How to Care for a Hog-Nosed Snake

The placid, docile temperament of hog-nosed snakes makes them a popular choice for both novice and veteran reptile enthusiasts. Hog-nosed snakes are named for the small ridge of scales along the nose that gives them a piglike appearance. The snakes are notorious for playing dead when threatened. Caring for hog-nosed snakes is not particularly difficult, although these gentle reptiles do require heat, proper feeding and spacious enclosures to thrive.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium with lid
  • Bedding
  • Heat mat
  • Thermometer
  • Shelter
  • Artificial tree branches
  • Water dish
  • Feeder mice
  • Disinfectant spray
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set your aquarium on a sturdy table or steady aquarium stand. Hog-nosed snakes need approximately 1 square foot of ground space for every foot of body length, so select an aquarium that is large enough to house your snake, but not too large. Hog-nosed snakes are most comfortable in a cozy tank and may stop eating if given too much space.

    • 2

      Fill the bottom of the tank with clean bedding. Hog-nosed like to burrow and will be comfortable bedded down in clean soil, wood shavings or paper towel strips. If you decide to use shavings, steer away from pine, cedar and redwood, as these are harmful to hog-nosed snakes.

    • 3

      Place a heat mat along one side of the tank, and turn the heat up to approximately 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Attach a thermometer to the inside of the tank, centering it between the heat mat and the empty side of the tank. Hog-nosed snakes thrive at temperatures between 82 band 85 degrees Fahrenheit, so adjust the mat up or down to keep the tank at an ideal temperature.

    • 4

      Add a shelter to the empty end of the tank, and scatter two or three artificial tree branches around the enclosure. The shelter can be a specialty snake shelter purchased from the pet store, or even a simple cardboard box, as long as it gives the snake a place to hide. Fill a shallow bowl with water and place it in the middle of the tank.

    • 5

      Feed you hog-nosed snake a feeder mouse every seven to 10 days. Purchase frozen rodents from your local reptile shop, selecting the appropriate type based on the size of your snake. Juvenile snakes eat pinky mice, while adult snakes eat large mice. Bring the dead mouse to room temperature on the counter and place it in the tank near the snake. Close the lid and observe the snake, watching quietly as it eats. Leave the snake alone for at least 48 hours to prevent regurgitation.

    • 6

      Remove feces from the tank daily, and scrub the entire enclosure once a week with reptile-safe disinfectant. Wash water bowls in hot water and air-dry to kill bacteria.