Reptile · Hognose
Madagascar giant hognose snake care guide
Leioheterodon madagascariensis
The madagascar giant hognose snake is a intermediate-level hognose from Madagascar. Adults reach 120–150 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. Very food-driven; use tongs and a hook. Solitary.
- Enclosure 150 × 60 × 60 cm
- Temp Warm 30–33°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity 40–60%
How much does a madagascar giant hognose snake cost in Canada?
Madagascar giant hognose snake quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 120–150 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Madagascar
- Minimum enclosure
- 150 × 60 × 60 cm (59 × 24 × 24 in, ≈ 143 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 30–33°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Madagascar giant hognose snake enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 150 × 60 × 60 cm (59 × 24 × 24 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a semi-arid bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend15 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry.
Temperature: Warm 30–33°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a madagascar giant hognose snake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats. Feed one appropriately sized thawed rodent every 7–10 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Active with a strong feeding response; mildly venomous rear-fanged bites possible.
Health watch: Watch for obesity and bite injuries during feeding.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check basking surface temperature with an infrared thermometer.
- Keep the humid hide damp; refresh water.
Weekly
- Spot-clean waste.
- Every 1–2 weeks, pour water down into the soil around plants and in the cool corner.
Monthly
- Check stones and wood are stable and can’t be tunnelled under.
- Add a few leaves to the cool corner for isopods.
Yearly
- Refresh the top layer in the basking area.
- Replace UVB bulbs on schedule.
Recommended for a madagascar giant hognose snake bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (150 × 60 × 60 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive soil layer, 15 cm
Canyon Sand
Optional: mix in for a firmer, sandier texture
Eastern Oak Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Terrarium Moss 7L Bag
Humid hide moss
Cork Bark Half Rounds
A hide at each end – plus one humid hide filled with damp moss
Mopani Wood
Climbing and a raised basking spot
Carnelian Stone
Holds heat under the lamp – place directly on the enclosure floor
Madagascar giant hognose snake FAQ
Is the madagascar giant hognose snake good for beginners?
The madagascar giant hognose snake is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Active with a strong feeding response; mildly venomous rear-fanged bites possible.
What size enclosure does a madagascar giant hognose snake need?
At least 150 × 60 × 60 cm (about 59 × 24 × 24 inches, roughly 143 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a madagascar giant hognose snake cost in Canada?
Typically $300–700 CAD to buy, about $1100–1940 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $200–350 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a madagascar giant hognose snake need?
Temperature: Warm 30–33°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 40–60%.
What does a madagascar giant hognose snake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats. Feed one appropriately sized thawed rodent every 7–10 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.