Pig-nosed snake

Pig-nosed snake, although it has venomous fangs and saliva, its temperament is relatively docile and it generally does not attack humans. Importantly, their fangs are located in their throat, so even if bitten, they will not be directly bitten by the fang.

At the same time, their venom is also mild, only enough to paralyze frogs, not enough to affect humans. It is safe and harmless, and is a small venomous snake.

The pig-nosed snake family can be divided into three genera: the Heterodon genus distributed in North America, the Lystrophis genus in South America, and the Leioheterodon genus in Madagascar. They all have similar body shapes and upturned noses, which can sometimes be easily confused.

Chinese Name:

猪鼻蛇

English Name:

hognosesnake

Kingdom:

Animalia

Phylum:

Chordata

Subphylum:

Vertebrata

Class:

Reptilia

Order:

Squamata

Family:

Colubridae

Genus:

Heterodon

Species:

Heterodon nasicus

Distribution:

North America, South America, Madagascar

Pig-nosed snakes can be divided into three genera: Heterodon, distributed in North America; Lystrophis, found in South America; and Leioheterodon, found in Madagascar. They all have similar body shapes and upturned snouts, making them sometimes difficult to distinguish. Most of the pig-nosed snakes introduced to Taiwan belong to the Heterodon genus, which is distributed in the United States. Within the Heterodon genus, there are three species: Western hog-nosed snake (H.n.nasicus), Eastern hog-nosed snake (H.n.platyrhinos), and Southern hog-nosed snake (H.n.simus). They are named after the main distribution areas in the United States and are the most common and extensively bred pig-nosed snakes in the pet market. Among them, the western hog-nosed snake is the easiest to feed and breed. Only the Plains hog-nosed snake has subspecies.

Recommended for pet lovers. The pig-nosed snake is a relatively famous pet snake, very cute, and some people want to see its playing dead skill. The pig-nosed snake rarely attacks humans, especially pet snakes (although there are some with bad temperaments), they flatten their head and neck and make a hissing sound when frightened, their body looks inflated, scaring enemies.

1. Shedding issues

   This phenomenon often occurs on snakes that have been transported for a long time or are malnourished for a long time. For a small portion of snakes that cannot shed naturally, there is no need to worry. Usually, normal feeding and drinking water will restore normal shedding in the next shedding. For more severe shedding problems, use a cotton swab dipped in water to wipe the old skin where it connects to the snake's body, trying to help the snake shed. The head of the snake is the key to shedding, as long as the old skin does not affect the snake's vision and swallowing, it will shed normally next time after the snake has regained its strength through several feedings.

   2. Refusal to eat and methods of inducing feeding

   Speaking of pig-nosed snakes, many people think that they are prone to refusal to eat. In fact, it is not difficult to get pig-nosed snakes to resume eating by mastering the right methods.

   The reasons for refusal to eat are usually temperature changes, environmental changes, diseases, etc.

  (1) Temperature changes. During the change of seasons, many players often find that their pig-nosed snakes refuse to eat. This is usually due to changes in temperature and daylight hours, causing the pig-nosed snakes to adjust their biological clocks to the state before hibernation, resulting in refusal to eat. As long as the temperature is adjusted to the previous level, the pig-nosed snakes will usually resume eating.

  (2) Environmental changes. This usually happens to newly purchased pig-nosed snakes that have been transported for a long time and have arrived in the hands of new owners. Changes in the breeding environment cause pig-nosed snakes to refuse to eat. Generally, as long as the pig-nosed snakes have not refused to eat before, they will usually resume eating after a period of time to adapt to the environment, although some individuals do need more time to adapt to the environment and require more patience.

  (3) Diseases. Pig-nosed snakes have a strong digestive ability and usually do not have severe gastrointestinal problems (I have not encountered real gastrointestinal diseases). Generally, pig-nosed snakes with gastrointestinal problems are usually weak seedlings (usually multiple generations of descendants) or caused by improper feeding during the juvenile period. Treatment is difficult. Therefore, attention should be paid when selecting snakes.

