Advice for first Hognose/Snake

FIRST HOGNOSE :)

I'm in the process of preparing for my first snake, which I likely won't get until December/January (4-5 months from now). I just wanted some advice on my list of things to aquire, or really any advice, lol!

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So far:

-20gal tall tank (already have, will upsize when/if needed)

-Substrate/aspen shavings

-6×8in heat mat

-thermostat

-hydrometer/thermometer combo

-hides

-fake plants/branches/enrichment

-water dish (optional: shallow feeding dish)

-UVB? (I hear mixed opinions on if this is needed)

-light for day/night cycle (if UVB isn't needed)

-appropriate sized feeders (when snake is aquired)

-If snake is picky, fish for scenting rodents

-thermometer gun (already have, due to crestie)

-reptisafe for water (already have, due to crestie)

-stand (metal shelf to provide airflow under heat mat)

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Is anything missing from this list?

Notes: I plan to get a juvenile male albino western hognose. I've already been pouring over tons of information and videos on husbandry. I've been an avid Snake Discovery fan for 8-9 years. I do not plan to do bioactive as keeping the humidity in a safe range would be much more difficult, as my homes humidity is already around 40 to 50%.

Posted Jul 25, 2026, 7:41 PM UTC

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