New to Hog Nose ownership

[Dana C]

I will be the proud owner of a 40" Leioheterodon in a couple of days. What is the minimum size tank I should consider keeping her in? Also, will she need UVB lighting?

[aceman1011]

A 10 or 20 gal is fine. They don't need UVB lighting.

[Dana C]

A 10 or 20 gal is fine. They don't need UVB lighting.

I got her yesterday. She arrived in ok shape. I am worried that she is not eating. Her skin is loose and while I can't see her ribs I wonder if she eats at all.
I know that Madagascar's feed mostly on lizards, frogs and other small reptiles with the occasional mouse or baby bird thrown it but I wonder if this one has been fed at all. I got her from LLL Reptiles.

Your thoughts and advice would be welcomed.

[Randy J.]

As far as housing, my suggestion is a 20 gal Long tank, or another equal sized enclosure.. As far as condition, realize that she has just been through a traumatic shipping experience, and may be near a shed as well... Leave her be for a day or two, to adjust and de-stress, then offer her a meal.. Eventually she will be o.k., as long as her housing is the right temp/humidity, and there's enough hides and foliage... Would love to see some pics of her...

[aceman1011]

If her skin is loose and she isn't eating she's probably shedding.

[aalomon]

Another vote for probably in shed. I had one years ago (also from LLL), and he was a bottomless pit. Ate anything you put in front of him, unless he was in shed.

[Dana C]

I that could be the case but her skin is vibrant and shiney. In other words, she doesn't look like she is going to shed anytime soon. I did some additional research and decide to "brain" a medium mouse. That did the trick and she gobbled it.

On another note, this Madagascar Speckled is beautiful specimen and is very docile for wild caught snake. I say wild caught as I don't think there are any being bred domestically.