drink a baby bird
What do baby egg eaters eat?
Baby egg-eaters presumably feed on the eggs of small finches and weaverbirds before taking progressively larger fare like chicken eggs! Without functional teeth, egg-eaters are defenseless and thus have evolved colors and behavior to mimic the venomous vipers found alongside them.
Do egg eating snakes need a heat lamp?
Like all snakes, egg-eating snakes are cold-blooded. So, they thermoregulate by moving to different temperature zones. In your enclosure, you need a cool side and a warm side. The warm side should be around 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
How much does an egg eater snake cost?
Their price varies but you can expect to pay around the US$100 mark. Delivery charges may be additional. The breeding of these snakes in captivity is very unusual and so the vast majority of egg-eaters which become pets have been caught in the wild.
Do egg eating snakes eat their own eggs?
Although many other snake species eat the eggs of birds and other reptiles, no other type is so specialized as to feed on bird eggs alone and to fast between bird nesting seasons.
How many eggs can a snake eat?
Missing Chicks – One goes missing every few days. Fewer Eggs in the Nests – One snake can eat two eggs in a session. You Find Regurgitated Egg Shells – Snakes always spit the crushed empty shell back up.
Can you feed a snake just eggs?
While most snakes can eat an occasional small egg without any negative health issues, we recommend avoiding it unless you own an egg-eating snake.
Do egg eating snakes eat their own eggs?
Although many other snake species eat the eggs of birds and other reptiles, no other type is so specialized as to feed on bird eggs alone and to fast between bird nesting seasons.
Is there a pet snake that doesn't eat mice?
Garter snakes are quite common in many areas of the US, which leads many exotic pet owners to shun them as a potential pet. To some, they are not as exciting as other types of snakes. However, for the snake owner who doesn't want to feed rodents, garter snakes actually make excellent pets.
How many eggs will a snake eat?
Fewer Eggs in the Nests – One snake can eat two eggs in a session. You Find Regurgitated Egg Shells – Snakes always spit the crushed empty shell back up.
Is the African egg-eating snake a good pet?
African egg-eating snakes can make a very good pet for the following reasons: - Since they only eat eggs, you do not have to feed them live or froz...
Do African egg-eating snakes bite?
African egg-eating snakes rarely bite. Also, they do not have any teeth.
Are African egg-eating snakes friendly?
African egg-eating snakes are a nervous species, but they will calm down with routine handling.
Which types of snakes eat eggs?
Many snake species eat eggs, though eggs comprise only part of their diet. Snake species that commonly eat eggs include:Black Racers (Coluber const...
How much do African egg-eating snakes cost?
African egg-eating snakes can be purchased for around $100.00.
What is the biggest egg-eating snake?
The African egg-eating snake (Dasypeltis scabra) is the largest of the Dasypeltis family.
Are there members of the Dasypetis family that are venomous?
No, all members of the genus Dasypetis are non-venomous.
Are there any African egg-eating snake morphs?
Because this species is not captive-bred, there are no available morphs.
Can African egg-eating snakes be housed together?
As with many snake species, African egg-eating snakes live a solitary existence. They only seek out other snakes during breeding time. In captivity...
Do African egg-eating snakes eat fertile eggs?
African egg-eating snakes will not eat fertile eggs because their digestive system can only handle the egg's fluids.
Why are snakes not easy to care for?
They are not as easy to find as some other snakes, but they are quite easy to care for, That said, they are not the easiest, mainly because it’s not always easy to find the eggs you need. If you’re looking for the easiest snakes to keep, you’ll want one of these docile snakes.
How to get a snake to smell?
You just rub the egg on the bird’s nest to get the scent. Another way is to rub it with the yolk of a chicken egg. An important thing to keep in mind is your snake doesn’t swallow eggshells. It splits the shell with strong spinal bones in its gullet, sucks out the inside, and it spits out the shell.
What do snakes eat?
What To Feed Your Snake. As egg-eater snakes, you feed them eggs. This makes them the closest a snake can get to being vegetarian. What type depends on the size of your snake. They never get big enough to eat chicken eggs, but the females grow big enough to eat quail eggs.
How long do snakes live?
You want your snake to stay healthy and live as long as possible. When properly cared for, an egg-eater snake can live up to 10 years or longer. Once it learns how to eat eggs on its own, it is fairly easy to feed your snake.
How to keep snakes out of your enclosure?
Make Sure Your Enclosure Is Big Enough. Make sure your enclosure is big enough to provide space for the snake, two hiding places, a small bowl of water, and branches for them to climb on. Some people use plastic enclosures with holes in them and a top that comes off, while others use fish tanks.
How big are repti snakes?
