Hognose Snake Care sheet

Written By Ellie Hills

Within the pet trade:

Western hognose snakes are a charismatic and small species of snake that are kept in large numbers within the pet trade. Many people love their sassy attitude, the variety of morphs available and the theatrics the species participate in, such as feigning death and flattening their necks in a mock hood.

Natural history:

Western hognose snakes live in a range of habitats in the wild, primarily in prairies, open brushland, woodland, farmland and river flood plains. Occasionally, their range extends into semi-desert areas or mountain canyon bottoms. They are active predominantly during mornings and evenings, taking shelter at night and midday.

Figure 1: Western hognose spotted in a naturalistic enclosure at a zoo

Lifespan:

Hognose snakes can live into their 20’s in captivity; these are a long term commitment. 

Enclosure size:

  • Males: Minimum 20-gallon long enclosure (must exceed snake’s total length).

  • Females: Minimum 40-gallon breeder or equivalent (e.g., Ecoflex 36”).

  • Upgrade as the snake grows. Depth for the substrate is important.

Substrate and digging:

The snakes have specialised rostral scales which give it a spade to help dig in loose loamy soil or sand. Its keeled scales on the body help give grip while rooting into the soil. They will also utilise rodent burrows. 

  • Western hognoses are fossorial and spend most of their time digging.

  • Provide deep, diggable substrate:

    • Base: clay-rich topsoil.

    • Additive: ZooMed Excavator Clay (moisten, pack, then dry under lamps).

  • Creates firm tunnels and chambers the snake can dig and use.

  • The enclosure should allow at least several inches of digging depth.

During quarantine or in enclosures where it isn’t naturalistic, they still require substrate that allows them to dig. Paper bedding, such as CareFresh, Lignosil or Aspen bedding, can be used. This will allow them to burrow into the substrate but be easy to clean and more readily disposable. 

Heating & Lighting

Figure 2: Hognose snake (stock image)

  • Basking Lamp: Incandescent halogen (e.g., Exo Terra Intense Sun).

    • Surface temps: 90–105°F (32–40°C) at basking spot.

    • Always measure with an infrared temp gun.

  • Ambient Temperature:

    • Daytime: 70–80°F (21–27°C).

    • Night: lights off, no heat needed unless extremely cold (<50°F / 10°C).

  • UVB: Low-level UVB recommended on the basking side.

Enclosure Furnishings

  • Secure rocks, cork tubes, tunnels, hides, and leaf litter.

  • Provide surface and underground complexity for enrichment.

  • Growing grass or adding natural plants can create shade and humidity pockets.

  • Large water bowl for soaking.

Feeding

  • Wild hognose snakes eat mainly toads, frogs and reptiles. Rodents and birds are occasional consumed. They have special adaptions for consuming amphibians including adrenal glands that can cope with the toxins.

  • Diversity is essential: rodents, quail, quail eggs, frog legs, fish, and occasionally lizards or infertile reptile eggs.

  • Juveniles: feed every 5 days (pinkies, small prey).

  • Adults: feed every 10–14 days.

    • Alternate between rodents and other prey to avoid obesity and fatty liver disease.

  • Adjust prey size to maintain healthy body condition.

Brumation (Hibernation)

  • Optional but natural in winter. Two approaches:

    1. Ambient cycle: Keep basking spot the same, reduce daylight to 6–8 hours; cooler ambient temps trigger dormancy.

    2. Controlled brumation: Place the snake in a tub with substrate and water at ~50°F (10°C).

  • Feeding stops during brumation. Weight loss of up to 10% can be normal; resume feeding in spring.

Venom & Handling

  • Mildly venomous rear-fanged species. Reactions vary from mild swelling to severe blisters.

  • Not medically significant, but bites can be painful.

  • Always feed with tongs or leave prey in the enclosure. Avoid hand feeding.

  • Treat with respect and caution.

Ellie Hills
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Leopard Gecko Care Sheet