Hognose Snake Size & Weight Chart by Age

Last updated: · Reviewed against sources listed below

This hognose snake growth chart shows typical weight and length by age. Hatchlings measure 5–9 inches and weigh 3–9 grams. Adult males stay around 14–24 inches and 60–160 grams, while females grow to about 3 feet and 150–400 grams.

Measure by

Weigh on a kitchen scale before feeding.

This is our reptile age and growth estimator, preset for hognose snakes.

Hognose Snake growth chart by age

The ranges cover both sexes, so males sit at the lower end and females at the upper end. Weight is the most useful measure. Use the °F / in button at the top of the page to switch to centimeters.

AgeTotal lengthWeight
Hatchling5–9 in13–23 cm3–9 g (0.11–0.32 oz)3–9 g
3 months7–11 in18–28 cm6–20 g (0.21–0.71 oz)6–20 g
6 months9–14 in23–36 cm12–40 g (0.4–1.4 oz)12–40 g
12 months12–20 in30–51 cm30–100 g (1.1–3.5 oz)30–100 g
18 months14–24 in36–61 cm50–170 g (1.8–6 oz)50–170 g
2 years15–28 in38–71 cm70–250 g (2.5–8.8 oz)70–250 g
3 years1.3–3 ft38–91 cm80–400 g (3–14 oz)80–400 g

How big do hognose snakes get?

Western hognoses are small snakes, and the two sexes grow very differently. Adult males usually measure 14–24 inches and weigh 60–160 g (2.1–5.6 oz)60–160 g; many never pass about 120 g. Females grow longer and much heavier, up to just under 3 feet and usually 150–400 g (5–14 oz)150–400 g. A few females grow larger still.

Hatchlings already differ: males typically weigh 3–5 g and females 7–9 g. Males are usually mature at about a year old, while females mature at about two years, once they reach a healthy adult weight.

Tracking your hognose’s weight

Weigh your snake every two to four weeks, before a meal, on a digital scale that reads to at least 1 gram. A scale with 0.1 g accuracy is useful for hatchlings. Keep a log next to your feeding records; the feeding calculator can print one.

Because hognoses are stocky by nature, body shape can be hard to judge. A healthy hognose has a thick, rounded body with no sharp spine ridge. Fat folds when it bends, or a body that bulges at the sides, suggest overfeeding.

Why is my hognose growing slowly?

  • It is a male. Males stay small, so a slow-growing male may be perfectly normal.
  • Prey that is too small or too infrequent for its weight.
  • A cool basking spot. Below about 88°F31°C, digestion and appetite slow down.
  • Winter fasting. Many hognoses eat little in the colder months.
  • Parasites or illness. A vet check and fecal test can rule these out.

If your hognose is losing weight rather than just growing slowly, or shows signs such as wheezing, mucus or swelling around the mouth, see a reptile vet.

Frequently asked questions

How fast do hognose snakes grow?

Hognoses grow steadily for their first two years and then slow down once they mature. Most reach about 30–100 g by their first birthday. Males then level off near adult size, while females keep growing and often reach 150 g or more by age two. Feeding and temperature affect the rate a lot.

How can I tell if my hognose is male or female?

Size is a clue in adults: females are much larger and heavier than males. Males also have a longer, thicker tail that tapers gradually, while females have a shorter tail that narrows sharply after the vent. A reptile vet or experienced breeder can confirm the sex by probing, which you should not try at home.

At what age is a hognose fully grown?

Males are usually close to full size at about a year and a half to two years. Females keep growing longer and are often full size at about three years. After that, weight changes mostly reflect feeding, fasting in winter and body condition.

Sources

Where sources disagree we show the range they share. See our sources and methodology for how every number is checked.

Results are estimates for healthy animals. Always consult a reptile veterinarian for individual advice. Read our disclaimer.

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