Western Hognose snake

Lifespan:

Western Hognoses can live 15–20 years in captivity with proper care.

Sexing:

Males are generally smaller and thinner, while females are larger and heavier-bodied. Sexing is most accurately done by probing or experienced handling.

Enclosure:

• Juveniles: 10–20 gallon long terrarium with secure lid.

• Adults:20–40 gallon long tank. These snakes enjoy burrowing, so floor space is more important than height.

Substrate:

• Loose substrates like aspen shavings or a sand-soil mix are ideal for burrowing.

  Spot clean regularly; full substrate changes every 4–6 weeks.

Lighting & Temperature:

• Basking Spot: 88-92°F.

• Ambient Temperature: 78-85°F

• Cool Side: 70-75°F.

• UVB Lighting: UVB is not required but can be used for natural day/night cycle.

Humidity:

Keep humidity around 30–50%. Provide a humid hide when shedding.

Always monitor humidity levels with a digital hygrometer.

Food:

Feed frozen thawed rodents of the appropriate size (About the same width as the widest part of the snake)

• Juveniles: Feed every 4-5 days

• Adults: Feed every 7-10 days

Water:

Provide fresh water daily in a shallow dish. Use a heavy dish to avoid tipping, and replace water daily or when dirty.

Supplementation:

• No additional vitamins and minerals are needed when feeding whole prey items.

With proper care, a Western Hognose can become a highly rewarding and interactive pet. Their calm  and docile nature, combined with their funny personalities, make them a fascinating companion for reptile enthusiasts.