Petlife logo

Western Hognose Snake Care

Care Requirements for Your Pet Hognose Snake

By Briana BaylesPublished 6 years ago 4 min read
Like
Western Hognose Snake - Source: Ultimate Exotics

Basics

The western hognose snake, or Heterodon nasiscus, is a colubrid species native to Southern Canada and the central United States. These snakes have become increasingly popular due to their adorable upturned nose.

Unlike several colubrid species, western hognose snakes tend to stay quite small. Males will grow to lengths between 14 and 24 inches, while females grow a bit longer. Females on average will grow 2.5 feet in length.

Enclosure

Since western hognoses are terrestrial snakes, their enclosure requires more floor space rather than height. A hatchling western hognose snake can be kept in a 10-gallon tank. By adulthood, the largest enclosure you will need will be a 20-gallon tank. You do not want to skip the 10-gallon stage when you bring your baby western hognose home. If they are placed in an enclosure too large for them, they will not be able to retain heat well.

You can also opt for placing your western hognose snake in a plastic container, such as a Sterilite or Rubbermaid bin. Of course, you'll want to modify the container to provide proper ventilation. This can be achieved by cutting out holes in the front of the container and placing a mesh screen to provide air holes. Alternatively, you can simply drill holes in the front and sides with a pilot bit. If the plastic is thin, you can also attempt to use a hole puncher or a hot screwdriver to stab the air holes through.

For hatchling western hognose snakes, you'll want to keep the plastic enclosure small. A 5-liter tub should do just fine. For adult males, you can use a 30-quart tub. Females will require a larger tub, so it is best to opt for a 40-quart tub.

In the enclosure, you'll want to include a heavy water bowl. Western hognose snakes enjoy burrowing, and may potentially slither below a water bowl placed directly on top of the substrate. A light water bowl may crush them. This is why it's best to choose a ceramic, or heavy plastic bowl, and place it directly on the bottom of the tub. This way, they cannot slither beneath it. Clean water should be provided for your western hognose snake at all times.

Newspaper, paper towel, and aspen bedding all make great substrates for your western hognose snake. Aspen substrate is a lot easier to spot clean, while newspaper and paper towel must be replaced once soiled.

Temperature

Ensure that the snake's enclosure has a temperature gradient. This means that one end of the enclosure should be warm, and the other end should be cooler. A hot spot of about 90 degrees Fahrenheit is required to keep your hognose snake healthy. The cool end of the enclosure should remain around 77-79 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can provide heat for your western hognose snake best by using an under-the-tank heat mat. Since western hognose snakes are terrestrial, they absorb belly heat much better than from a heat lamp. You may also use a heat lamp if you decide to. It may also prove helpful to invest in a thermostat and a thermometer to gauge the temperature of the enclosure.

Feeding

Western hognose snakes are fantastic feeders, rarely ever turning down a meal. It's best to use feeding tongs when feeding, as they could potentially mistake your finger for the mouse. Western hognose snakes are known for switching over from live prey to frozen/thawed prey easily. It's best to feed them a mouse no larger than the thickest part of its body.

In their natural habitat in the wild, western hognoses will eat small mice, lizards, frogs, toads, and eggs.

Temperament

Western hognoses are docile snakes, and they're quite easy to handle as well. Bites rarely occur, and typically only occur when the snake is attempting to feed. These snakes are notorious for false-strikes, but they typically do not open their mouths when false striking.

F.A.Q.

Do western hognose snakes play dead? Yes, they are capable of playing dead. This behavior is exhibited by the snake flipping over, upside down, and displaying its belly upward. This rarely occurs in captivity.

Are western hognose snakes venomous? They are considered rear-fanged venomous. However, do not let this deter you from getting your own western hognose snake as a pet. Their venom is very mild. Most people do not have a reaction to the venom upon being bitten. Those that do have a reaction, however, will experience subtle swelling around the area of the bite. That's all!

Do western hognoses make a good first pet snake? They aren't at the top of the list, but if you do your research and understand their care requirements, they definitely can be!

Do western hognoses have different pattern and color morphs? Yes, they do! There are several different morphs! For example, hognoses have morphs such as Anaconda (spots), Super Anaconda (patternless), red phase, albino, ghost, and much more!

snake
Like

About the Creator

Briana Bayles

Just a reptile enthusiast with the goal to break the stereotype of the most misunderstood creatures in the world.

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.