Western Hognose cb21 
There are many out there who are enthusiastic about getting into reptiles and possibly interested in breeding them. Some people don’t know where to start. They can be intimidating, especially snakes. They bite! They have venom! They have fangs and some constrict their prey to death. Well, if these are your concerns then look no further. The Western Hognose Snake is a rather docile creature, easy to take care of, and is a soft introduction into the world of snakes. But as simple as they are, you do need to ensure that they have the proper environment and diet. Here’s what you need to know about the Western Hognose Snake.
Quick Facts about Western Hognose Snake
Species Name:
Heterodon nasicus
Common Name:
Western Hognose Snake
Care Level:
Easy
Lifespan:
15 to 20 years, 10 to 18 in the wild
Adult Size:
20 – 36 inches
Diet:
Meat
Minimum Tank Size:
20 – 30 gallon
Temperature & Humidity
75 – 90 degrees Fahrenheit
Do Western Hognose Snakes Make Good Pets?
These snakes have a relatively gentle temperament and are effectively harmless to humans. They rarely bite humans, even when threatened. Their venom will cause some skin irritation but is not fatal. Their gentle temperament makes them a great choice for first-time snake/reptile owners.
Appearance
The Western Hognose Snake receives its name from the fact that it occurs from the regions of Southern Canada to Mexico. Its nose is also slightly upturned, hence ‘hognose.’ They are only about a foot and a half long (three feet at the most) and weigh about half a pound. Their colors are similar to most rattlesnakes. The males have longer and more narrow tails whereas the females have shorter and thicker tails.
 
How to Take Care of Western Hognose Snake
Habitat, Tank Conditions & Setup
Firstly, thoroughly clean the tank and make sure that there are no contaminants. There is no UV light required for this snake. Instead, you can use a basking bulb for light and heat. Since Western Hognoses are diurnal reptiles, you can count on them using this light during the daytime. A good substrate is shredded aspen bedding but you can also use coconut fiber. Mix the coconut fiber with sand in a bucket and get wet enough to mix thoroughly. This will allow it to hold shape and humidity better (you don’t want it too dry).
Tank 
A tank that has at least 20 gallons of volume will do fine. However, it is better if they have more floor room to move around. So, while the tank does not necessarily need to be deep, it should be wider. Western Hognoses, like many reptiles, can be frightened by their reflections on the side of the terrarium. Blocking out the side walls with some construction paper would do your snake well. Lastly, don’t forget to include a water dish.
Lighting
They do not require UV light. An incandescent snake light bulb should suffice. Western Hognoses need about 14 hours of light per day.
Heating (Temperature & Humidity) 
You are going to want a temperature gradient within the tank. This means you need a basking spot and a cooler spot. Putting a lightbulb on one end and adjusting the proximity to achieve about 90 degrees Fahrenheit will be perfect for your Hognose’s warm spot. The warm/cooler spot should be adjusted to somewhere in the 70s to 80s. 40% humidity is perfect for the Western Hognose snakes
Substrate 
Shredded aspen bedding or coconut coir make good substrates mixed with sand.
Tank Recommendation 
Tank Type
20 gallon glass vivarium
Lighting
Incandescent bulb/No UV
Heating
Gradient, warm spot/cooler spot
Best Substrate
Shredded aspen bedding
Feeding Your Western Hognose Snake
Western Hognose snakes should be fed weekly. The adults will do well to have a small thawed mouse as its meal. The size of the meal should not exceed the diameter of your snake’s head. You will notice a bump after it has been consumed, but the bump should go away after about 24 hours. The hatchlings can be fed once a week. Feed them a small, thawed, pinky mouse that you can purchase at your local pet store. They may not take it right away. If you are concerned that they are not going to eat it, scent the mouse with some juice from a can of tuna or salmon. This should help them warm up to their meal.
Diet Summary
Fruits
0% of diet
Insects
0% of diet
Meat
100% of diet – small frozen or thawed mice
Supplements Required
N/A