Thinking about getting a snake (maybe Hognose?) Advice appreciated!

[Eugene]

Hi everyone,

I've been keeping reptiles since I can remember and I have only owned one snake before but I'm looking to get another as I miss having one around. My first and only was an Okeetee corn snake, who I loved dearly but had to give up due to family matters. I have been reading about Western Hognoses for quite some time now and I'm seriously considering purchasing one in the coming months. I just wanted to see what everyone's experiences have been with these guys and ask a few questions. I've read many care sheets but they all seem to vary in information so I'd like to try to collaborate them to figure out what care is best. I've also been looking in to Kenyan sand boas but I've read that you see the sand in their enclosure more than anything.

Questions about the hognoses:
I would like to know what substrate is best for them? I'd like to use sand if possible, but I'm not sure if it's a good substrate since it won't hold any shape of the burrows.
Are they good display snakes? Meaning, are they visible often? Or do they tend to hide more?
Do they need UV lighting? I've read no, but I've also read yes.

Any advice is appreciated!

 

[Thistles]

I would keep it on aspen instead of sand. They burrow a lot, so they aren't great for display. That said, they are great at displaying when they're frightened. It's all kinds of adorable. They don't need UVB light. Good luck!

 

[Furret]

We had a hognose snake in the science room in the 7th grade, I remember. It did well in aspen bedding...sand can annoy it. Piggy, my old hognose, despised sand. Give her a hiding soot or two since they don't like to be out much (they burrow a lot too). And nope, no UVB light is necessary. Good luck!

 

[Eugene]

Thanks for the info! I have no problem not keeping it on sand. Just wondered.

 

[RS4guy]

Hogs are great! GL with your purchase.

 

[pouchedrat]

I love my hogs, I have five right now. I have issues with two males going off eating every so often though.... right now my albino has gone back on track, but the het albino boy is still refusing meals.

 

[Eugene]

I've read that they can be quite finicky. I'm prepared for that if it happens. Other than that, they seem to be fantastic little snakes! I have found 2 breeders that will be at the next expo.
Any tips on choosing a healthy baby?

 

[Benzo48]

Look for one that's the fattest and moves the most. I love my hog. Picked it up at an expo for $40. I like the fact that they always seem to have a little wildness still in them.
Make sure you ask the breeders about how they've been eating and all that jazz.
I have a sand boa as well. In my opinion the hog is way cooler.
Good luck and use aspen.