Preview build. The site name and store link are placeholders.
Snake Keeper Guide See available animals on MorphMarket

Western hognose snake care

Heterodon nasicus

Short answer

Western hognoses are small burrowing snakes from the western US grasslands. Females reach 24–36 inches, males 14–24[1]. Canobie Lake Veterinary Hospital recommends a basking spot of 90–95°F (32–35°C), a cool side of 70–75°F (21–24°C) and humidity of 30–50%[1]. They are rear-fanged and mildly venomous but not dangerous to people[1], and young ones can be picky eaters[1].

Quick facts
Adult lengthFemales 24–36 in, males 14–24 in[1]
Lifespan15–20 years[1]; Peak Exotic says 10–20[2]
Basking spot90–95°F (32–35°C)[1]
Warm side80–85°F (27–29°C)[1]
Cool side70–75°F (21–24°C)[1]
Humidity30–50%[1][2]
Adult feedingOnce a week[1]; Peak Exotic says every 5–7 days[2]

What kind of snake is it?

Western hognoses are small, diurnal snakes from the grasslands and semi-arid western United States[1]. The upturned snout is a digging tool; they spend a lot of time underground[1]. Their defensive show is famous: hissing, puffing up and playing dead. That is stress, not aggression[1].

Are they venomous?

Mildly. Western hognoses are rear-fanged and mildly venomous but not considered dangerous to humans; bites are rare, usually happen during feeding mistakes, and reactions are usually mild and local[1]. Canobie Lake's vets still advise seeking medical attention if you are bitten[1].

Enclosure and substrate

Canobie Lake recommends 5–10 gallons for hatchlings and juveniles, and at least 36 × 18 inches of floor (a 40-gallon breeder) for adults[1]. Peak Exotic gives a 20-gallon minimum and says bigger is better[2]. The larger figure is the safer target.

Substrate matters more for this species than most: give at least 2–3 inches of something they can dig in, such as reptile soil, coconut fibre or fine aspen[1]. Avoid pine and cedar[1][2]. Peak Exotic also says to avoid sand[2]. Add a hide on the warm side and one on the cool side, and a water dish the snake can coil in[1].

Heat, light and humidity

Canobie Lake's targets: basking 90–95°F (32–35°C), warm side 80–85°F (27–29°C), cool side 70–75°F (21–24°C), nights in the low 70s °F[1]. Every heater goes on a thermostat[1]. Keep humidity low, 30–50%[1][2]; lightly moisten the soil about once a week and never let it get waterlogged[1].

Both vet practices recommend UVB for this day-active species[1][2]. Canobie Lake suggests a 5–10% linear tube, replaced every 8–10 months[1].

Feeding picky eaters

Wild hognoses mostly eat amphibians; in captivity they should eat frozen-thawed rodents[1]. Canobie Lake's schedule: pinkies every 3–4 days for hatchlings, then once a week for adults, with prey about as wide as the snake's body[1].

Young hognoses are known for refusing rodents. Tricks the vets suggest: warm the prey thoroughly, scent it with tuna juice, and offer it on tongs[1]. The biggest help is buying a snake that has already eaten three or four rodent meals in a row[1]. If the snake eats on loose substrate, it can swallow some; feeding in a separate container lowers that risk[1].

Hognoses often slow down from November through February. Keep offering meals and track weight[2].

Health watch

  • Few or no droppings after feeding on substrate: possible impaction, see a vet[1].
  • Wheezing, open-mouth breathing, mucus or bubbles: possible respiratory infection[1].
  • Swelling, scabs or discharge around the mouth: stomatitis, which needs a vet[1].
  • Canobie Lake recommends a yearly wellness exam and fecal tests twice a year[1].

See available animals on MorphMarket

Sources

  1. Canobie Lake Veterinary Hospital: Caring for your western hognose snake
  2. Peak Exotic Animal Veterinary Specialists: Husbandry guide: western hognose snake

Sources last checked 2026-10-20.