Western Plains Hognose Care
Introduction: Keeled scales. Rear fangs. A cute rubber duck snout...wait a minute. If you were on the search for the perfect colubrid look no further than the Western Plains Hognose. The Western Hognose is a smaller snake with a range of personalities and morphs.
Housing: A 20-gallon terrarium with a secured screen lid will be suitable housing for one male or female. Do NOT cohabitate unless breeding.
Substrate: Aspen shavings.
Heating: An under-tank heat mat that covers ⅓ of the enclosure is the best source for heating. The heat mat must also be hooked up to a thermostat to ensure the snake does not get burned and to regulate the temperature. The thermostat should be set at around 90-93 and this can be ensured with a temperature gun. Lighting is not necessary. Simply having natural light fill the room for 12 hours each day is sufficient.
Shelter: Having a few hides and foliage is sufficient. I find that many Western Hogs love empty paper towel rolls.
Diet: Properly sized rodents no larger than the diameter of the snake's head. As the snake grows the size of prey will increase. Soft tipped feeding tongs are recommended. Each snake will leave with its own feeding chart. Western Hogs tend to be picky so picking out a well-established snake is essential. Make sure not to overfeed your snake! Western Hogs have the tendency to beg...
Vitamins: Western Hognose Snakes should receive all the nutrition needed from their prey. Consult a veterinarian if there are concerns about malnutrition.
Water: Always keep a small dish of fresh dechlorinated water in the enclosure at all times.