Male vs. Female
Understanding the Differences Before You Choose
Overview
One of the first decisions new keepers face is whether to purchase a male or a female western hognose. Fortunately, there is no wrong answer. Both sexes make excellent pets and share the same husbandry requirements, but there are several differences that are worth understanding before making your decision.
The biggest differences involve adult size, feeding behavior, breeding potential, and cost. While these differences are generally consistent, every snake is still an individual with its own personality and habits.
This guide will help you decide which sex best fits your goals, whether you're looking for a pet, considering future breeding, or simply trying to choose between two equally adorable hatchlings.
Learning Objectives
After reading this guide, you should be able to:
- Understand the physical differences between males and females.
- Compare feeding habits between the sexes.
- Know how breeding affects females.
- Decide which sex best fits your goals.
- Understand common misconceptions about male and female hognoses.
Quick Summary
In general:
Males
- Stay smaller.
- Eat less food.
- Usually cost less to feed.
- Are more likely to go off food during breeding season or periods of testosterone / hormone peaking.
- Require less enclosure space.
Females
- Grow significantly larger.
- Eat larger prey.
- Continue growing for several years.
- Are typically more consistent feeders.
Neither sex is inherently friendlier, calmer, or easier to handle.
Size Differences
The most noticeable difference between the sexes is adult size.
Adult males typically reach approximately 18–24 inches (45–60 cm), while females often reach 24–36 inches (60–90 cm). Females are not only longer—they are also substantially heavier-bodied. Females typically weigh 3x more than males as full-grown adults.
This size difference exists because females must produce and carry eggs. Their larger body allows them to safely develop and lay healthy clutches.
For pet owners, the size difference mainly affects enclosure size, prey size, and feeding costs.
Feeding Behavior
One of the biggest behavioral differences appears during breeding season.
Adult males commonly become much more interested in searching for females than eating. It is completely normal for healthy adult males to refuse food for several weeks—or even months—during this period while maintaining good body condition.
Females are generally more consistent feeders throughout the year. Their nutritional demands increase as they mature and, if bred, they require additional energy to produce eggs.
For new keepers, it's important to understand that a healthy adult male skipping meals during breeding season is often normal and not necessarily a sign of illness.
Neither behavior is "better"—it's simply part of the biology of the species.
Personality
Many people assume males and females have different personalities.
In reality, personality varies far more between individual snakes than it does between sexes.
Some males are extremely bold.
Some females are incredibly shy.
Others are exactly the opposite.
When choosing a pet, temperament is far more important than whether the snake is male or female.
Breeding Considerations
If you have any interest in breeding in the future, purchasing a female may give you more options later.
Females require more time to mature and should not be bred until they are both physically mature and in good body condition.
If you are only interested in owning a pet, breeding potential should not influence your decision.
Cost of Ownership
Because females become significantly larger, they generally:
- Eat larger prey.
- Require slightly larger adult enclosures.
- Cost somewhat more to feed over their lifetime.
For most keepers, however, the difference in overall ownership cost is relatively small compared to the enjoyment either snake provides.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose a male if you:
- Prefer a smaller snake.
- Want slightly lower feeding costs.
- Have limited space.
- Are primarily looking for a pet.
Choose a female if you:
- Prefer a larger snake.
- Think you may eventually breed.
- Don't mind a slightly higher food bill.
- Enjoy watching larger-bodied snakes grow and mature.
Neither choice is better.
The best snake is the healthy individual whose personality fits what you're looking for.
Cali's Perspective
When people ask me which sex they should buy, my answer is almost always the same:
Buy the individual snake—not the sex.
I've met amazing males and amazing females. I've also met shy males and shy females. Personality simply doesn't follow the rules.
If you're looking for a smaller snake with lower food costs, a male is a fantastic choice. If you enjoy larger snakes or think you may want to breed one day, a female may make more sense.
But if you're standing in front of two healthy snakes and one keeps crawling over to investigate you while the other hides in the corner, I'd choose the curious one every time.
Fifteen years from now, you'll remember that personality far more than you'll remember whether your snake was male or female.
Common Misconceptions
"Females are friendlier."
There is no evidence that females are consistently friendlier than males.
"Males never eat well."
Healthy males generally eat very well outside of breeding season.
"Females always make better pets."
Both sexes make excellent pets. Personality and husbandry matter far more than sex.
Key Takeaways
- Males stay smaller and often eat less.
- Females grow significantly larger and are usually more consistent feeders.
- Personality varies much more between individuals than between sexes.
- Feeding behavior changes during breeding season are especially common in males.
- Choose the individual snake that best matches your goals and personality preferences.