A western hognose snake is active in the day and benefits from UVB light. It needs a vivarium of at least 36 x 18 x 18 in (91 x 46 x 46 cm) and fairly dry air.
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Western hognose snake
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Enclosure size
RVC recommends at least 36 x 18 x 18 in, to let the snake stretch out. Its 2022 care sheet is the only vet or welfare source we found that covers hognose snakes.
Aqueon’s 45 gallon has the length, at 36¼ in, but is only 12⅝ in from front to back. Its 40 Breeder has the floor, 36³⁄₁₆ x 18¼ in, but at 16¹⁵⁄₁₆ in tall it’s about an inch under 18. Zoo Med’s 40 gallon terrarium is exactly 36 x 18 x 18 in. More on why gallons don’t tell you the floor size.
RVC’s advice is to keep one: in general, the happiest snake is a solitary one.
Heat and light
- Basking spot: about 30–32 °C (RVC).
- Night: not below about 20–25 °C (RVC).
- Humidity: 40–50% for western hognose snakes (RVC).
- UVB: a low to medium output lamp, such as 6% (RVC).
RVC makes the basking spot with a light-emitting spot bulb or a ceramic heat-emitting bulb, sets the night temperature with a thermostat, and guards heat sources against burns. See heat lamp vs heat mat.
For UVB, RVC uses a low to medium output lamp, such as 6%. See UVB strength explained.
Substrate, humidity and water
Western hognoses prefer 40–50% humidity, so their water bowl goes in the cool end of the vivarium.
RVC’s sheet names no substrate. The MSD Veterinary Manual says sand, gravel and corncob are generally not recommended for reptiles, because they’re easily swallowed and can block the gut, and that cedar and pine shavings shouldn’t be used.
Everyday diet
As a general guide, RVC says one mouse a week is enough for a 500 gram snake. Defrost the mouse and warm it to blood temperature, 37 °C, before feeding.
Wash your hands after handling the snake or cleaning its vivarium.
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