Full Grown Western Hognose Snake: Size, Lifespan, & More

Elizabeth Craig

Dec 12, 2023

The western hognose snake is a fascinating reptile known for its dramatic displays and stocky build. As hognose snakes reach adulthood, their size, personality, care needs and more undergo some changes. This guide covers everything you need to know about full grown western hognose snakes.

Size at Full Growth

On average, western hognose snakes reach their full size between 2-4 years of age. Females tend to be larger than males. A fully grown female western hognose snake typically measures:

Length: 24-36 inches (61-91 cm)
Height: 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm)

Males are slightly smaller, usually measuring:

Length: 18-30 inches (46-76 cm)
Height: 1.5-2.5 inches (4-6 cm)

Weight at Full Growth

In terms of weight, fully grown western hognose snakes range from:

Males: 200-400g
Females: 400-800g

Appearance at Full Growth

Visually, adult western hognose snakes maintain their signature stocky build and patterning. Key appearance traits include:

Thick, keeled scales
Distinct triangular head shape
Background color of sandy grey, brown or reddish tones
Dark, Hourglass-shaped dorsal markings
Lateral dark blotches that often merge into broken lines down the sides
White or cream chin and throat area

Males can be identified by their shorter, thicker tails compared to females.

Personality at Full Growth

In terms of demeanor, adult western hognose snakes remain feisty yet generally harmless. When fully grown:

They may be more defensive initially upon handling but often calm down quickly
Hissing and flattening of the neck in a cobra-like manner are still common threat displays
Biting is rare, and if it occurs the bite is usually mild
Most establish trust over time and can be quite docile pets
May be more prone to go off feed for short periods around breeding season

With regular positive interaction, many adult hoggies become very personable.

Price

The price of a fully grown western hognose snake can vary depending on factors like morph, sex and demand. In general, expect to pay:

$50-150 for a standard captive-bred male or female
$100-300+ for rarer morphs or special localities
Breeding pairs $200-500+ depending on quality

Adult hognoses available as pets are most often captive-bred specimens.

Food/Feeding

At full size, western hognose snakes typically eat:

Adult mice 1-2 times per week for males
Adult mice or small rats 1-2 times per week for females

Some larger females may accept rat pups. It's important not to overfeed adults. Proper husbandry involves feeding prey that is 10-15% of the snake's weight.

Lifespan

With excellent care, western hognose snakes have an average lifespan of 15-20 years in captivity. Some individuals live well into their 20s. Proper heating, humidity and regular vet care help maximize a hognose's longevity.

Health at Full Growth

Some key aspects of an adult western hognose snake's health include:

Maintaining a supple, healthy skin and muscle tone through correct husbandry
Shedding intact blue-ish skins every 2-3 months as needed
Eating regularly and achieving appropriate weight on a rodent diet
Being alert, active and responsive when handled
Clear eyes, nose and skin free of infections or lesions

Annual vet checkups help monitor weight, metabolism and detect any potential issues early on.

Care and Nutritional Needs at Full Growth

Here are the primary care requirements for a fully grown western hognose snake:

Housing

A secure 20-40 gallon terrarium or enclosure suitable for the adult snake's size, with:

Ample substrate depth for burrowing (4-6 inches)
Hides on the warm and cool ends
A water bowl large enough for soaking
Appropriate heating and lighting

Temperature & Humidity

A warm side of 85-90°F provided by an under tank heat mat or low wattage bulb. The cool side can be 80°F. Humidity of 50-60%.

Cleaning & Enrichment

Thorough enclosure cleaning 1-2 times monthly. Regular handling and exploration opportunities outside the enclosure boost mental stimulation.

Diet

A varied diet of appropriately sized feeder rodents (rats or mice). Fresh water available at all times.

Costing

Owning a full grown western hognose snake involves some costs beyond the initial purchase price, such as:

Monthly feeder rodents: $10-20 per month average
Annual vet checkup: $50-100
Electrical and heating costs: $5-10 per month
Replacement lighting/heating equipment as needed
Enrichment items and enclosure upgrades over time

Overall expect to budget around $150-300 annually for a healthy adult hognose.

Possible Behavioral Changes of a Fully Grown Snake

As western hognose snakes mature into adulthood, some typical behavioral adjustments may occur:

May be less prone to defensive displays or striking compared to juveniles
More apt to retreat and hide if disturbed versus confrontational behaviors
May seek thermal regulation or hydration more through soaking rather than coiled movement
Might spend more time partially or fully buried under substrate when resting
If breeding aged, males may patrol enclosures seeking females in season

Overall adult hognose behaviors are very predictable and harmless indoors.

Notable Characteristics of a Fully Grown Snake

Some distinguishing traits that set adult western hognose snakes apart include:

Massive stocky build resembling a thick snake with no neck
Thick coarsely keeled scales for traction while burrowing
Laterally compressed bodies perfectly suited for tight subterranean squeezes
Distinctively shaped heads shovel-like for excavating
Laterally compressed tails that aid in movement through tunnel systems
Well-developed scent glands along the vent releasing odors for communication purposes
Ability to flatten body vertically for puffing up and fooling predators
Bright coloring that serves as a warning to potential threats
Feisty yet harmless temperaments as adults, showing confidence in escaping rather than confrontation

Fully matured western hognoses demonstrate impressive adaptations for survival both above and below ground. While maintaining their signature stockiness, adult individuals exhibit enhanced sensory abilities, strength and independence befitting their nature as experienced snake elders of the prairies.

Summary

In closing, the full grown western hognose snake presents an intriguing package. Larger in size yet still utilizing dramatic puffing behaviors, adult hogs establish themselves as resilient rulers of their domains. With steady care that mimics their natural lifestyles, pet owners can appreciate western hognoses for many years to come in captivity as these hardy serpents reach their full potentials.