Datasheet Hog-nosed Snake
Trade name:
Hog-nosed snake
Latin name:
Heterodon nasicus
Origin:
North America and northern Mexico
Size:
45 – 60cm, maximum 90cm
Life expectancy:
15 – 18 years
Behavior/stocking:
pronounced defensive behavior in case of danger (use of poisonous fangs, standing up, dummy attacks, spraying of a foul-smelling liquid), feigning death (bleeding from the mouth due to targeted rupture of blood vessels), very active, spends a lot of time buried, active during the day, plant stock rather unsuitable (is dug up )
Groups vs. individual housing:
Group keeping or keeping as a pair is possible; Solitary housing is the least stressful for the animal
Lining:
frogs, toads, lizards, reptiles, small birds, small mammals; Live food usually dangerous for the snake and associated with torment of the animal; Frozen food is often refused; Prekilled feed is a good alternative
difficulty level
Very frugal, does not make high demands on the owner Peter Paplanus from St. Louis, Missouri, Dusty Hognose Snake (Heterodon gloydi) (30203048175), CC BY 2.0
Beautifully mottled in earth tones, the snake is a viper of the viper family. Like all other reptiles, it is one of the more exotic pets that requires a certain level of basic knowledge.
The crocodile snake has also established itself over time among reptile keepers and enjoys some popularity. This article summarizes who such a copy is suitable for and what to look out for.
acquisition and maintenance
As with any other pet, certain points must be observed both when purchasing and keeping them. The most important key data can be found in the following paragraph.
purchase
In Germany, keeping poisonous animals is strictly prohibited. Since the Hog-nosed snake is one, this prohibition applies to them as well. Because their poison is not dangerous for humans, you can apply for a special permit for this species.
In order to obtain this, a visit by the veterinary office must confirm that safe and species-appropriate husbandry is given. In addition, each animal must be registered with the competent authority.
Important: this procedure does not have to be carried out in every German federal state! Some states, such as B. North Rhine-Westphalia, do without an official registration or approval.
Hospice snakes can be purchased from professional breeders. In any case, it is important to ensure that the source from which the animal is obtained is really reputable.
Otherwise, you risk getting an illegally imported, sick or otherwise injured animal.
attitude
As already mentioned, keeping them is relatively uncomplicated and can include one or more animals in one terrarium.
Terrarium requirements
First of all, depending on the number of snakes kept, the size of the terrarium is important. For a single specimen it should be at least 90 x 50 x 60 cm, for a pair the minimum is 120 x 50 x 60 cm.
The substrate is also decisive for the keeping of a crocodile snake. Because it digs entire tunnel systems, coconut fibre, peat and soil are recommended here.
Sand is strongly discouraged, otherwise the adder will get deformed over time. The reason should be filled 8-12cm high.
One or two hiding spots on the surface must also be provided for each animal. Caves, rock formations and cork tubes are best suited for this.
Nevertheless, they must always be well secured, because the crocodile snake could undermine them and be injured by them. One of the hiding places should also be set up as a wet box, as this facilitates both moulting and egg laying.
As mentioned above, decorative plants are preferable to real ones, as they are just as affected by the intensive digging activities. A water bowl must also be available for bathing. In order to protect the pet from drowning, it must not be too deep.
The temperatures should be between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius during the day, a separate sunny spot should reach 35 degrees Celsius. At night, however, it should cool down to room temperature.
The lighting varies according to the season. Depending on this, basic lighting should be provided for between 6 and 14 hours a day.
A humidity of 40 – 60% is ideal, which is very easy to maintain if the terrarium is set up correctly.
In order for the animal to feel comfortable, skin and food residues as well as faeces must be removed daily.
Ltshears, Western Hognose Snake by Trisha, CC BY-SA 3.0
gender differences
The sex of this snake species can be recognized very well by the stature. Not only are the females significantly larger and bulkier than the males, they also have a much shorter tail.
feed and nutrition
The hare-nosed snake is very picky about what it eats. It often takes a while for her to accept the food and it’s not always easy to find out what she prefers. More detailed information on what can be fed can be found in the data sheet above.
Young animals up to 24 months have a very fast metabolism, so that it is practically impossible to overfeed them. They need new food every 4-5 days. A feeding rhythm of 8 – 12 days is recommended for adult specimens.
If you keep several of these snakes, you should definitely make sure that you feed the individual animals separately.
acclimatization and handling
The Hog-nosed snake generally prefers to flee rather than attack. For this reason you should give her at least a few days to get used to her new terrarium.
You only come into contact with the animal during feeding so as not to stress it further.
After the acclimatization phase, the adder should be gradually accustomed to physical contact. This should be done with great care as she will become defensive if she feels cornered. All in all, Heterodon nasicus is not a cuddly toy and should be treated accordingly.
Other questions
Finally, questions that arise particularly frequently are answered.
How dangerous is the Hog-nosed snake’s venom?
The venom of this snake species is unpleasant for humans, but not life-threatening. The only exception are allergy sufferers, since this poison behaves in a similar way to that of bees or wasps and can therefore cause an anaphylactic reaction.
How much does a Hog-nosed snake cost?
The price for such a snake varies greatly between different breeders. It is usually between 80 and 250 euros.