If you’re considering adding a new reptile to your collection, the Lavender Western Hognose Snake should definitely be at the top of your list. With its striking coloration, docile temperament, and fascinating behavior, this beautiful morph of the Western Hognose Snake is becoming an increasingly popular choice among reptile enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned reptile keeper or a beginner, this species has a lot to offer. In this article, we will explore the top five reasons why a Lavender Western Hognose Snake might be the perfect addition to your pet collection.
1. Unique and Stunning Appearance
One of the primary reasons people are drawn to the Lavender Western Hognose Snake is its incredible and eye-catching appearance. The Lavender morph, which is a color variation of the Western Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicus), stands out with its beautiful lavender, pale purple, and gray hues, often with a mix of lighter or darker markings along its back. This color variation makes the Lavender Western Hognose one of the most sought-after hognose morphs available.
Beyond its lavender tones, the Western Hognose Snake in general has a distinct look. They have a characteristic upturned snout, which they use for digging in the wild. This feature, combined with their smooth scales and stout, stocky body, gives them an intriguing, almost comical appearance. Their size—typically ranging between 14 to 20 inches for adults—also makes them an appealing option for those looking for a manageable yet visually striking snake.
With their unique and beautiful coloration, Lavender Western Hognose Snakes make an impressive display in any reptile collection. Whether displayed in a vivarium or kept in a well-maintained terrarium, their vibrant colors and playful nature are sure to draw attention.
2. Docile and Gentle Temperament
Another reason to consider choosing a Lavender Western Hognose Snake is its well-known docile and easygoing temperament. This species is famous for being one of the most calm and non-aggressive snakes, making it a great choice for both new reptile owners and experienced keepers alike.
While many snakes tend to be shy or defensive, Lavender Western Hognose Snakes are generally relaxed and tolerant of handling, especially when raised in captivity. These snakes are known for being curious, and although they may hiss and flatten their necks in a defensive display when they feel threatened, they rarely bite. In fact, many owners report that hognose snakes, including the lavender morph, prefer to play dead or “feign death” when they feel endangered, rather than engaging in aggressive behavior. This dramatic defensive posture is part of what makes the species so endearing to reptile enthusiasts.
The gentle temperament of the Lavender Western Hognose Snake makes it ideal for individuals who want a pet snake that is not only easy to care for but also one that can be handled regularly without the risk of stress or defensive behavior. For families with children or those interested in a snake that can be regularly interacted with, this species fits the bill perfectly.
3. Low Maintenance and Easy to Care For
The Lavender Western Hognose Snake is an excellent choice for reptile enthusiasts looking for a relatively low-maintenance pet. While all reptiles require some level of care, hognose snakes are known for being hardy and easy to maintain, making them a great species for first-time snake owners.
Enclosure Setup
One of the primary reasons for the Lavender Western Hognose’s low-maintenance reputation is its simple enclosure needs. While the snake will need a minimum of a 20-gallon tank for adults, it doesn’t require an elaborate or expensive setup. A basic terrarium with the right substrate, hides, water dish, and heat source is sufficient. Aspen bedding, cypress mulch, or coconut fiber makes for an excellent substrate, and hognose snakes enjoy burrowing, so providing at least 2-4 inches of bedding allows them to engage in natural behaviors.
The temperature and humidity needs of the Lavender Western Hognose Snake are also relatively easy to maintain. This species thrives in a temperature range of 75-85°F, with a slight temperature gradient in the enclosure to allow for thermoregulation. As they are a species from dry, sandy areas, they don’t require high humidity levels, and a relative humidity of 30%-50% is usually sufficient.
Feeding and Diet
Lavender Western hognose snakes for sale are carnivores, and their diet mainly consists of appropriately sized rodents, typically mice. They can be fed once every 5-7 days as juveniles and every 7-10 days as adults, depending on the size of their prey. They are not picky eaters and will readily take frozen-thawed rodents, which makes feeding easier and more convenient for the owner. Overall, their feeding schedule is simple to manage and does not require exotic or hard-to-find food sources.
Shedding
Another aspect that makes hognose snakes relatively low-maintenance is their shedding process. Western Hognose Snakes generally shed every 4-6 weeks, and when kept in proper humidity levels, they typically have no issues shedding their skin in one piece. If your snake encounters any problems with shedding, increasing humidity slightly or providing a humid hide can often help.
4. Great for Handling and Interactive Pets
The Lavender Western Hognose Snake is perfect for owners who are looking for a snake that enjoys handling and interaction. While not all snakes are keen on being handled, the Lavender Western Hognose Snake is known for being quite tolerant and calm when it comes to human interaction. They are one of the friendliest species of snakes, especially when raised in captivity, and many owners report that their hognose snakes enjoy being gently handled.
This species’ easygoing nature makes it an excellent choice for those who are new to handling snakes or want a pet that they can engage with regularly. They are generally less skittish than other species of snake and often seem curious rather than fearful. Their relatively small size also makes them easier to handle and maneuver than larger species, and they typically do not require much more than a gentle touch during handling sessions.
For those who are looking to interact with their snake without causing it undue stress, the Lavender Western Hognose Snake is a great option. Its easy-going temperament means that it can be handled a few times a week without issue, making it a highly interactive pet.
5. Fascinating and Entertaining Behaviors
Beyond their physical appearance and temperament, the Lavender Western Hognose Snake also offers some of the most fascinating behaviors in the reptile world. Hognose snakes, including the lavender morph, are known for their entertaining and unique antics, which can be both amusing and endearing to watch.
Hissing and Displaying
As a defense mechanism, Western Hognose Snakes are known for their dramatic hissing displays and striking postures. They flatten their necks and hiss loudly when they feel threatened, which can be quite an amusing spectacle. This behavior is purely defensive, and while it might seem intimidating to some, the hognose snake rarely follows through with biting. Instead, it will usually attempt to “play dead” to fool predators into thinking it is no longer a threat.
Burrowing
Lavender Western Hognose Snakes also engage in natural burrowing behavior, which can be fascinating to observe. In the wild, they use their upturned snouts to dig into the sandy soil to search for prey or seek refuge from predators. In captivity, providing the right substrate will allow your hognose to dig, burrow, and explore its enclosure in a way that mimics its natural environment. Watching this behavior can be highly entertaining and satisfying for snake owners.
Feeding Behavior
Another fascinating aspect of the Lavender Western Hognose Snake is its feeding behavior. While many snakes are instinctive feeders, hognose snakes are often a bit more deliberate. They may initially display defensive behaviors, only to quickly “relax” and consume their prey with surprising speed and efficiency. It’s not uncommon to see them coil up and “strike” at the food before consuming it, creating an entertaining feeding ritual.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Lavender Western Hognose Snake is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a unique, easy-to-care-for, and interactive pet snake. Its stunning appearance, docile temperament, low-maintenance care requirements, fascinating behaviors, and friendly nature make it a perfect reptile for both novice and experienced snake owners. Whether you are captivated by its beauty, enchanted by its behavior, or simply seeking a snake that is fun to handle and care for, the Lavender Western Hognose Snake will not disappoint. If you’re in the market for a new reptile companion, this striking species should definitely be on your radar.
