Workers at a reptile pet shop in Exeter have been left in utter disbelief after a two-headed snake hatched from an egg. The Western Hognose snake wowed staff at Exeter Exotics after it made its surprising entry into the world.
The pet shop took to Instagram to share details of the snake's arrival, describing the moment as a 'shock'. A spokesperson for Exeter Exotics wrote: "We've hatched a two-headed snake.
"Well this was a bit of a shock to see a couple days ago... a two Headed Western Hognose snake. It hatched on its own and has already shed its skin unaided. There appears to be no kinks in the body, just the very tip of the tail is curled. It seems to have no issues with movement either.
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"Both sad and fascinating at the same time. All we can do is see how the little one goes, see how feeding goes and wish for the best."
Speaking to the BBC, owner of the shop Alicia Johns said she was in 'disbelief' when she realised the snake had not one, but two heads. Alicia says the snake should have hatched as twins, however as the embryo did not split, it resulted in the snake having a second head.
She said: "I was shocked. A bit of disbelief to begin with because they are rare."
Sadly, snakes born with two heads typically have a shorter lifespan than others. Alicia added: "It's fascinating but it is still sad. If we ever felt it got to the stage where he was deteriorating or wasn't doing well, or was uncomfortable or in pain, then that's when we'd re-evaluate the situation."
The owner said the snake is not for sale but the shop is currently open to name suggestions for each of the heads. The shop owner said they would not be selling the snake and were currently open to name suggestions for each head.
In an update on Instagram on August 9, Exeter Exotics shared further details about the snake. The pet shop says the right head will take food with its mouth if it is held close enough. However, the left head appeared to struggle when offered food. In an update on Instagram, a spokesperson said: "We have had so many people ask how the two headed Western Hognose is doing and we are happy to report that so far it appears to be doing well.
"The right-hand side head prefers sardine scented pinky heads and 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.
It is strange to see that the left hand head will make the chewing motion of eating whilst the right hand head is eating.
"Fingers crossed they continue to do well and we will keep you updated."