The males are smaller than the females, so take that into account when choosing your enclosure. Females are easier to feed because of their size. Fully grown, they are between 24 and 30 inches long.
How to make a snake feel like it's climbing a tree?
You want your snake to be content in its environment. Make sure you have tree branches and leaves, so they feel like they’re climbing a tree. Sometimes you have to think like a snake. Think about what your snake would need to survive in the wild, and try to mimic that in your enclosure.
What are the disadvantages of egg eating snakes?
Disadvantages of egg-eating snakes as pets: Egg eaters start off quite small, which makes feeding difficult. Male egg-eating snakes remain small as adults. Coturnix quail eggs, which are often the only ones available, can be too large. The temperament of egg-eating snakes can be variable.
What to feed a snake with eggs?
What To Feed An Egg-Eating Snake. Choose a bird’s egg that is the same width as your snake’s middle. For fully grown female egg-eaters, Coturnix quail eggs are often a good choice. These are the kind of quail eggs that you can find at your local grocery store. They’re white to cream in color and blotched with brown.
What is the name of the snake that eats eggs?
They have dark markings along their backs and keeled scales. Females can grow to 30 inches, but males are smaller. Their scientific name is Dasypeltis scabra .
What is an egg eater snake?
Egg-eaters are small-to-medium-sized snakes in the family Colubridae. There are two main types of egg-eating snakes: Indian Egg-Eating Snakes: This is a rare species found in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. They are around 31 inches long as adults.
What is the most common snake?
The species that you’ll find may vary, but the most common species is the common (or rhombic) egg-eater, Dasypeltis scabra. African egg-eating snakes are calm, docile creatures. Like all wild snakes, they may be flighty and nervous, to begin with.
How long do snakes live in captivity?
According to the Animal Ageing and Longevity Database, common egg-eating snakes can live for up to 22 years in captivity. However, 10-15 years is the average life expectancy for a pet egg-eating snake.
How do snakes find birds nests?
They are good at climbing trees and rocky outcrops to locate birds’ nests. They can navigate through branches and over rough terrain to sniff out their food source. Check for freshness. These snakes can detect an egg’s freshness just by smelling it.
What is an egg eater snake?
The egg eater snake is a non-venomous snake that finds its home throughout the African continent. Its scientific name is Dasypeltis fasciata and it is a very popular pet snake.
How do snakes swallow eggs?
They open their jaw and wrap it around the egg and begin to swallow it. It goes about 2 inches down its throat where 3 big boney spikes crack the egg shell so they can get to the goodies inside. The snake squeezes every last drop out of the egg, until it is empty. Then it crunches up the shell and spits it out.
What is the hardest thing to do with an egg eater snake?
By far the hardest thing about caring for egg eater snakes is getting them to eat. This is especially true for a snake that has newly arrived in your home. These snakes are highly sensitive to their surroundings and a sudden change in them causes stress.
Why do snakes need to be unfertilized?
The eggs need to be unfertilized, because these snakes will not eat them if there is an embryo inside. 5.
How often do snakes eat?
These snakes eat every 4 to 7 days. Unlike with other species, where you only give them food when it is time to eat, it is actually best to leave eggs lying around in the enclosure. The snake will eat them when it is ready, but does not gorge itself if it does not need food.
How big do egg eating snakes get?
Egg eating snakes range in size from about 18 to 24 inches for adult males and about 3 to 4 feet for adult females. The females need to be bigger as they need room to inside them to develop all their eggs.
How hot should a snake be?
You want a gradient, so that the snake can regulate its body temperature as needed. Keep the coll side of the enclosure at room temperature and heat the hot side to 80° to 90° F.
List of Snakes that Eat Eggs
There are over 3,000 species of snakes in the world, and many of them eat eggs. Below is a list of the most common snakes known to man that eat eggs.
Do All Snakes Eat Chicken Eggs?
No, not all snakes eat chicken eggs. The ones that do this are often called the “chicken snake.” Technically, the chicken snake is a rat snake, which has a lot of other subspecies.
What Kind of Eggs do Snakes Eat?
Snakes that eat eggs will eat just about any kind of egg. Their choices, however, depend on the egg size and how accessible the eggs are.
Do Poisonous Snakes Eat Eggs?
Yes, and one example of this is the cottonmouth. Also called the water moccasin, it is part of the viper family, and it is venomous.
Will Snakes Eat Unfertilized Chicken Eggs?
Yes, snakes that eat eggs will accept unfertilized chicken eggs. However, pet owners observed that snakes generally prefer fresh eggs. It takes some preparation to do this. Some snakes refuse eggs that have already been refrigerated.
What Snakes Only Eat Eggs?
