Species Overview

  • Common name: Western Hognose

  • Scientific name: Heterodon nasicus

  • Origin: Central North America (U.S. plains, semi-arid grasslands)

  • Lifespan: 12–18 years average, occasionally over 20 with proper care

  • Adult size: 20–36 inches (females typically larger than males)

  • Temperament: Curious, generally docile but may hiss or bluff-strike; rear-fanged but non-aggressive

  • Activity: Diurnal (most active during the day)

Housing and Enclosure Setup

Enclosure Size

  • Juveniles: Minimum 2ft

  • Adults: Minimum 3ft, ideally a 3x2x2ft for adult females.

  • Secure, well-ventilated enclosure.

Substrate

  • Use aspen shavings, reptile-safe sand/soil mix or lignocel.

  • Maintain a dry substrate with a slightly moist hide to aid shedding.

  • Avoid pine, cedar or dusty materials.

Furnishing & Enrichment

  • Provide at least two hides (warm and cool ends).

  • Add branches, rocks, tunnels and fake plants for cover.

  • Provide digging depth (5–8 cm) to allow natural burrowing behaviour.

  • Include a small, shallow water dish (they prefer minimal humidity).

Temperature, Lighting & Humidity

Temperature

  • Warm end/basking: 30–32 °C

  • Cool end: 24–26 °C

  • Night: 18–20 °C

  • Always use a pulse or dimming thermostat to control heat, depending on what bulb you use.

  • Provide any overhead heat with a guard.

Lighting

  • Diurnal species benefit from a 2.5–7 % UVB light for a natural circadian rhythm.

  • Maintain a 12 h light / 12 h dark cycle.

Humidity

  • Maintain 30–50 % humidity.

  • Provide a moist hide or lightly mist the cool end during shedding only.

  • Overly damp conditions can cause respiratory issues.

Diet & Feeding

Primary Diet

  • Feed appropriately sized thawed frozen rodents (usually mice).

  • Prey size should roughly match the snake’s widest point.

  • Feed using tongs to avoid accidental bites.

Feeding Frequency

  • Hatchlings: Every 4–5 days

  • Juveniles: Every 5–7 days

  • Adults: Every 7–10 days

  • Avoid handling for at least 24–48 hours before and after feeding.

  • Remove any uneaten prey within 24 hours.

Feeding Notes

  • Some individuals prefer scented prey (e.g. with frog scent).

Water & Hydration

  • Provide a shallow water bowl with fresh water at all times.

  • Replace water daily.

  • Hognoses rarely soak but will drink after feeding or shedding.

Handling & Behaviour

  • Allow a 1–2-week settling period before regular handling.

  • Handle calmly and confidently, supporting the body — they may flatten their necks or hiss defensively (usually a harmless bluff).

  • Handle for short sessions (10–15 min) several times per week.

  • Avoid handling during or directly after shedding or feeding.

  • Always wash your hands before and after contact.

Cleaning & Maintenance

  • Daily: Remove waste, check water and monitor temperature

  • Weekly: Wipe down decor and spot clean substrate.

  • Monthly: Replace substrate and disinfect enclosure with reptile-safe cleaner (F10).

Health & Welfare Monitoring

Common Health Issues

  • Respiratory infection: From high humidity or low temperature — vet care needed.

  • Poor sheds: Add moist hide or increase humidity temporarily.

  • Feeding refusal: Can be seasonal; check the environment first.

  • Obesity: Avoid overfeeding; maintain appropriate prey size.