Taking care of a western hognose snake requires a lot of effort, but the reward is knowing that you are allowing one of the most beautiful reptiles in the world to roam your backyard. Luckily, there are several things you can do to keep your western hognose snake happy, healthy and safe.
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Frogs
Besides frogs, Western Hognose food also includes birds, salamanders, mice and other small animals. This species of snake is found in northern Mexico, the United States and Canada. During the winter, the Western Hognose spends time underground, hiding from predators.
When the Western Hognose snake becomes alarmed, it will strike repeatedly. It will also make a mock strike by flipping on its back, revealing its mouth. This is known as the “play dead” tactic.
In the wild, hognose snakes feed primarily on amphibians and toads. When their habitats become too crowded, they may resort to eating other creatures.
During the breeding season, the female Western Hognose snake lays 4 to 23 eggs. The eggs hatch within 60 days. The snakes live for nine to 19 years in the wild.
Birds
Unlike other snakes, the Western hognose is a crepuscular species. This means that it is active at dawn and dusk. It is also a carnivore. It will feed on toads, rodents and small lizards. In fact, it is so adaptable that it can survive in a variety of different environments.
The Western hognose can be found throughout much of North America. It is not native to the Yellowstone National Park, but it can be found there as well as in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The population is considered endangered in many areas, including Montana and Illinois.
The snout of the western hognose is shaped like a horn. The name Heteredon nasicus refers to this unusual shape.
Mice
During the winter months, your Western hognose might refuse to eat. This can be attributed to a combination of temperatures and hours of light. During this time, you can encourage your snake to eat by thawing out pinky mice. Also, you can offer them a canned salmon or tuna.
In the wild, these snakes primarily eat amphibians and small rodents. In captivity, they eat both live and frozen rodents.
There are several ways to get your Western hognose to eat. The best way to start is to feed them a pinky mouse. These tiny mice are easy to digest, and they are small enough for your snake to easily swallow.
Reptile eggs
Whether you’re new to reptiles or just want to add a different snake to your collection, the Western Hognose Snake can be a great choice. These snakes are relatively easy to raise at home.
To keep these snakes happy, you’ll need to ensure that they have a suitable enclosure. These snakes are naturally active, so they need space to move around. Also, keep in mind that they aren’t large, so you’ll need to provide them with an area that’s at least 20 inches wide.
Fortunately, hognose snakes aren’t as aggressive as other snakes. They will not attack you or other pets unless they’re threatened. However, they do like to be handled. They can also be inquisitive, so it’s important to spend a few minutes each day interacting with them.
Reptilinks
Keeping a reptile can be expensive, but it’s important to give your animal the best care possible. That means providing your pet with all of the proper nutrients. But it doesn’t mean you need to shell out the big bucks. With a few simple measures, you can keep your reptile happy and healthy.
You can offer your hognoses a variety of foods. You can even buy specialty feeders to help your critter get the calories they need. But you’ll need to know how to feed your snake first.
One of the best ways to feed your hognose is to offer him or her prey that you can prepare yourself. This can be frog legs, lizards, or mice. You can get these at most oriental grocery stores. But remember to treat the meat with calcium powder.
Taking care of a western hognose snake
Taking care of a western hognose snake isn’t difficult, but they do have a few unique requirements. Their diet is primarily rodents, but they also eat insects and frogs.
Ensure that the temperature of the enclosure is at least 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re keeping multiple snakes, then it’s a good idea to set up a separate feeding enclosure.
To make sure that your enclosure doesn’t have a fungus or bacteria problem, it’s a good idea to clean it regularly. You can scrub the bowls on a weekly basis.
Western hognose snakes require a sandy substrate for burrowing. They should also have a water bowl.
