The hognose snake is a fairly good choice of pet snake for those who are new to reptile keeping. These snakes are described as burrowers, and because of their timid nature, they’re less likely to become agitated and bite when handled. While hognoses are generally easy to care for, there are a few behaviors that first-time snake keepers should know about.
To help you in your reptile journey, this guide explores the hognose’s health, diet, and behavior along with other types of pet snakes for beginners.
Hognose Snakes Appeal to Many People
The hognose snake can be stubborn, but many owners report that these snakes make great pets.
Their uniqueness, from their character to their patterns, has contributed to their popularity as pets. You can easily spot a hognose snake by its upturned nose, which it uses as a shovel to bury itself underground. Hognoses are found in black, white, and brown colors, while the hognose morphs, such as the albino, have a blend of yellow and orange bands.
Hognose snakes grow to a fair size of between 24 and 32 inches. The southern hognose is the smaller of the two species, only reaching 24 inches. Hognoses are also called the “hissing sand snake” or “blow snake”. Don’t worry—while these are venomous snakes, they’re not dangerous to humans, and they rarely bite.
Hognose Snake Behaviors and Habits
Some first-time hognose keepers are alarmed by their snakes’ behavior because they like to burrow for long periods and may skip a few meals. Hognose snakes may quit eating when they feel stressed, leaving many beginners puzzled and anxious about their snakes’ well-being.
Some of these snakes go into a state of brumation, which is a type of hibernation. Snakes will still come out to drink water, but they’ll be less active during this period. If you are concerned about the health of your hognose snake, it’s best to have it examined by a veterinarian. This can provide peace of mind concerning your snake’s condition and will rule out any diseases.
Housing a Hognose Snake
Once you’re ready to welcome your hognose home, you need to provide the proper environment to help them thrive. The minimum sized tank for a full-grown male is 20 gallons, while the larger western females and eastern types require at least 40-gallon tanks.
Hognoses burrow to feel safe, so add a deep layer of substrate consisting of soft soil or coconut husk. Do not add pine shavings that are harmful to snakes, as they cause respiratory irritation and skin problems. To replicate their natural surroundings, add a cave and a few branches your snake can climb during the day.
In terms of heat, hognose snakes prefer basking temperatures around 90℉, and the warm side of the tank should remain around 85℉. A heat or basking light is best to use with these snakes, but you can also add a heating mat for reptiles. Keep the humidity levels under 50% and avoid soaking the substrate, as this will lead to an overgrowth of bacteria.
What to Feed a Hognose Snake
You’ll only have to feed your hognose snake every seven days, but they can become difficult around feeding time. Their refusal to eat for a few weeks can send first-time snake owners into a frenzy as to what is wrong with their pets. Give your snake the best start with a secure environment, and always maintain the correct temperature inside the tank. Snakes need warmth to remain active, and that includes digesting their food.
Hognoses do well on a diet of pink mice as adults, but they’re usually fed crickets and similar bugs as juveniles. Larger species can consume adult mice, but this should only be attempted once the snake is fully grown. In addition to food, hognose snakes enjoy bathing. Provide them with a shallow dish of water they can fit into and place the dish on the cool end of the tank. This will avoid increasing humidity levels.
The General Health of Hognose Snakes
Hognose snakes are generally healthy, provided their enclosures are kept clean. Some general reptile diseases to look out for with pet snakes include mouth rot and skin infections.
Mouth rot starts with bubbling around the mouth of the snake where inflammation has taken hold. It is a very uncomfortable condition for reptiles and can go as far as affecting their teeth. If you notice bubbling around the mouth, lethargy, and reluctance to eat, it’s best to have your pet snake examined by a veterinarian.
If the substrate is too wet or the humidity is too high, your hognose snake can suffer from a skin fungal infection. Signs of skin discoloration and difficulty shedding could indicate the hognose snake has an infection.
The Best Pet Snakes for Beginners
Hognose snakes make excellent pets, but their personalities and housing can be difficult for a first-time snakekeeper to handle. If you are looking for a relaxed snake that is low maintenance and quite friendly, then a corn snake is the ideal choice. Other snakes that are great for beginners include the rosy boa, ball python, and garter snake. These reptiles don’t mind being handled, and their active nature makes them fun to watch and interact with.
There are many reasons to keep snakes as pets, but you must prepare by researching their behavior, housing, and general health requirements before adopting one. Preparation is the best foundation to make your new reptile feel comfortable. A beautiful environment with gentle interactions will keep your hognose or other type of snake happy and healthy.
