Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I finally purchased a western hognose from a breeder, which is still at the breeder's shop so I can set up a proper enclosure.

Enclosure: 10 gallon aquarium with screen top and security
clips...

Substrate: aspen (3 inches in depth)

Heat sources: Primary - under tank heat mat (8 Watts)
Secondary - Red 75 Watt Bulb regulated by
thermostat

Furnishings: two small caves (hides - one on cool end, one on
hot), water dish, silk foliage

Misc: digital thermometer and humidity gauge

Questions:

I have researched caresheets online, including Extremehogs.com and hognose.com, as well as expert village on YouTube. Many of these sites have varying information.

1. Is a ten-gal. enclosure small enough for my baby hog?
2. What should be the temperature gradient?

*** I've read mid 70's - 85, as well as mid 80's - 90 ***

3. Is it normal for this snake to not strike prey? My hognose
didn't seem interested when fed with tongs. When the pinky
was dropped, it opened its mouth and began swallowing.

4. How often and for what length of time should I handle this
hognose at this stage of life?

5. I'm nervous about taking care of such a "fragile looking"
animal. I only have experience with a cornsnake and a ball
python purchased as yearlings. Any other advice?

1.0.0 amenalistic (red albino) cornsnake
0.1.0 Royal (Ball) Python
0.0.1 Western Hognose

It sounds like you've done your research. A ten gallon is fine, but feel free to put some more hides in there if you wish. I keep my hot ends about 86-87 and the cool end in the low 70s. I don't think any of my hogs ever strike at the prey but just go at, which if you think about their design they use their rear jaws, so striking would only be to secure food. I wouldn't advise handling it much at first, let it get acclimated to its new home, but after that as long as you handle gently you should be good. Good luck!

Sounds like you are prepared. Just remember, these guys are not like corns and BP's, they do not "hold on" when you are holding them, so make sure you give it lots of support. They are very poor climbers and will fall if you are not careful. Just give it a week or so to settle in.
-----
Jenea
Guardian Reptiles

"When your memories are bigger than your dreams, you're headed for the grave" Author unknown

Yeah...Ive noticed that my little hog is a poor climber. It tries to scale the glass aquarium, but falls like a tree. Right now, it's nowhere in site (under the aspen).

Thank you for the support...

oops...

sight, not site

I've nothing to add to the xcellent advise you've been given. I, too, like to keep my Hoggies at a high 80's "day" temp and high to mid 70's "night" temp. This is the temp at the 'hot' spot with the under tank filter and "basking" light if I need to supplement the heat/temp.

The 'cool' spot is going to a couple/few degrees lower than the warmer end.

You are going to LOVE your Hoggy!

I like to keep a 100 basking spot, with a room temp cool spot.