How to feed a Basilisk

Knowing the risk

There are three different breeds of Basilisk, and understanding the danger each one bears is of utmost importance.

1. The evil-eyed Basilisk - This breed is easy to identify due to the third eye on the top of his head. This is no typical eye; its glare is deadly.

2. The Golden Basilisk - One look into the face of this foe will kill you in an instant. This is the most dangerous and, regrettably, most common breed of Basilisk.

3. The Sanguineness Basilisk - Looking upon the Sanguineness Basilisk poses no real threat, but a single bite will fill your body with a venom so strong that your flesh will literally melt off of your bones.

Prepare the meal

One thing you don't have to worry about is being eaten by your Basilisk - the taste of human flesh is repugnant to him. However, if you don't keep him well fed, he just may snack on the family dog.

So what does a Basilisk eat?
All breeds of Basilisk have the same general diet of mealworms, mice, and chicken feed (the Basilisk was hatched from the egg of a rooster, after all).

Prepare for feeding

Now comes the tricky part - feeding the Basilisk.

How you do this depends on the type of Basilisk you have.

1. The evil-eyed Basilisk - This Basilisk won't try to bite or eat you, so you are able to get close enough to feed it. What you have to do is keep your eyes lowered and avoid eye contact at all costs. Once you place his dinner in front of him, back away slowly ... turning your back on the Basilisk is offensive to him and may cause him to lash you with its whip-like tail.

2. The Golden Basilisk - This one is tricky. Since a mere glance at the Basilisk is deadly, you need to be sure there is no chance of seeing it ... even the reflection in a puddle of water can kill you. You will need to wear a blindfold. Once you're ready, feel your way around and approach the Basilisk with its meal ... walk slowly - if you happen to trip over a stone and spill the Basilisk's dish, it will anger him. No Basilisk wants to eat food off the floor. Do not remove the blindfold until you are well out of range.

3. The Sanguineness Basilisk - This Basilisk is very testy - especially when it's hungry. It is too risky to approach this Basilisk at feeding time, as it may choose to eat your flesh along with its meal, regardless of how awful you taste. You will need to keep a safe distance, so place the food dish on the floor and, using a long pole, push the dish towards the Basilisk.

A happy Basilisk

A fed Basilisk is a happy Basilisk, and you've survived so you can do it all again tomorrow.

At this point, you may be feeling pretty hostile at the person who thought it was a good idea to gift you a Basilisk.