Western hognose snake (Heterodon Nasicus)
I met the Heterodon Nasicus about 10 years ago. And, frankly, I mistook these reptiles for poisonous ones: not only are they exactly the same as their poisonous brothers in appearance, but the habits of the typical poisonous snakes imitate them perfectly. They used to move with the help of a "harmonica" or a "caterpillar" like snakes, when they tried to approach them, they made sharp lateral attacks with a loud whistle, and their whole appearance tried to compensate for a terrible fear. I was quite surprised to learn that they were "non-poisoned eaters", or rather Western pig snakes (Heterodon nasicus). At the time, these snakes were quite expensive and difficult to reach for an amateur terrarist. The years passed and in the summer of 2002, two of these charming creatures came to enrich my collection. In three years, I have gained a lot of experience in breeding and maintaining these wonderful reptiles.
General information.
Let's start in order. It is reported that the Western Swine Snake (Heterodon nasicus) is more than one meter long, although females usually do not exceed 60-80 cm, and males are even smaller, reaching a height of 25-45 cm. They are small "dense" snakes with the tip of the nose strongly curved upwards and resemble a piglet patch (hence their name). The scales are strongly carinated, giving the body of the snake a rough appearance on the outside. The snake is not venomous, although it does have back teeth, but according to research by American scientists, there are no grooves and channels for venom in these teeth. Venomous gland snakes and toxic saliva are not found in the other species in this genus: Heterodon platyrhinos and Heterodon simus. The back teeth are only used to pierce the prey and "discharge" the air and water from the frogs and toads when they are swallowed.
These snakes are usually painted in shades of gray, sand or light brown, with dark brown, reddish or olive spots on the back.
The Western Rat Snake is found in southern Canada and much of the United States, from southeastern Arizona to eastern Texas. The southern limits of its range are less well known because data for Mexico is fragmentary. The southern limit of the range is known to pass slightly south of San Luis Potosi in the east and Durango in the west. Three subspecies are described by area: Heterodon nasicus nasicus, H. n. kennerlyi and H. n. gloydi. The snake is quite rare throughout its range, due to the reduction of natural habitats and the reserved way of life. It is protected by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
It inhabits H. nasicus in dry, sandy soils, but is also found in forest litter. The snake leads a normal, busy lifestyle. The basic diet consists of frogs and toads, small rodents, and small reptiles. Cases of consumption of turtle eggs by pig snakes have been recorded. In case of danger, they can pretend to be dead by emitting an unpleasant smell, although I have not seen such behavior in the terrarium. Snake laying, 6 to 30 eggs The nominated subspecies Heterodon nasicus nasicus can be distinguished from other subspecies of pig snakes by its black belly.
Keep in a terrarium
A small horizontal terrarium of 50 x 35 cm is sufficient to keep the pig snakes in captivity. The height of the terrarium is not of particular importance since the snakes lead an earthly life. At one end of the terrarium, the local bottom and top heater is placed. The upper heater is turned off at night. There are several shelters in the terrarium, one of which is used to make a wet cell. It is necessary to keep the average humidity in the range of 50-60%. The total temperature is 24-26 °C during the day and 22-23 °C at night. In the place of local heating, the temperature should be 30-32 °C.
The floor of the terrarium should be quite loose, as the pig snakes dig it out with the tip of their snout. I use large chips as soil, but it is much more decorative (for conservation in the display terrarium) to use chopped solid wood bark (supplied to the Russian market by several well-known manufacturers) or special brand soil for the conservation of real snakes. It is advisable to keep the snakes one by one, as there have been cases of cannibalism, and to plant them together only for mating, during the breeding period. Reptiles mainly lead a daily life.
Feeding
Snakes in captivity are fed every 7 to 14 days. I use small herbs and spice frogs, naked rats and mice as food in terrarium conditions. It is important to point out that snakes have rather short stomachs, so it is better to use only one medium sized food for feeding. Overfeeding leads to regurgitation, food rejection and disorders of the gastrointestinal system. The best food for swine snakes is frogs. Even if digestive problems begin, feeding the frog will help restore normal function. Due to frequent feeding of rodents, even healthy animals have liquid feces with undigested pieces of skin (which, however, is not a sign of disease). For better digestion of naked mice and rattlesnakes, we give them torn or refreshed food without skin. Adult snakes eat well and thaw food objects.
Skin changes (molting) in swine snakes occur in the same way as in all terrestrial reptiles. The signal for the beginning of molt is the opacification of the body skin and eyes. At this stage and until the end of molt, it is preferable that the snakes do not feed. They generally refuse to feed. Snakes molt much less frequently than other reptiles (adults - twice a year, young - a little more often).
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