Western Hognose (Heterodon nasicus)

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Care at a Glance

  • Temperatures: Warm side 88–92°F; cool side 72–78°F; safe night drop to ~68°F.
  • Humidity: 30–50% (provide a humid hide when in shed).
  • Enclosure size: Adult male ≥ 30″×12″ (20L long); adult female ≥ 36″×18″ (40B).
  • Substrate: Aspen, lignocel, or soil/sand mix, 2–4″ deep for burrowing.
  • Diet: F/T mice sized to the snake’s widest point; juv q4–5d, adults q7–10d.
  • Lighting: 12h day/12h night; low-output UVB optional but beneficial.

Natural History

Western Hognoses are small, diurnal, burrowing colubrids native to the prairies and semi-arid grasslands of central North America. Their upturned rostral scale helps them dig through loose soils. Females grow larger than males and often have bigger enclosure requirements.

Enclosure

  • Size: Juvenile 20″×10″ footprint; adult male 30″×12″ (20L); adult female 36″×18″ (40B) or larger.
  • Style: Front-opening PVC or glass for easy access and heat retention; ensure excellent ventilation.
  • Security: Escape-proof lid/doors; hognoses are stronger than they look.
  • Furnishing: Provide low branches, cork, and clutter for line-of-sight breaks and enrichment.

Substrate

  • Preferred: Kiln-dried aspen shavings, lignocel, or 60/40 soil-sand mix (clean, dust-controlled). Depth 2–4″.
  • Avoid: Cedar/pine (aromatic oils), consistently damp mixes, or sharp sands.
  • Cleaning: Spot clean feces/urates promptly; full change every 4–6 weeks or as needed.

Temperature & Lighting

  • Warm side: 88–92°F using a heat mat or radiant heat panel—always thermostat-controlled.
  • Cool side: 72–78°F; provide a stable gradient.
  • Night: May drop to ~68°F; avoid prolonged cooler temps.
  • Lighting: 12h on/12h off. UVB not required but a 2–5% UVB strip can support natural behaviors and D3.
  • Measuring: Place digital probes on warm and cool ends; use an IR temp gun to verify surfaces.

Humidity & Shedding

  • Target: 30–50% RH; increase briefly during shed with a humid hide (damp sphagnum).
  • Shedding help: If retained eye caps/tail tips occur, offer a short lukewarm soak and improve humidity.

Hides & Water

  • Hides: At least two snug hides (warm & cool). Burrows act as “natural” hides—depth matters.
  • Water: Shallow bowl large enough for the snake to coil; place on the cool side. Refresh every 2–3 days or if soiled.

Diet & Feeding

  • Staple: Appropriately sized frozen/thawed mice (width ≤ snake’s widest body part).
  • Frequency: Hatchlings/juveniles every 4–5 days; adults every 7–10 days. Adjust to body condition.
  • Technique: Warm feeders to ~100°F, offer with tongs. Do not leave live prey unattended.
  • Reluctant feeders: Scent with salmon/tuna water or (ethically sourced) amphibian scent; reduce handling and visual stress.
  • Hydration: Periodic light misting of a corner or offering fresh water can stimulate appetite in stubborn neonates.

Behavior & Handling

  • Generally curious and docile; may bluff hiss, neck-flatten, or play dead when stressed—this is defensive.
  • Handle with gentle, short sessions; support the body and avoid grabbing from above.
  • Allow 48 hours post-feeding before handling to prevent regurgitation.

Health & Troubleshooting

  • Respiratory infection: Wheezing/bubbles—often from low temps or high humidity. Verify temps and see a reptile vet.
  • Retained shed: Add humid hide, review hydration, consider a brief soak.
  • Mouth issues: Inflammation or pus warrants veterinary care; maintain clean enclosure.
  • Obesity: Common in adults—lengthen feeding interval or reduce prey size.

Note on venom: Western Hognoses are rear-fanged with mild venom; bites can cause localized swelling in sensitive individuals.

Brumation (Optional)

Not required for pets. For breeding, gradually reduce to 55–60°F for 6–8 weeks after a two-week fast; resume temps/feeding gradually.

Enrichment

  • Provide diggable substrate, leaf litter, cork rounds, and periodic enclosure rearrangements to encourage exploration.

Quick Setup Checklist

  • Thermostat on primary heat source + two digital probes (warm/cool).
  • 2–4″ burrowable substrate, two hides, shallow water dish.
  • Warm end 88–92°F; cool end 72–78°F; RH 30–50%.
  • F/T mice sized to girth; feeding schedule based on age/body condition.