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Hognose snake care, feeding, and dramatic behavior.

My friend keeps several reptiles, including two adult hognose snakes with a clutch of five month old babies. I have spent a lot of time observing how he cares for them. These are my notes on what I have learned and what I find most interesting.


Brian holding his adult hognose snake in one hand and petting the keeled scales with the other hand.

Bright orange Hognose snake curled on white beans inside a clear display container at the Goshen Reptile Expo, photographed by Corky Lorenz.

Hognose Snakes by BLN Reptiles at the Goshen Reptile Expo

BLN Reptiles is a small-scale breeder specializing in western hognose snakes with unique color morphs and healthy genetics. They were at the Goshen Reptile Expo showing a range of juvenile snakes with striking patterns and calm temperaments.

Close-up of a baby hognose snake biting a paper towel while being gently held by hand, photographed indoors with soft natural light.

What happens if a baby hognose snake bites a paper towel?

It might try to eat it. A little vinegar on a q-tip can help the snake let go without harm.

A hognose snake striking a pinkie mouse held by tongs, to eat.

What do hognose snakes eat?

When they are first hatched, and are very small, they can eat cut chicken hearts. As they get bigger, they transition to eating pinkies. Feed a hognose like most other pet snakes.

Albino western hognose snake eating cut chicken heart, with a small patch of old shed skin visible on its head.

What should you do if your hognose snake has stuck shed on its head?

Sometimes a hognose snake will finish shedding its body but still have old skin left on the head or eyes. This is normal and usually clears up on its own once the snake has access to a little extra humidity.

Brian holds a calm baby hognose pet snake in this hand.

Are hognose snakes good pets?

Hognose snakes can make good pets for people who appreciate their dramatic, hissy personalities. They’re harmless, expressive, and a little theatrical, which some people find charming and others find annoying.

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