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Your animal will come with a printout of their health history!

Legit Reptiles has a "Crypto" free closed collection that practices biosecurity protocols by quarantining, regular testing, and staying up to date on the most recent medical research.

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Western Hognose Snake Care

The western hognose snake (Heterodon nasicus) is a small, stout-bodied colubrid snake native to the Great Plains region of North America. They get their name from their upturned snout which they use to burrow in sandy soils. Hognose snakes are well-known for their dramatic defensive displays which include hissing, head flattening, and playing dead.With proper care, western hognose snakes make great captives and can live 15-20 years.

Enclosure

A front-opening glass or plastic terrarium at least 20 gallons for an adult. Larger is better.
Western hognoses are excellent escape artists, so make sure the enclosure is very secure.

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For babies and juveniles, I use tubs and/or sterilite containers.

Aspen shavings or a soil/sand mix work well and allow for burrowing.
Spot clean enclosure regularly and do full substrate changes every 4-6 weeks.

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Hides

Provide at least two hides on opposite ends of the enclosure to allow thermoregulation. These hides all work great!

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Heating

Overhead or under tank heating to create a warm side of 88-92°F and a cooler side of 75-80°F. No matter what choice you make for heating, under tank or from above, you need to measure temperatures at least weekly. You must also have a thermostat! There are many options.I love this laser thermometer. I use it cooking too!

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Thermostats

There are many options of thermostats. I've successfully used many types. For single snake setups I've used these inkbird thermostats.For reptile racks and incubators I like herpstats. link

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I use fluker's heat mats for under tank heating. The heat mat plugs into a thermostat. The thermostat has a probe that measures the temperature you set it to and controls the heat mat power on/off. Always make sure your heat is working prior to bringing your animal home. Also, ensure that it only covers 1/3 of the enclosure so that your reptile can thermoregulate (move to cooler side as needed).

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Humidity

Maintain humidity levels around 30-40% with a large water dish.

I use these Govee Hygrometer / Thermometers. They work really well.

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Lighting

Western hognose snakes benefit from UVB lighting for their overall health and to synthesize vitamin D3, which aids in calcium absorption.
Use a low percentage (6%-7%) UVB bulb designed for reptile use, positioned over the warm area.
The UVB bulb should be kept on for 12 hours per day and replaced every 12 months as UVB output declines over time.
We recommend the Arcadia Shadedweller 7% T5's. They work well with leopard geckos too.

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Feeding

Feeding
Western hognose snakes are heavy-bodied and have a relatively large appetite for their size.
Feed hatchlings (0-25g) every 3-4 days
Feed juveniles (25-100g) every 5-7 days
Feed adults (100g+) every 7-14 days
Prey size should be no wider than the snake's head at its widest point
Smaller, more frequent meals are better than larger, infrequent meals
Only feed frozen/thawed mice, not live

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Water

Keep their water fresh at least a few times a week. It's best if it's been dechlorinated. You can use this product or just let it sit in the room, prior to giving to your snake, for 24-48 hrs for the to chlorine to evaporate.

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Handling

Hognose snakes tend to become calmer with regular gentle handling. We handle all of our reptiles regularly. Support their body fully and avoid grabbing their head. Be prepared for their dramatic defensive displays.

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Quality, Trust, and Customer Satisfaction

Buyer Agreement• Agreement of purchase implies buyer confirms they are at least 18 years old
• I accept Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, Credit Card, Debit CardShipping
• Available anywhere in continental USA
•Animals are shipped through Shipyourreptiles by Priority Overnight shipping according to Shipyourreptiles shipping guidelines
•Shipping to FedEx hub for pick-up that accepts live animals is available and recommended over home delivery
•Residential/Commercial deliveries will require signature
•Any issues with your delivery must be brought to my attention within 4 hours after receiptHealth Guarantee
•All animals come with 7day health guarantee
•All animals for sale are eating well and in good health
•It is strongly recommended that any animals purchased, no matter where, should be quarantined for 30 days. Failure to do so may void health guaranteeReturns
•Returns and refunds are case by case and not guaranteed
•Buyer is responsible for return shipping fees
•In the unlikely event of a DOA, buyer must notify me within 4 hours of accepting delivery and provide photo proof of deceased animal

Continental U.S. flat rate shipping $55.00 added to order

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Purchasing a live reptile online can be daunting. You deserve expert customer service and a well cared for healthy animal.
That's why Legit Reptiles hatched!
We believe that you deserve expert customer service.
Legit Reptiles promises to deliver a healthy, high quality, accurately represented reptile or your money back.

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