Reptile · Hognose
Eastern hognose snake care guide
Heterodon platirhinos
The eastern hognose snake is a advanced-level hognose from E North America incl. S Ontario. Adults reach 50–100 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Threatened in Ontario; buy only captive-bred animals proven on rodents. Solitary.
- Enclosure 90 × 45 × 45 cm
- Temp Warm 29–31°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity 40–60%
How much does a eastern hognose snake cost in Canada?
Eastern hognose snake quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 50–100 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- E North America incl. S Ontario
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 48 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 29–31°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – toads in the wild; scented frozen/thawed mice
- Bioactive style
- Temperate forest
Eastern hognose snake enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a temperate forest bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix15 cm
Keep a moisture gradient: drier on top and at the warm end, slightly moist underneath and at the cool end.
Temperature: Warm 29–31°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a eastern hognose snake eat?
Carnivore – toads in the wild; scented frozen/thawed mice. Feed one small scented thawed mouse every 7 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Famous for hooding and playing dead; rarely bites.
Health watch: Watch for feeding refusal and weight loss.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check temperatures and refresh water.
Weekly
- Lightly moisten the cool end and lower soil.
- Spot-clean waste.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter; check hides and branches are stable.
Yearly
- Partially refresh soil in high-traffic areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used).
Recommended for a eastern hognose snake bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 45 × 45 cm).
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 15 cm
Coco Husk Chips - Dried Loose Pack
Optional top layer (coco husk chips)
Red Oak Leaves 15/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Cork Bark Flats
A hide in each temperature zone
Cork Branches
Many colubrids climb more than people expect
Eastern hognose snake FAQ
Is the eastern hognose snake good for beginners?
The eastern hognose snake is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Famous for hooding and playing dead; rarely bites.
What size enclosure does a eastern hognose snake need?
At least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (about 35 × 18 × 18 inches, roughly 48 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a eastern hognose snake cost in Canada?
Typically $250–600 CAD to buy, about $610–1110 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–300 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a eastern hognose snake need?
Temperature: Warm 29–31°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 40–60%.
What does a eastern hognose snake eat?
Carnivore – toads in the wild; scented frozen/thawed mice. Feed one small scented thawed mouse every 7 days.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.