Reptile · Hognose
Mexican hognose snake care guide
Heterodon kennerlyi
The mexican hognose snake is a beginner-level hognose from S Texas, NE Mexico. Adults reach 35–65 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. Smaller than the western hognose; give deep loose substrate. Solitary.
- Enclosure 90 × 45 × 45 cm
- Temp Warm 30–32°C, cool 22–24°C
- Humidity 30–50%
How much does a mexican hognose snake cost in Canada?
Mexican hognose snake quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- 35–65 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- S Texas, NE Mexico
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 48 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 30–32°C, cool 22–24°C
- Humidity
- 30–50%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Mexican 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 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 30–32°C, cool 22–24°C. Humidity: 30–50%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a mexican hognose snake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one small thawed mouse every 7–10 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Bluffs and plays dead but rarely bites; mild rear-fanged saliva.
Health watch: Watch for obesity and winter fasting.
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 mexican hognose snake bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 45 × 45 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
Mexican hognose snake FAQ
Is the mexican hognose snake good for beginners?
Yes – the mexican hognose snake is a good choice for beginners. Bluffs and plays dead but rarely bites; mild rear-fanged saliva.
What size enclosure does a mexican 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 mexican hognose snake cost in Canada?
Typically $150–350 CAD to buy, about $620–1130 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–250 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a mexican hognose snake need?
Temperature: Warm 30–32°C, cool 22–24°C. Humidity: 30–50%.
What does a mexican hognose snake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one small thawed mouse 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.