Setting Up An Enclosure for Hognose Snakes

Introduction

• Presenter: Adam
• Channel: Wiccan's Wicked Reptiles
• Purpose: Setting up an affordable and effective enclosure for adult and baby hognose snakes.

Enclosure Basics

• Size Recommendations:
  • Adult Male: 20+ gallons
  • Adult Female: Minimum 40+ gallons
• Key Dimension: Floor space is crucial rather than height (e.g., 24" x 24" for optimal space).

Choosing and Preparing the Enclosure

• Types: PVC or Glass enclosures
• Cleaning: Important to clean out any new enclosure before use.

Lighting

• Essential for creating a day-night cycle for diurnal species like hognose snakes.
• Options:
  • Strip lights are recommended for even lighting.
  • UVB lights are optional but can be beneficial.
  • Lighting setup: Install strip lights inside the enclosure using adhesive backing.

Heating

• Snakes are ectotherms (external heat sources needed).
• Methods:
  • Heat Tape or Heat Mat: Recommended for bottom heating.
  • Always use a thermostat to control temperature and prevent accidents.
• Placement: Connect thermostat probe to monitor surface temperature reliably.

Substrate Choices

• Preferred Substrates:
  • Aspen: Easy to clean, dry, and cost-effective.
  • Coconut core and sand mixture (50/50): Ensure dryness.
• Avoid using paper towels as hognose snakes enjoy burrowing.

Enclosure Interior: Hides and Decorations

• Hides:
  • Warm Hide: On the warm side, over the heat source.
  • Cool Hide: Opposite the warm hide.
  • Optional Humid Hide: Use during shedding or egg-laying, placed on the warm side.
• Decoration:
  • Use affordable items like silk plants for cover.
  • Ensure paths between hides are covered for snake security.

Water Bowl

• Use non-porous materials for easy cleaning.
• Place on the cool side to minimize evaporation and humidity.

Additional Considerations

• Enclosure should have opaque sides to reduce stress for snakes.
• Thermometers & Hygrometers:
  • Recommended to monitor ambient temperature and humidity.
  • Use digital ones for accuracy and simplicity.

Conclusion

• Setting up an enclosure is simple and can be done affordably.
• Encourages viewer feedback and sharing of expertise.

Extras

• Encouragement to subscribe and support via Patreon for exclusive content.
• Look forward to more reptile content as the new reptile room is set up.