There are two main groups of snakes that feed only on eggs. These are the Dasypeltis, which is found in Africa, and the second one, the Indian egg-eating snake ( Elachistodon westermanni ).
Summary: Snakes That Eat Eggs
Not all snakes eat eggs. Some do, and some snakes evolved to eat nothing but eggs. Big snakes typically do not eat eggs of other animals are available.
How big of a tank do African egg eating snakes need?
Thus, they need more floor space than climbing space. We recommend getting a tank that’s no smaller than 24 inches wide, about 18 inches deep, and 12 inches tall. A reptile enclosure with a front-facing door is best.
What do African snakes eat?
As their name would suggest, these snakes feed exclusively on the eggs of birds !
How many species of snakes eat eggs?
Technically speaking, there are over 16 different egg-eating snake species throughout Africa. But the Dasypeltis scabra is the most widespread (and the species that’s most commonly kept as a pet). The body of this snake is covered in grayish-brown scales, which help it blend in with the dry brush of their natural habitat.
What are the health problems of African snakes?
However, they can suffer from all of the common ailments. Snakes can suffer from respiratory infections when the humidity and temperature levels are off.
Why do African egg eaters make a hissing sound?
African egg-eaters have keeled scales, which is not unusual for snakes of this size. Oftentimes, these creatures will rub those scales together to create a hissing sound. It’s a defense mechanism used to ward off potential threats!
How to keep an egg eater snake from curling up?
Egg-eaters have a penchant for destroying delicate plants. To keep things simple, you can utilize soft silk plants instead. To finish off the enclosure, add a few hide boxes. These boxes should be large enough for the snake to curl up in. Place one on the cool side, one on the hot side, and one in the middle.
How big do snakes get?
Average Size. The average size of an egg-eating snake is 24 to 30 inches. Females tend to be a bit larger than males, and will grow to the upper end of the size spectrum far more regularly. This makes determining their gender a bit more simple.
Species Summary
Appearance & Colors
- Technically speaking, there are over 16 different egg-eating snake species throughout Africa. But the Dasypeltis scabra is the most widespread (and the species that’s most commonly kept as a pet). The body of this snake is covered in grayish-brown scales, which help it blend in with the dry brush of their natural habitat. The base color is broken up with spots and subtle bands of black …
Lifespan
- In captivity, the average egg-eating snake lifespan is typically between 10 and 15 years.This is the average lifespan for a snake that has received proper care and attention (and wasn’t purchased from a low-quality seller). As always, there are no guarantees. Like any other pet, African egg-eating snakes will respond negatively to poor living conditions and an incorrect diet! If you don’t …
Average Size
- The average size of an egg-eating snake is 24 to 30 inches. Females tend to be a bit larger than males, and will grow to the upper end of the size spectrum far more regularly. This makes determining their gendera bit more simple. Expert Tip:Size is primarily determined by the quality of care these snakes receive as well as their genetics. You can increase the chance of getting a pe…
Egg-Eating Snake Care
- Whether you’re a seasoned snake-owner or a complete novice, egg-eating snake care is definitely a unique experience. They’re not too difficult, but there’s no denying that this species has different needs than many other snakes in the trade. Luckily, egg-eating snakes are quite hardy and undemanding. As long as you follow these care guidelines, your snake should have no problem …
Enclosure Size
- You don’t need a massive enclosure for the egg-eating snake. A standard 20-gallon tank or vivarium works just fine. Focus more on length than height. African egg-eating snakes do climb, but they are largely terrestrial. Thus, they need more floor space than climbing space. We recommend getting a tank that’s no smaller than 24 inches wide, about 18 inches deep, and 12 i…
Habitat Setup
- A habitat setup that mimics their natural environment is ideal for egg-eating snakes (obviously). But because their natural distribution is so wide, it’s tough to pinpoint the exact biotype to mimic. That said, basic natural decor should be enough to keep your snake happy and well-stimulated. Start with a thin layer of substrate. You can use snake-safe bedding, aspen shavings, or even bar…
Temperature & Lighting
- The average ambient temperatures of the enclosure should be around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.Like all snakes, egg-eating snakes are cold-blooded. So, they thermoregulate by moving to different temperature zones. In your enclosure, you need a cool side and a warm side. The warm side should be around 90 degrees Fahrenheit.You can achieve this temperature with a basking lamp …
Humidity
- Egg-eating snakes require 40 to 60 percent humidity in their enclosure. To raise humidity levels, mist the enclosure once a day. Some of this moisture will be absorbed by the substrate and plants, making it easy to maintain consistency in the environment. Expert Tip:It’s important for all owners to pick up a reliable hygrometer. This little tool will help you keep track of humidity at all …