Snakes generally poop only after fully digesting their meal, so the frequency depends largely on how often they eat and the size of their meals. On average, adult snakes poop about once a week after consuming prey. For example, pythons typically defecate 6-8 days after a meal. Baby snakes tend to poop more frequently, about every 3-4 days, due to faster metabolisms and smaller meals. If a snake eats a large meal, it can go several weeks or even up to a month before pooping again. Some snakes may hold their waste for longer periods, sometimes until they shed their skin. In captivity, ball pythons are observed to poop roughly every 1 to 3 weeks depending on feeding schedules and individual variation. The snake’s poop passes out of the cloaca, a multi- purpose opening used for defecation, urination, reproduction, and egg-laying. Snakes also excrete uric acid in a semi-solid form called urates, which appear alongside feces to conserve water. Larger meals result in less frequent but larger bowel movements. In summary:
- Baby snakes: every 3-4 days
- Adult snakes: about every 7-14 days
- After large meals: can be up to a month between poops
- Some snakes may hold it until shedding
The exact frequency varies by species, size, diet, and individual metabolism.
