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.