Hognose snakes are tiny fossorial snakes found in areas of grass and Rockland. Hognose snakes are typically easy to take care of, however; they may refuse to eat prey that is not amphibian along with their mildly poisonous venom that triggers some special considerations to their treatment. 

Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing Aro... Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing Around

Similar to other reptiles and reptiles that are cold-blooded, hognose snakes also have cold blood which means they depend on the external temperature to manage their body’s temperature and metabolism. A reptile’s enclosure must provide various temperatures that allow them to effectively regulate their thermoregulation. Hognose snakes need to have a basking temperature between 90 and 95 degrees F. On the opposite part of the enclosure, temperatures should be in the range of 70-75 degrees. The heating should be shut off at night to ensure that the enclosure is able to cool down. 

While technically, hognose snakes are able to endure in the absence of UVB lighting, it’s a better practice to supply UVB for them. UVB offers benefits that go beyond vitamin D3 synthesizing, for example, the prevention of diseases and enhancing digestive and nervous function, and enhancing mental well-being. Since hognose snakes can’t live without UVB lighting, some say that UVB isn’t necessary to keep pets. But, UVB is highly beneficial since snakes are able to and synthesize vitamin D3 through being exposed to UVB wavelengths. There are other benefits that enhance the overall health of the snake. Many keepers have noticed more activity and overall healthier for their snakes following the addition of ultraviolet lighting.

Western Hognose Snakes

Western Hognose Snakes may not require UV light They are diurnal and require 14-16 hours of daylight per day. The ExoTerra Sun-Glo Lamps give light and heat and are a great option for snakes of this species. If you choose to use an LED lamp be sure to keep appropriate temperatures that do not exceed 90 degrees F since this could cause harm to the health of your snake. Western hognose snakes don’t require UVB to utilize calcium they consume like other reptiles, but it’s still an effective element to have in the enclosure. 

The snake is naturally exposed to UV by sunlight in the wild. As we attempt to replicate the natural environment in our enclosures, we would recommend offering some UVB. A 5-5% T8 UVB tube 25% T5 UVB tube or a more powerful, but the smaller tube is sufficient. The UV tube needs to be fixed to the ceiling near the rear of the enclosure, to provide the light gradient in a line parallel to the gradient of temperature. There will be instances where the snake would prefer more or less UVB therefore full and partial places to hide should be set throughout the length of the enclosure.

Hognose snake needs UVB

Hognoses are fossorial. That means that they don’t receive much sunlight exposure outside in nature. The UVB is usually 1/3 to 1/2 of the length of the terrarium. Therefore, if your enclosure measures 36” in length, then you’ll need an 18-24” bulb. If your enclosure is fitted with an enclosure with a screen lid, you can install the light on the bottom of the lid as the mesh is a barrier to UVB radiation. Make sure you have plenty of hiding spots and places to bask so your snake is able to choose the amount of UVB it would like at the moment.