Western Hognose Snakes (Heterodon nasicus) Prefer Environmental Enrichment

SIMPLE SUMMARY: With the growing popularity of snakes in the pet trade, investigation into environmental enrichment preferences in snakes is critical to their captive welfare. Unfortunately, small, minimalistic enclosures are predominantly used by both pet owners and breeders alike to house captive snakes. Recently, a handful of studies have shown the benefits that arise from the correct use of enrichment with climbing snakes, but none have observed this aspect in popular pet snakes that burrow, such as western hognose snakes. This study found that hognose snakes significantly prefer environmental enrichment when given a choice between enrichment and minimalistic conditions. This encourages further investigation into the welfare needs of other captive snake species that may be improperly housed, leading to chronic stress and poor health. ABSTRACT: The environmental enrichment needs of snakes are often disregarded. Using preference testing, we aimed to shed light on the enrichment preferences of a popular pet species, the western hognose snake (Heterodon nasicus). Snakes’ enclosures were divided into enriched and standard sides. The enriched half had substrate for burrowing, interactive stimuli, and a large water dish. The standard half had paper towel substrate and a small water dish. Each side also contained a single shelter. We provided belly heat to create a thermal gradient on one side of the cage. Snakes were observed for 6 days, four times daily. We predicted a preference for enriched conditions and, as snakes are ectothermic, a preference for the warmer side. Snakes were additionally given an exploration assay, to explore whether differences in preference for environmental enrichment interact with boldness levels. We found that hognose snakes preferred enrichment, and the strength of this preference increased over time. Preference for enrichment was stronger when the enriched side was cooler. This may be due to the burrowing tendencies of these snakes. We found no relationship between preference and boldness. These findings emphasise the importance of preference testing in establishing research-informed enrichment opportunities for reptiles.