So excited!

[Kristi23]

I'm getting my first snake next week! (my daughter's ball python doesn't count since it's not mine.) I was lucky to get Brad's last young hognose male from him.

I could definitely use some tips though. I've searched online for husbandry info and have found different things (just like with leos). So I'd rather here from some of you here on how you keep yours. I want to make sure I have everything I need before he gets here.

Thanks!

 

[Srt14292]

How young we talking about here?
I would say stock up on your frozen miceys, whatever size he is eating, Not allways but hognoses are notorious for refusing feeds much like ball pythons.
Other then that they are cute as heck and will often "fake strike" where they lunge at you without their mouths open, Very funny and very cute trying to make themselves look dangerous.
Good luck with your little one and get some pictures once he is settled in!

 

[Kristi23]

How young we talking about here?
I would say stock up on your frozen miceys, whatever size he is eating, Not allways but hognoses are notorious for refusing feeds much like ball pythons.
Other then that they are cute as heck and will often "fake strike" where they lunge at you without their mouths open, Very funny and very cute trying to make themselves look dangerous.
Good luck with your little one and get some pictures once he is settled in!

I already have frozen pinkies and fuzzies. He's eating pinkies, so that's covered. I'm not sure on the exact age, but he's over 4 months and under 1 year. I mostly need tips on cage/tub size, temps, etc.

Thanks!

 

[robin]

just quessing i would think something about the size of a shoe box would be about the right size

 

[Gregg M]

Kristi,
Congratulations!!! You are lucky a lucky girl...

I have 4 hogs from Brad and I can tell you from experience, you will not get a problem feeder... The hogs I got from him are fast growers, great eaters, and are VERY healthy and well started... Not to mention beautiful... See my threads with the reds and the mexican hogs...

The way I have been keeping my hogs is like this...

90 degree hot spot.

78 to 80 degree cool end (ambient air temp)

Feeding one prey item every 3 to 4 days.

I do not offer them water dishes because I do not want the humidity to get too high in their bins so I put them in a container with a small amount of water on the bottom 2 times a week... I have noticed that most of my hogs do not even go near water dishes in their bin anyway... By doing it the way I do, I know they are drinking and getting enough water... For bedding, I use fine shredded aspen...

I am raising them in 6 quarts right now but they will be going into larger bins once they hit the 80 gram mark...

Good luck with the little guy but being you are getting it from Brad, I dont think you will need much luck...

 

[Kristi23]

Kristi,
Congratulations!!! You are lucky a lucky girl...

I have 4 hogs from Brad and I can tell you from experience, you will not get a problem feeder... The hogs I got from him are fast growers, great eaters, and are VERY healthy and well started... Not to mention beautiful... See my threads with the reds and the mexican hogs...

The way I have been keeping my hogs is like this...

90 degree hot spot.

78 to 80 degree cool end (ambient air temp)

Feeding one prey item every 3 to 4 days.

I do not offer them water dishes because I do not want the humidity to get too high in their bins so I put them in a container with a small amount of water on the bottom 2 times a week... I have noticed that most of my hogs do not even go near water dishes in their bin anyway... By doing it the way I do, I know they are drinking and getting enough water... For bedding, I use fine shredded aspen...

I am raising them in 6 quarts right now but they will be going into larger bins once they hit the 80 gram mark...

Good luck with the little guy but being you are getting it from Brad, I dont think you will need much luck...

Thanks Gregg! You're the reason I contacted Brad.

This info is exactly what I was looking for. One more thing, what do you use for hides? Does the aspen work well for you? I'm hoping so much that I'm not allergic to it, but I'll deal if I am. I can never keep small furry animals because of the cedar chips (I did when I was younger). It makes me sneeze and itch.

I think that's it for now. I'm sure I'll think of something else though.

 

[Gregg M]

Kristi,
I do not use hides for them... They burrow into the aspen... When I see they are going into shed, when the eyes turn from blue back to normal, I will keep the cool end humid to aid in shedding... After they shed the bin goes back to its usual dry environment...

The aspen bedding has not caused me any issues... It does not have the same oils and dust level that other wood beddings have... As I am sure you know, pine and cedar can kill reptiles but aspen is 100% safe...

 

[Kristi23]

Kristi,
I do not use hides for them... They burrow into the aspen... When I see they are going into shed, when the eyes turn from blue back to normal, I will keep the cool end humid to aid in shedding... After they shed the bin goes back to its usual dry environment...

The aspen bedding has not caused me any issues... It does not have the same oils and dust level that other wood beddings have... As I am sure you know, pine and cedar can kill reptiles but aspen is 100% safe...

Thank you so much! I'll pick up some aspen this weekend. I have everything else I need.