New hognose

[skinheaddave]

When I first got into snakes I didn't like these guys at all. Then, a year or two ago for no apparent reason I just changed my mind. Finally picked up a Western hognose and absolutely love it.

Cheers,
Dave

 

[skinheaddave]

Closeup of the head.

Cheers,
Dave

 

[skinheaddave]

And him showing that he doesn't get the name "hognose" from his upturned rostral scale, but rather from his appetite.

Cheers,
Dave

 

[Phillip]

Nice Western there Dave. I do love hognose. Good choice in the species also as they eat well from the start and are pretty much bullet proof.

Phil

 

[Bry]

Great choice, Dave. I've toyed with the idea of getting myself a Western Hognose. These guys are great snakes. If I may make a suggestion. I would suggest feeding in a separate enclosure, or at least, putting down a paper towel at feeding time to prevent accidental ingestion of substrate.

Bry

 

[BigSam]

don't hognoses have venom ??

Sam,

 

[Bry]

Sam, they do, in a sense. But, they aren't anywhere near as dangerous as rattlers or cottonmouths or whatnot. It's more properly classified as toxic saliva. These don't pose any serious threat to humans, especially those whom are healthy and not allergic to the toxic compounds. Hognoses are also rear-fanged, so they have to chew to get the toxins in. Therefore, they don't deliver as much venom as a rattler can in the same amount of time. With the exception of feeding, hognoses are pretty reluctant to biting. Only amphibians and mice really need to worry.

Bry

 

[atavuss]

good choice, Dave! I have had one for several years, got it as a tiny hatchling and now it is a plump adult. mine is skittish and will hiss and strike with a closed mouth. mine seems to slow down on the feeding during the winter months but makes up for it in the summer months when it will pretty much take all food offered.
there are even "designer" morphs available now.
Ed

 

[skinheaddave]

Originally posted by atavuss
there are even "designer" morphs available now.

There were some hatchlings with a lot more yellow in them. I know that seems to be what people want, but I just love the distinct darker colouration on mine. I'm a fan of the natural and more muted snakes -- though I must admit that Tamara's JCP is absolutely stunning!

Cheers,
Dave

 

[Phillip]

The albinos are the ones that make me drool.

Still too pricey but awesome.

Phil