This care sheet can also be used for the Mexican Hog nose (Heterodon kennerlyi) because of the similar care.
Introduction:
Hog nose snakes are small, rear fanged (not toxic to humans), species that inhabit the western part of the United States reaching southern Canada and northern Mexico. They are known to be bluffers and when disturbed they can play dead, strike with a closed mouth and hiss. Yet, this is nothing to worry about as most calm down when they realize you are not danger. Hognose snakes reach a maximum length of 25-36 inches, and as usual females are larger than males, neonates average about 6 inches.
Housing:
An appropriate cage size for an adult would be a 10 or 15 gallon and neonates and juvies do good in 5 gallon tanks. I use tubs because they are easier to clean and are way cheaper. A 16qt tub is good for a large neonate or juvie; an adult can be in a 32qt or smaller. In tubs it is also easier to maintain a good temperature. When setting up an enclosure make sure to provide many hides and deep aspen bedding. Hog nose snakes are natural diggers and this way they feel secure. Also, a water dish is a necessity. I like to provide a humid hide for my smaller snakes, it’s simply a small hide, cup, whatever, that is filled with either moist moss or paper towels; this helps them shed.
The temperature should be 70-85F hot side with a basking spot at around 90F. Night time temps can be 65-80F hot side. No UVB lighting is required but you can have it, it has never been actually proven Hog nose snakes need UVB.
Feeding:
Unlike most hog nose species, Western Hog nose snakes readily eat pinkies when they are young and it is fairly easy to start them on f/t. Sometimes scenting with a frog is necessary but rarely and if you get a CB snake it shouldn’t be a problem. Babies can eat pinkies every 4 days and adults can eat adult mice every 7-10 days. PLEASE do NOT feed in the enclosure! Snakes have been known to accidentally eat bedding when feeding and this can harm or even kill your snake!
About Me:
I’m just a young snake hobbyist. I love me reptiles to death… If you want to contact me you can e-mail me or visit my Reptile Geeks page.
