Western Hognose Snake
Care
Lifespan
15 - 20 years on average.
Adult size
2.5 - 4ft for females, 1.5 - 2.5ft for males. Most growth is done during the first 3 years, becoming fully grown by around 5 years.
Housing
As with most snakes, Hognoses are agoraphobic meaning large open spaces can be stressful. We recommend that babies are housed in smaller enclosures such as a faunarium and upgraded as their length increases: we recommend that they are upgraded once their length exceeds the length + width of their enclosure.
Once fully grown, we recommend a minimum enclosure size of 3x1x1ft for females and 2x1x1ft for males. We recommend providing ample cover as well as deep substrate to allow for natural burrowing behaviours and happier hoggies.
Substrate
Arid substrates both clinical and naturalistic are great substrate options. Lignocel and aspen shavings are great beddings for sanitary and ease of clean setups with lignocel being our preferred due to its resistance of mould and ability to hold burrows. Naturalistic substrates such as Earthmix Arid and sand/soil mixes are great to provide a naturalistic looking enclosure.
Heating
For heating, heat mats can be used to provide a hot spot especially for babies, however we recommend overhead heat sources such as basking bulbs on dimming stats, protected by a heat guard. These provide a more accurate hot spot and gradient and reduce the risk of burning.
Recommended temps in the enclosure are: A hotspot of 30- 32c provided during the day, night time drops are fine up to 17c. Any colder and night time heating is recommended. We recommend monitoring temperatures with a reliable thermometer.
Lighting
UVB lighting is a beneficial option for this species. Benefits include aiding in the shedding cycle, higher iridescence, and aiding in the synthesis of calcium, therefore preventing Metabolic Bone Disease. If you choose to provide UVB lighting, a low output kit such as a 2.4% kit is ideal. We recommend that lighting is provided on a 12 hour light cycle (for example 8am- 8pm) to replicate day and night.
Humidity
We recommend that humidity is maintained between 30% - 40%. Moss hides can be provided to aid shedding.
Water
We recommend that fresh water is provided daily in a water bowl. we recommend a large bowl that the snake can bathe in.
Diet
Snake diet varies greatly based on age, weight, and size. Generally speaking, we recommend feeding baby snakes once a week and adults once every 2-4 weeks based on food item size. Mice are the preferred food item for Hognoses.
Care should be taken not to make the snake overweight as this can reduce life span and cause complications down the line. As with many snakes, Hognoses can fast: long periods of time where they do not eat. This is nothing to worry about and regular weight checks during this period can be used to monitor weight loss; very minimal during fasting.
Males are more prone to fast, especially during breeding seasons at the end and beginning of the year. For more information and advice on feeding proportions and fast, please ask our staff members in store or via Facebook.
Handling
Hognoses are a very active snake and are always wanting to be on the move when handled. They are also not very good at gripping due to their burrowing nature and thus need constant support.
Babies are more shy than adults but with consistent work can become incredibly friendly snakes which do not mind being handled.
Handling can be done regularly, once or twice a day, with handling sessions not exceeding 30 minutes so as to not cause stress or make the snake cold. We recommend that handling is not done on the day of feeding and 2 days after, as to not cause regurgitation.