The Western hognose snake is one of the more popular colubrids among reptile keepers. Here in the United States, they are available in a variety of different colorations, or morphs.
A two-headed Western hognose snake (Heterodon nasiscus nasiscus) that recently hatched at Exeter Exotics in England is apparently doing well so far and one of the heads has been eating.
Pink pastel Western hognose snake. Photo Credit: fivespots/Shutterstock
“We have had so many people ask how the Two Headed Western Hognose is doing & we are happy to report that so far it appears to be doing well,” Exeter Exotics wrote on Facebook. “The right hand side head prefers sardine scented pinky heads & will take it from you himself if held up to him. The left hand head is interested in food but we think the throat may be a little narrower for that head as it seemed to struggle when offered food before. Hopefully this improves with time as the snake grows… possibly just having to have smaller food items.”
Exeter Exotics pointed out the peculiarities of the left side head making chewing motions even though the right side head is eating.
“Fingers crossed they continue to do well & we will keep you updated.”
The snake is connected right at the head, so they share the same neck and body. It is a cute little hoggie and hopefully it does well. Two-headed snakes generally don’t do well in the wild, and in some cases, are challenging to keep alive even in captivity. It is a good sign this little guy is eating. It will be fuji to watch as he progresses.
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The Western hognose snake is one of the more popular colubrids among reptile keepers. Here in the United States, they are available in a variety of different colorations, or morphs. The price of these snakes has also gone up considerably in the last seven or eight years. They are generally not a large snake, and in the wild feed on amphibians. They are known to puff up and make hissing noises when stressed, and as a last resort, they play dead.
Two-headed snakes are somewhat rare, but not uncommon. In the wild, their chances of surviving are slimmer than if they are born in captivity. Everyone loves to see a two-headed snake!
