Hognose Snake Pet: What Makes Them the Perfect Choice for You?
by Luke Tansley on in Snakes
Here at the Northampton Reptile Centre we love the hognose snakes.
Hognose snakes stay small, usually reaching no more than 24 inches in length, and are well known for their calm and curious temperament. This makes them a fantastic choice for both first-time snake owners and experienced keepers alike.
But what exactly makes a hognose snake pet stand out from other pet snakes, and why are they so popular among reptile enthusiasts? Let’s take a closer look at the reasons a hognose snake could be the perfect pet for you.
Hognose Snake Origins and Unique Features
One of the things that makes a hognose snake pet so appealing is their behaviour. In the wild, they are known for their dramatic bluffing displays when threatened.
Instead of biting, they puff up their bodies, hiss loudly, and may even strike without opening their mouths. In extreme circumstances, they can deploy their secret weapon… playing dead.
These defensive behaviours make them unusual compared to many other small snakes, but they also mean they are extremely unlikely to be aggressive with their keepers. Their reputation for being non-threatening has made them a firm favourite in the reptile hobby.
Where do hognose snakes come from?
They are found in America, Mexico, South America and Madagascar. A few things that make the hognose stand out against other snakes are the fact that they are rear fanged, have an upturned nose, and they have a hood (like a cobra). They use their rear fangs as a tool to keep hold of prey or pop toads as they inflate!
The Benefits of a Hognose Snake Pet
A hognose snake pet is an excellent choice for families, young reptile keepers, or anyone looking for a snake that is easy to handle and care for.
Here are some of the key reasons why:
- Great pet for young people and new keepers.
- Very passive and unlikely to be hostile, one of the least aggressive snakes in the pet trade.
- Interesting behaviour and defence mechanisms.
- Grows to an easily manageable size, usually under 2 feet.
- Most adults can be comfortably housed in a 3-foot enclosure for life.
- Interesting features not found in other small snakes.
Their temperament is so gentle that even in the wild, hognose snakes prefer bluffing and theatrics over biting, even when facing predators!
Is a Hognose Snake the Right Pet for You?
A hognose snake pet is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a manageable, friendly, and fascinating reptile. With their unique behaviours, gentle nature, and easy care needs, they’re well suited to both new and experienced snake keepers.
See Hognose Snakes at Northampton Reptile Centre
If you’re ready to bring one home, contact us or visit Northampton Reptile Centre to see the hognoses we currently have available and get expert guidance on caring for your new pet.
For more details on husbandry, take a look at our hognose snake care sheet. You can also view our hognose snake set-up guide, which provides everything you need to create the perfect enclosure.
