Western Hognose Snake - Care Sheet

---

Need a printable version - CLICK HERE

Western Hognose Snake: Heterodon nasicus
​
Western hognose snakes are small-to-medium, charismatic snakes known for their dramatic defensive displays, upturned snout, and generally docile nature in captivity. They are popular pets due to their manageable size, interesting behaviors, and relative hardiness once established. This care sheet focuses on the Western hognose (Heterodon nasicus), the most commonly kept species. Other hognose species (e.g., Eastern) have slightly different needs, and are often extremely difficult to keep in captivity, so research your specific animal. 

Basic Info
Lifespan: 10–15 years on average, though some have been known to live up to 18–20+ years with excellent care.

Size: Adults typically reach 14–24 inches (females are generally larger than males). They are stout-bodied with a distinctive upturned rostral scale (snout) used for digging.

Behavior
Western hognose snakes are known for their entertaining defensive behaviors, including hooding (flattening the neck), loud hissing, and playing dead (thanatosis). These displays are usually a bluff and harmless. They are generally docile with regular, gentle handling but can be stubborn or flighty at times, especially when young or during shedding. They are primarily terrestrial and excellent diggers, and secure enclosures are essential—they are skilled escape artists. Bites are rare; as rear-fanged snakes, they have mild venom that is not medically significant to humans (similar to a bee sting at worst), but always wash any bite. They are diurnal (active during the day) and curious.

Diet
Western hognose snakes are carnivorous and primarily eat amphibians (toads), lizards, rodents, and other small prey in the wild. In captivity, most can be switched to frozen/thawed rodents (mice are standard). Some individuals are picky and may require scenting with toad/lizard scent or assistance to accept rodents. We strongly recommend only feeding thawed frozen rodents to reduce injury risk. Feed every 5–7 days for juveniles and every 7–10 days for adults (adjust based on body condition). They can be opportunistic but are prone to obesity if overfed—monitor weight and body shape. Always provide fresh, clean water in a bowl large enough for soaking.  Note: They should be housed separately, as they can be cannibalistic.

Environment & Caging
In the wild, Western hognose snakes inhabit prairies, grasslands, sandy soils, and semi-arid areas of the central United States and Canada. They are excellent burrowers, so deep substrate can be utilized to great effect; though they do very well on paper towels or repticarpet. Provide one hide on the warm side and one on the cool side. For substrate, use aspen bedding, cypress mulch, or a bioactive/soil-sand mix that allows burrowing (4+ inches deep recommended). Avoid loose particles that could be ingested during feeding if possible, or feed in a separate container.

Temperature:
Provide a gradient with a warm/basking side of 88–95°F and a cool side of 75–82°F. Nighttime can drop to low 70s°F. Use under-tank heaters, heat lamps, or ceramic emitters controlled by a thermostat. Monitor with digital thermometers. Caging: A 20-gallon long for smaller adults or a 30–40 gallon (or equivalent, like 36”x18”x18”) for larger females is a good minimum—more floor space is better than height as they are terrestrial.

Humidity:
Low to moderate (30–50%). Ambient is usually sufficient, but provide a humid hide (e.g., Tupperware with damp paper towels or sphagnum moss and a hole in the lid) during shedding to prevent stuck sheds. Good ventilation is important.

Veterinary & Preventative Care
We recommend a physical examination every 6–12 months (or upon acquisition for new animals). A vet will perform a fecal examination for parasites and can check for mites or other issues. Wild-caught or wild-collected animals should always be vetted. Common health issues to monitor: Respiratory infections, dysecdysis (shedding problems), obesity/weight loss, refusal to eat (especially in new or picky individuals), and parasites. Provide proper husbandry to minimize risks.

Western hognose snakes make rewarding pets for keepers who appreciate their unique personality and digging habits. They adapt well to captivity but thrive best with space to burrow and explore. Always purchase captive-bred animals from reputable breeders.