About feeding a hognose snake
Western hognose snakes are small, charismatic snakes with upturned snouts and famously dramatic bluffing behaviour. They're rear-fanged and mildly venomous to their amphibian prey but harmless to people — and because they're small, precise prey sizing matters a lot.
How much should a hognose snake eat?
Snake feeding is based on prey size relative to body weight, matched to standard frozen prey. The chart below shows the right prey and frequency for each weight class — the calculator gives a specific recommendation for your snake's exact weight.
| Snake weight | Prey item | Prey weight | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| under 40 g | Pinky mouse (2–5g) | ~3 g | every 6 days |
| 40–120 g | Fuzzy mouse (5–10g) | ~7 g | every 7 days |
| 120 g and up | Hopper or adult mouse (10–25g) | ~15 g | every 10 days |
What to feed
Hognose snakes are carnivores that in captivity take appropriately-sized frozen-thawed mice. Because wild hognoses specialise in amphibians, some individuals are fussy and may need prey scented with toad or tuna to encourage feeding.
How often to feed
Hatchlings and juveniles eat every 5-7 days; adults every 7-10 days. Females are larger than males and take bigger prey. Watch condition closely given their small size.
Common feeding mistakes
- Prey that's too large for a small-bodied snake.
- Overfeeding, which hognoses are prone to given their food drive.
- Assuming a bluffing/refusing snake is ill when it may just be shy.
- Handling right after a meal.
Weight & health
Hognose snakes obese easily because they readily overeat; an overfed hognose looks bloated and loses its taper. Keep prey modest and space meals appropriately. Their theatrical hissing and playing dead is bluff, not illness.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I feed a hognose snake?
Juveniles every 5-7 days and adults every 7-10 days. Females need larger prey than the much smaller males.
What do hognose snakes eat?
Appropriately-sized frozen-thawed mice. Some hognoses, being natural amphibian-eaters, need prey scented with toad or tuna to trigger a feeding response.
Are hognose snakes venomous?
They're rear-fanged with a mild venom adapted for subduing amphibians. They're considered harmless to humans, though a rare individual may cause mild local swelling if it chews on a bite.
Why is my hognose snake refusing food?
Hognoses can be seasonally fussy or shy. Try scenting prey, feeding in a quiet covered space, and offering in the evening. A healthy adult can safely skip meals for a while.