Western Hognose Snake Care Guide: Everything You Need to Know

by Jan 14, 2025

hognose albino snake
Basic Information
  • Common Name: Western Hognose Snake
  • Scientific Name: Heterodon nasicus
  • Lifespan: 15-20 years in captivity with proper care
  • Size: 1.5-3 feet in length as adults
  • Average Weight: Adults typically weigh 100-350 grams, depending on sex and overall health.
  • Temperament: Docile and curious but may bluff with defensive behaviors
Fun Facts

  • Upturned Nose: Their distinctive nose is adapted for digging in sandy soils.

  • Playing Dead: They’ll roll onto their back and play dead as a defense mechanism.

  • Mild Venom: They have rear fangs and mild venom used to subdue prey, but it’s harmless to humans.

  • Wide Diet in the Wild: In the wild, they eat amphibians, small mammals, and even bird eggs.

  • Great for Beginners: Their manageable size and ease of care make them ideal for first-time snake owners.

Handling and Temperament
  • Taming: Western hognose snakes are generally docile but may exhibit bluffing behaviors such as hissing or mock striking.

  • Handling Tips: Handle your snake gently and regularly to maintain tameness. Avoid handling for 48-72 hours after feeding to prevent regurgitation.

  • Defensive Behaviors: Their dramatic defensive displays, including playing dead, are harmless and often entertaining.

pink veined plant leaves

Housing

Enclosure

  • Tank Size:

    • Hatchlings: 10-gallon tank or equivalent.

    • Juveniles: 20-gallon long tank.

    • Adults: Minimum 40-gallon breeder tank.

  • Material: Glass or PVC enclosures with secure, escape-proof lids.

Substrate

  • Options: Aspen shavings, a sand-soil mix, or coconut fiber. These mimic their natural habitat and support burrowing behavior.

  • Depth: At least 3-4 inches to allow for burrowing.

  • Spot Cleaning: Remove waste promptly and replace substrate entirely every 4-6 weeks.

Humidity

  • Ideal Range: Maintain humidity levels between 30-40%.

  • Tips: A screen-top enclosure is perfect for providing adequate ventilation while maintaining these levels.

Enrichment

  • Hides: Provide at least three hides, one on the warm side, one on the cool side, and a moist hide filled with spaghnum moss.
  • Climbing and Burrowing: Include branches, cork bark, and textured surfaces. Western hognose snakes enjoy digging and exploring.
  • Decor: Use fake or live non-toxic plants to make the enclosure visually appealing.
hognose albino snake

Lighting and Heating

Basking Spot

  • Temperature: Provide a basking spot with a surface temperature of around 95°F (35°C) to allow for proper thermoregulation. Use an overhead heat lamp to achieve this.

  • Placement: Ensure the basking spot is easily accessible and positioned on the warm side of the enclosure.

Temperature

  • Warm Side: 88-90°F (31-32°C)

  • Cool Side: 75-78°F (24-26°C)

  • Nighttime: Can drop to 70°F (21°C)

  • Monitoring: Use a digital thermometer and thermostat to maintain consistent temperatures.

UVB Lighting

  • Optional but Beneficial: Western hognose snakes do not require UVB lighting, but it can enhance overall health and support natural behaviors.

  • Setup: A low-level UVB bulb (5-7%) on a 12-hour cycle is ideal.

Diet and Feeding

Feeding Schedule

  • Hatchlings: Feed every 5-7 days.

  • Juveniles: Feed every 7-10 days.

  • Adults: Feed every 10-14 days.

Prey

  • Type: Appropriately sized frozen-thawed rodents (pinkies for hatchlings, larger mice for adults).

  • Size: Prey should be no larger than the width of the snake’s widest part.

  • Thawing: Ensure prey is fully thawed and warmed to room temperature before feeding.

Water

  • Provide a shallow water dish for drinking and soaking. Change water daily to ensure cleanliness.

Health and Wellness

Common Issues

  • Shedding Problems: Ensure humidity levels are adequate (~40-60%) to support proper shedding.

  • Respiratory Infections: Watch for wheezing, nasal discharge, or open-mouth breathing; consult a vet if symptoms appear.

  • Regurgitation: Caused by handling too soon after feeding or offering prey that is too large.

Signs of a Healthy Snake

  • Bright, clear eyes

  • Active and curious behavior

  • Regular appetite and healthy weight

  • Smooth, complete sheds

Cleaning and Maintenance

  • Daily: Spot clean for waste and uneaten food.

  • Weekly: Clean and disinfect water bowls and hides.

  • Monthly: Deep clean the enclosure using reptile-safe disinfectants.

By following this care guide, you’ll provide the perfect environment for your western hognose snake to thrive. Their distinctive looks, engaging behaviors, and easygoing nature make them a fascinating and rewarding pet. Whether you’re captivated by their dramatic defensive displays or their curious burrowing habits, these snakes are sure to bring endless enjoyment to your reptile-keeping journey.