   Methods of inducing feeding:

  (1) This is an effective method for most pig-nosed snakes that refuse to eat. Remove the water bowl of the pig-nosed snake for a few days and do not give it water. Remove the head of a thawed mouse. If it is relatively fresh, blood will usually seep out. Dip the body of the mouse in water and use this to feed the pig-nosed snake by licking the water. The pig-nosed snake will be very eager to drink water. Repeat the process of feeding the snake with water. Usually, during the process of licking the blood water, it will stimulate the pig-nosed snake's conditioned reflex to swallow food. After several times, the pig-nosed snake will usually be able to eat normally. This method is also often used for newly born snakes.

  (2) If the first method does not work for a long time, you can try rubbing the surface of the mouse with a toad or a gecko, and then feed the pig-nosed snake with the mouse. This method should only be used when the first method is ineffective and continuing will affect the pig-nosed snake's life because once this method is used, the pig-nosed snake will become dependent on the taste of toads or geckos, as their food in the wild is typically these. Therefore, it is difficult to change. In any case, there is no need to directly feed toads or geckos, as this will cause parasitic problems and may lead to malnutrition.

   3. Regurgitation

   Over 90% of regurgitation cases are caused by overeating.

   Usually, if pig-nosed snakes eat too many or too large white mice, they will regurgitate. After that, they will refuse to eat for 1-2 meals. At this time, they need to be fed a small amount during their first meal after recovering, and usually the second meal will return to normal. There is no need to take medication or BAC, which sometimes has the opposite effect.

   4. Diarrhea

   Normal feces (wanted to include a picture, but unfortunately forgot to clean all of them earlier), usually have a donkey dung egg shape and a long cylindrical shape. Abnormal feces can vary in appearance.

   Regardless of the type of abnormal feces, most are caused by temperature changes, similar to diarrhea caused by catching a cold. Usually, maintaining the temperature can restore normal feces. If diarrhea persists for a long time, dip the pig-nosed snake in probiotic powder when feeding it, any brand of BAC will do, but make sure it is active.

  For severe diarrhea, it is necessary to go to a pet hospital to have the feces examined and treat it according to the type of bacteria infection. Medication should not be used blindly.

Pig-nosed snake breeding knowledge

The pig-nosed snake is generally docile, but it will react accordingly when threatened. It will turn its belly up, open its mouth and play dead. This behavior is usually observed in wild pig-nosed snakes, and is rarely seen in captive ones. Another trick is to spread its neck ribs and make a hissing sound, resembling a cobra, pretending to attack, but it won't actually bite. It is just a scare tactic. The only difference is that they cannot raise the upper body like a cobra. This move often happens after breeding, but if you ignore it, it will return to normal.

It is also easy to distinguish between males and females. Female snakes are larger than males, but male snakes have longer tails. To breed pig-nosed snakes, it is best to use low temperatures during hibernation to catalyze the male's sperm, which will increase the fertilization rate. The temperature during hibernation should be maintained at 12-15 degrees Celsius for about 6-8 weeks. Female snakes can store sperm. One effective mating is enough for a year of egg production. A female snake can lay 10-40 eggs, which hatch in about 50 days at a temperature of 26-28 degrees Celsius. Pig-nosed snakes have a record of eating snakes, so it is best to separate young snakes or males for breeding, and only keep them together during reproduction.

Basically, pig-nosed snakes, like king snakes, are selectively bred and cultivated in professional breeding farms in the United States. This has also produced many individuals with special color patterns, and their prices have multiplied accordingly. Snake enthusiasts should pay more attention to them.

Feeding tips for pig-nosed snakes

Pig-nosed snakes have no special requirements for food and have a very gentle temperament. Their prices in the market are not high, making them suitable for beginners to keep as pets. So, what should we feed pet pig-nosed snakes?

Pig-nosed snakes mainly feed on rodents, lizards, and frogs. However, eastern pig-nosed snakes are an exception. They only eat cane toads and are immune to their toxins. Pig-nosed snakes are common pet snake species, and the western ones are relatively easy to keep. Eastern pig-nosed snakes are also common, but their feeding habits often cause headaches for keepers.