What is the general guideline for sizing feeder rodents relative to a captive Western Hognose Snake's body?

No wider than the widest part of the snake’s body

When determining the appropriate size of feeder prey, such as mice or rats, for a captive Western Hognose Snake, established husbandry protocols recommend a specific dimensional limit based on the snake's physical form. The general guideline dictates that the width of the feeder item must not exceed the widest circumference of the snake's body. Experienced keepers sometimes suggest slightly smaller prey, especially for younger snakes or those demonstrating picky eating habits, to ensure comfort and successful digestion. Adhering to this size restriction is crucial, as using prey items that are too large can cause digestive stress or lead to regurgitation, and monitoring the body condition is necessary to avoid obesity resulting from consistently oversized meals.