Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just got a western hognose, who is living in a 2 1/2 gallon for now. I want to move him to the 20 High gallon, but the breeder told me the weirdest thing. He said if I put him in that size tank, "he will get lost." What on earth? I'm sure snakes born in the wild certainly have a bigger space to roam than the size of a 20 gallon high tank... and I doubt being born in captivity would change this much. Can anyone tell me why I shouldn't put the little guy in a 20 gal? I think it would be good to give him that much room to roam and then he wouldn't have the stress of changing tanks as he grows. I have a 10 gal too but 20 gal is nicer.
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purrhisswoofmeowblubsqueakneigh

I will assume your Hognose ia a neonate. And they are very small at that size. The problem is not giving the snake more room. The problem is most snakes at this age and size feel very stressful in open spaces. Since in the wild they would be food if caught out in the open.

It probably is, but I see what you mean! Well right now as I said (i think i said) he's in the 2.5 gallon. It just seems so cramped! He's got a little hiding spot on the cool side and the warm side, then a water dish in the middle because there's room nowhere else. Ick! Would a 10 gallon be alright?
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purrhisswoofmeowblubsqueakneigh

I think a ten gallon tank would be perfect. And latter on your 20 gallon should be all he will need.

i have a 16 inch individual in a 50 gallon and hes doin great...

Putting a baby in a 20 gallon should be fine if you offer a ton of hiding places that are small enough so he can feel contact on all sides. So long as he has a bunch of places to retreat to and privacy.
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You could put your snake in a 500 gallon aquarium and it would not get lost if properly set up. The problem in captivity is poor set ups in large tanks. Make sure you have a temperature gradient that never gets to low. Make sure you have multiple hiding area. Make sure you keep proper humidity through out. If snakes got lost in big areas, well its amazing they don't get lost in the wild. LOL.
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