Reptile · Hognose
Tricolor hognose snake care guide
Xenodon pulcher
The tricolor hognose snake is a intermediate-level hognose from Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia. Adults reach 50–80 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. A coral-snake mimic; handle carefully to avoid chewing bites. Solitary.
- Enclosure 90 × 45 × 45 cm
- Temp Warm 29–32°C, cool 22–24°C
- Humidity 30–50%
How much does a tricolor hognose snake cost in Canada?
Tricolor hognose snake quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 50–80 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 48 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 29–32°C, cool 22–24°C
- Humidity
- 30–50%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Tricolor 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 29–32°C, cool 22–24°C. Humidity: 30–50%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a tricolor hognose snake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one small thawed mouse every 7–10 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Usually calm; rear-fanged and less inclined to bluff than Heterodon.
Health watch: Watch for obesity and respiratory infections.
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 tricolor 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
Tricolor hognose snake FAQ
Is the tricolor hognose snake good for beginners?
The tricolor hognose snake is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Usually calm; rear-fanged and less inclined to bluff than Heterodon.
What size enclosure does a tricolor 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 tricolor hognose snake cost in Canada?
Typically $400–900 CAD to buy, about $620–1130 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–300 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a tricolor hognose snake need?
Temperature: Warm 29–32°C, cool 22–24°C. Humidity: 30–50%.
What does a tricolor 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.