Extreme Red Albino hognose | Heterodon nasicus
Plan the habitat for the adult animal, with secure housing and room to carry out its natural behaviour.
At a Glance
| Origin & natural habitat |
Central North America; sandy grassland and scrub. |
| Adult size |
Males around 40–60 cm; females commonly 60–90 cm. |
| Lifespan |
12–20 years. |
| Temperament |
Individuals vary; allow time to settle before any handling. |
| Activity |
Ask the team about the activity pattern of the animal supplied. |
| Social needs |
House individually. |
Housing & Setup
Enclosure dimensions are length × depth × height unless stated otherwise. Plan for the adult animal; larger, suitably furnished housing is encouraged.
| Adult housing |
At least 90 × 45 × 45 cm; large females benefit from 120 × 60 × 60 cm. |
| Temperature |
Basking area 32–35°C; cool end 22–25°C. |
| Lighting & UVB |
Provide a regular day/night cycle with darkness at night. Select species-appropriate UVB, with shaded retreats and safe lamp distances. |
| Humidity / moisture |
Generally 30–50%; provide a damp hide for shedding. |
| Substrate |
A deep, reptile-safe loose substrate for burrowing. |
| Furnishings & filtration |
Secure hides and furnishings; drinking water must remain accessible. |
Behaviour & Compatibility
Solitary. Hissing and bluff displays are common when frightened; give space rather than provoking defensive behaviour.
Feeding & Nutrition
Offer suitable fully thawed whole prey, following the animal’s established diet. Juveniles generally feed weekly and adults less often; adjust to body condition. Avoid forcing food or offering live rodents. Provide fresh water.
Routine Care
Check temperatures, humidity, appetite and behaviour daily. Replace drinking water and remove waste promptly. Clean bowls and contaminated furnishings regularly; monitor weight and shedding. Arrange advice from an exotics vet for persistent changes in appetite, breathing or movement.
Important Before Buying
This is a rear-fanged species whose bite can cause significant local swelling. Discuss safe handling and the individual’s feeding history with our reptile team; confirm the species of the supplied morph.
Live Animals Are Click & Collect Only
We do not ship live animals. Order online and wait for confirmation that your animal is ready before collecting from Newlands Home and Garden Centre, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. Have the enclosure prepared and its conditions checked before collection.