Western Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicus) Care Sheet

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Quick Facts

Scientific Name: Heterodon nasicus

Common Names: Western Hognose Snake, Plains Hognose Snake

Origin: Central and North America (USA, Canada, Mexico)

Adult Size: 45–90 cm (18–36 inches), females typically larger than males

Lifespan: 12–18 years in captivity, some reaching 20+

Sex Differences:
Males: Slimmer body, longer tail, smaller overall size
Females: Stockier, heavier build, slightly shorter tail

Beginner Suitability: Moderate – not aggressive, but feeding can require persistence

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Enclosure

Size:

Hatchlings: 30–40 cm long enclosure

Adults: Minimum 90 cm long x 45 cm wide x 30 cm high (approx. 3 ft x 1.5 ft x 1 ft)

Larger enclosures encouraged for more active snakes

Substrate:

Aspen shavings, shredded softwood, or sand/topsoil mix (60/40)

Avoid cedar, pine, or dusty substrates

Must allow burrowing; Western Hognoses are fossorial

Hides:

At least 2 hides (one on hot side, one on cool side)

Humid hide recommended during shedding

Use cork bark, half logs, or commercial reptile caves

Heating:

Hot Spot (Basking Area): 29–32°C

Cool End: 21–24°C

Night temperatures can safely drop to 20–21°C

Use under-tank heaters or heat pads regulated with a thermostat

Lighting:

UVB not required but low-level 2–5% UVB is beneficial

Photoperiod: 12 hours light / 12 hours dark

Humidity:

30–50% is ideal

Provide a moist hide during shedding

Ensure good ventilation to prevent respiratory problems

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Diet

Primary Diet Type: Carnivore

Staple Food:

UK feeder mice: pinkies, fuzzies, hoppers, adult mice depending on snake size

Feeding Frequency:

Hatchlings: every 4–5 days

Juveniles: every 5–7 days

Adults: every 7–10 days

Feeding Notes / Troubleshooting:

Hognoses are notorious picky eaters

Scenting prey with tuna, salmon, or chicken broth can encourage feeding

Never force-feed unless under veterinary guidance

Avoid offering wild-caught prey

Supplements:

Generally not required if feeding whole rodents

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Water

Provide a shallow, clean water dish at all times

Change water daily to prevent bacterial buildup

Snakes may soak occasionally; soaking frequency can indicate hydration needs or environmental issues

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Behavior And Handling

Bluffing common: hissing, flattening neck, mock striking

Rarely bite; strikes are usually closed-mouth displays

Solitary species – do not house together

Handle gently, support the body fully

Avoid handling for 48 hours after feeding

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Enrichment

Loose substrate for burrowing

Branches, cork tubes, rocks, and artificial plants for exploration

Rearranging décor occasionally provides mental stimulation

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Health

Signs Of Illness:

Refusal to eat beyond normal shedding periods

Wheezing, mucus, open-mouth breathing (respiratory infection)

Swelling of gums or jaw 

Retained shed, especially eye caps or tail tip

Mites

Shedding:

Provide humid hide and rough surfaces

Ensure full shed completion

Veterinary Care:

Seek reptile-specialist vet if illness is suspected

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Lifespan

12–18 years typical, some reaching 20+ years in excellent care

Long-term commitment

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Legality In The UK

Western Hognose Snakes are legal to keep in the UK

No licence required for private ownership

Must comply with Welfare of Animals regulations and proper husbandry

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Difficulty Bars (Relative)

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