Hognose Snake

Enclosure type

Terrestrial glass or PVC enclosure with deep substrate for burrowing

Substrate

Aspen shavings, coconut husk, or sand/soil mix (3-4 inches depth). They need to burrow. Avoid overly moist substrates.

Hides

At least two hides; they spend much time burrowed rather than in above-ground hides

Notes

Minimum 20-gallon long for adults. Provide 3-4 inches of loose substrate for burrowing, multiple hides, and secure lid. They spend much time buried.

Ambient / cool side

72-78°F (22-26°C)

Basking spot

88-90°F (31-32°C)

Nighttime

65-72°F (18-22°C)

Heating method

Under-tank heater or heat tape with thermostat covering 1/3 of enclosure

Humidity range

30-50%

Maintenance

From arid grasslands; prefer lower humidity. Increase slightly during shed.

UVB

Not required; ambient day/night cycle

Photoperiod

12 hours on / 12 hours off

Lighting notes

No UVB required. Provide day/night photoperiod with normal lighting.

Staple food

Frozen-thawed mice

Variety

Some specimens require amphibian scenting initially as they naturally eat toads and frogs in the wild

Frequency

Juveniles: every 5-7 days. Adults: every 7-10 days. They may fast in winter (brumation behavior) even in captivity.

Supplements

No supplements needed when feeding whole prey.

Notes

Carnivore: Prefer frozen-thawed mice. Some specimens need to be scented with amphibian scent initially as they naturally eat toads and frogs.

Water bowl

Water dish; change every 2-3 days; may soak before shed

Notes

Provide water dish. Change every 2-3 days. Hognoses may soak before shed but rarely drink visibly.

Disposition

Docile despite dramatic defensive displays; rarely bite; entertaining personality

Recommendations

Generally docile despite dramatic defensive displays. They rarely bite and their rear-fanged venom is harmless to humans. Handle 1-2 times per week after settling in. They may hiss, flatten their necks, or play dead - this is normal behavior.

Respiratory infections, mites, and regurgitation from improper temps or stress. Generally hardy.

Hognose snakes can live 15-20 years. Their rear-fanged "venom" is not medically significant but may cause minor local swelling in sensitive individuals. They may play dead (flipping upside down with mouth open) when threatened - this is a defensive behavior and they are fine. Females are larger than males. They go through dramatic seasonal cycling and may refuse food for months in winter.