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So You Want to Get a Western Hognose Snake?An In-depth Careguide
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I. Preface
The care guidelines proposed below are the results of consulting multiple sources as well as personal experience with keeping and breeding these animals. Nothing is guaranteed and every animal truly is different. For this reason, many of us are insistent about purchasing direct from the breeder, instead of from pet stores. It’s not about the money, but instead the health and wellbeing of your animal. As a breeder, I know the animals I am raising. I know their quirks with feeding, their “personalities” as they grow (yes, they really are all different), and I know how they were raised. I can tell you if the snake you are buying has ever been on scented mice and what type of scent. This is important to remember: when in doubt, consult the breeder.
Keeping these wonderful animals is a privilege, and they are dependent on you. Their health and “happiness” is your responsibility, but if you put the time and effort in, it’s worth it. I love every doofy personality I work with. I hope you do too...
The care guidelines proposed below are the results of consulting multiple sources as well as personal experience with keeping and breeding these animals. Nothing is guaranteed and every animal truly is different. For this reason, many of us are insistent about purchasing direct from the breeder, instead of from pet stores. It’s not about the money, but instead the health and wellbeing of your animal. As a breeder, I know the animals I am raising. I know their quirks with feeding, their “personalities” as they grow (yes, they really are all different), and I know how they were raised. I can tell you if the snake you are buying has ever been on scented mice and what type of scent. This is important to remember: when in doubt, consult the breeder.
Keeping these wonderful animals is a privilege, and they are dependent on you. Their health and “happiness” is your responsibility, but if you put the time and effort in, it’s worth it. I love every doofy personality I work with. I hope you do too...
So Your Hognose Isn't Feeding?A Troubleshooting Guide
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I. Things to Remember
A. All snakes, hognose especially, need a short period of time to settle into their new home. Be mindful of this and give them a full week of alone-time after introducing them to their new home BEFORE you try feeding them. While this time isn’t always necessary, it’s a safe procedure to follow. Barring a rescue/severely malnourished snake, a week longer off food will not starve them...
A. All snakes, hognose especially, need a short period of time to settle into their new home. Be mindful of this and give them a full week of alone-time after introducing them to their new home BEFORE you try feeding them. While this time isn’t always necessary, it’s a safe procedure to follow. Barring a rescue/severely malnourished snake, a week longer off food will not starve them...
Basic First Aid Care for Your Hognose |
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It's incredibly important to remember that it's always best to consult and visit a licensed veterinarian for the appropriate care measures for your animal. We are not licensed and thus are unable to provide you with complete guidance for medical care, however, the following document can help you in the meantime as you wait to see a licensed professional. Do not substitute professional help with the following care.
A Size Comparison |
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As I was prepping for a post in a Facebook group I help admin for primarily novice Hognose Snake Keepers I realized I should probably share this elsewhere. Generally, most new keepers do not grasp just how small hognose hatchlings are. Size out of the egg can vary drastically, as can the size of the hatchling when a breeder makes it available for purchase, but while the animal remains on pinkies this concept usually holds.