
Although in the wild it can cope with reasonably hot conditions, medium to low humidity level is perfectly adequate for the hognose.įor western hognose, keep the humidity range between 30-50 percent and for the southern and eastern hognose snakes between 50-60 percent. The hognose is an extremely sturdy snake and prefers dry conditions. Brumation may cause your snake to be sluggish and start to hide or refuse to eat food. The reaction results from insufficient heat for normal activities.īrumation may occur when a heater malfunction occurs and goes unnoticed. It’s an excellent choice for running a reptile facility.Īdditionally, a consistent cold environment throughout the habitat will encourage brumation. Besides, an adhesive thermometer placed inside the enclosure will make the task easy.Įnsure that you purchase a high-quality thermostat to control the environment that will keep the snake within the perfect temperature range and put your mind at ease.Ī digital laser thermometer is a valuable investment as it features advanced controllers for precision temperature, lighting, and humidity control. However, you can regularly check the temperature inside the snake’s tank to tell whether the heat pad has gone cold. You don’t need to worry that your snake will overheat or get too cold. The thermostat alerts you by turning on when the temperature is too cold and safely turns the heat off when the cage is warm enough. A heating cable and heat tape make an excellent thermostat system in a rack system.A heat mat for night usage should not be placed directly under the enclosure unless you keep an eye on the temperature for at least one week before introducing the hognose to the habitat.Additionally, a heat mat beneath the enclosure works well. Place a heat lantern on top of the tank for warmth and lighting. Basking lights are the most common method for heating the hognose cage.

Use an infrared heat gun thermometer, which features a point-and-shoot method, makes an excellent choice, and you can find one in a pet store.Similarly, many snake owners keep a thermometer inside the housing to monitor the temperature. The colder end of the cage should be around 75-80☏ (24-27☌), while the enclosure’s hotter side should be approximately 85-90☏ (29.4-32.2☌).

Therefore, the housing must feature a cool side and a hot spot where the hognose will thermo-regulate its body temperature. When you keep your hognose in an environment that doesn’t have proper warmth, you risk your pet or worse health problems. Besides, you can keep the hognose in a wooden vivarium in cold weather environments due to the temperature gradient required. Providing the right heat and lighting conditions is crucial for keeping the snake happy and healthy. If you live in cold environs, the western hognose snake may struggle to cope with the atmosphere. Therefore, they cannot generate body heat. Like all reptiles, a hognose is cold-blooded. Here are the various conditions that a vivarium or tank should contain. The material construction that should feature in a hognose housing can include wood, PVC, melamine, glass, or plastic. Ensure that you drill holes in them for adequate ventilation. It can also be more economical to use large, bright plastic shoes and sweater boxes if hosting a large number of snakes. They feel more secure in a suitably sized housing.Īdditionally, when you keep multiple adults together, just ensure that you separate them when feeding. An adult hognose will need a 20-gallon aquarium cage or a 28-32 qt tub. An adult male grows approximately 1 foot while females grow to around two feet and weigh twice as much as males. Ensure that the tank or vivarium includes a tight-fitting lid that you can clamp down to prevent them from getting out.Īs the snake grows and reaches one year, you can increase the size of its housing to coincide with its size. Hatchlings can squeeze out of the smallest spots.

Like all snakes, the hognose is an excellent escape artist therefore, you need great care when planning out their housing. When they are young, they can be shy but very active.

Hognose hatchlings can start in small enclosures like a 5- 10 gallon aquarium cage. Plastic reptile terrariums such as this REPTI ZOO Reptile Glass Terrarium are inexpensive and widely available at most pet stores. The species including the western, the eastern and the southern hognose snakes require the same kind of care.Ī hognose snake is a ground-dwelling species and requires a spacious enclosure: thus, height is unimportant. The hognose acquires its name from the upturned appearance of their snout. Western Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicus) Hognose Habitat
