Recommendations for Hognose portability?

[Duelist]

So I have put a lot of thought into getting my first snake, and I've decided the Hognose was the perfect place to start.

I've also considered a Corn Snake, and even thought about getting a scaleless one. Now before anyone says anything against that, it's been said that the problems introduced by being scaleless are in truth not as bad as they seem to be. And again, I thought about it. And at that, I am ignorant and have only taken in knowledge I've come by.

But back to the original topic, though feel free to comment on the scaleless thing, I decided that I don't always want to keep my Hognose in his cage. And to actually get my question out: Is it safe to carry him around in a little pouch? I mean it will keep him warm from the best of my knowledge, and I live in Florida. It's also Spring with Summer around the corner. The only downside I can see is that it will not get him 100% used to his own environment. And at that, it's not like he'll be in the pouch half the time. I'll only do it a couple times MAYBE. Yes, no?

Also, I wanted to make this thread to get some general Hognose tips. Like maybe some things you did personally that will help him bond with me? Or maybe some things that I shouldn't do so it won't make him think I'm smothering them. Or maybe even some things that I shouldn't do because it might frighten him?

Thanks for reading it all if you did. And I might as well treat this thread as a hello thread too, since it's my first post and/or snake.

PS: I think I want my first snake to be a normal one, since I actually prefer their pattern above special ones. (the simple brown cheaper ones)

[Mikoh4792]

Why would you want to keep a snake in a pouch most of the time? I think that would be stressful for the snake.

[Starbuck]

Not only would it be stressful, but you are removing all options for the snake to thermoregulate (choosing his own temp) or select humidity microclimates.

Honorees are great pets, but like ANY snake and EVERY snake, when they are out of their enclosure your whole focus should be on them, until you put them back. Many individuals have lost their snakes accidently because they were watching a movie or tv and were not paying full attention to the snake. The snake will mot want to hang out with you, or be carried around all day, it will want to try and escape to somewhere quiet and dark (two things humans t end to not have much of). Added to this, if you had your snake in a pouch and sat in the sun it could easily overheat. You won't want to handle it at all go the first week or two anyways, and also nk ot after it has eaten (which for a very young hoggie may be every 4-7 days).

I would ask yourself what you are getting out of carrying the snake around. I would then ask yourself what the snake is getting out of it. As a keeper it is your responsibility to keep that snake in appropriate conditions, unstressed, and healthy. You will not be able to do this by carrying it around on your person.

[Jim Smith]

When you say that you want to carry your snake around with you in a pouch, I would ask you why you want to do that? Is it so you have it to show to other people? It's not like it's going to provide you companionship. I would suggest to you that carrying a snake around in a pouch is a very poor idea. Bouncing around in a pouch will not allow it to rest properly. and will keep the snake stressed out all the time. You might want to think about why you want a snake in the first place. Snakes are fascinating and beautiful animals with different habits and even personalities. Many require specific habitats and environments to keep them properly. While they can occasionally be taken out of their cages and outside for short periods of time, they should not be subjected to being carried around in a pouch like a toy. If you really care about the animals you plan to obtain, then I strongly suggest you scrap the idea of carrying it around and put the needs of the animal ahead of your own desires to keep a snake with you as you walk around through your day.

[mrderson]

Like everyone else said having your snake out and in a pouch for long periods of time would be stressful for the snake. And from my experiences with my hognoses they will not sit still long enough to be carried in a pouch, they will be out of the pouch and trying to escape right after you put them in.

[Duelist]

You are all 100% right. Except I meant very rarely. As in a once or twice kind of thing. Again, it was a question. I wasn't saying I was going to do it. Chances were I was just going to keep him in his house anyways. I know it was a stupid question anyways, I just saw no reason not to ask it. And now I feel like a idiot after asking it. Even though I knew it was stupid anyways. Even though I probably wouldn't have done it at all, even if I was told otherwise. Though I do deserve all the hate (I'm not sure what else to call it, not a very accurate word) for the question I never should have asked, while pretty much knowing the answer and the outcome for asking it.

Any who, anyone got any actual tips? I'm serious about getting one, and you can trust me to be a smart and loyal owner. I'm not that stupid, I just had a small stupid moment. So I guess I can only say sorry for maybe sort of worrying you that a idiot would stress out an amazing creature?

You're all so educated, and I'm kind of standing out a bit much. Can you guys help me out a bit?

[Mikoh4792]

No such thing as a stupid question. The reason for asking questions is to get rid of ignorance, so it's good that you are asking questions to make sure of things. Instead of hate, I would call it criticism. No one is going to hate you for being curious.

I've never owned a hognose snake, but have several snakes so I'll lay out some basic care.

- at the least 2 hides. One on the hot and cold side.
- a water bowl with clean water at all times
- substrate hognose snakes can bury in(aspen, sani chips...etc)
- heat source controlled by a thermostat( NOT to be mistaken for a thermometer, thermostats control heat sources, thermometers measure temperature)
- secure locking system - snakes are escape artists

I'm not specialised in hognose care, so temps and other specific requirements can be filled in by actual hognose keepers/breeders.

[Duelist]

No such thing as a stupid question. The reason for asking questions is to get rid of ignorance, so it's good that you are asking questions to make sure of things. Instead of hate, I would call it criticism. No one is going to hate you for being curious.

I've never owned a hognose snake, but have several snakes so I'll lay out some basic care.

- at the least 2 hides. One on the hot and cold side.
- a water bowl with clean water at all times
- substrate hognose snakes can bury in(aspen, sani chips...etc)
- heat source controlled by a thermostat( NOT to be mistaken for a thermometer, thermostats control heat sources, thermometers measure temperature)
- secure locking system - snakes are escape artists

I'm not specialised in hognose care, so temps and other specific requirements can be filled in by actual hognose keepers/breeders.

Honestly, that is very helpful information. And thank you for understanding.
I'll be sure to make sure his living environment is the very satisfactory. I plan to put his cage on the top shelf of my deck. It's fairly large, and more of another floor than a shelf.

Pics of my desk. (the figure is there to help you get an idea of what I'm talking about (it's 12" tall)):
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28570

Would that be a good place? And if so, where would be a good place to get the cage?

[infernalis]

I commend you for asking experienced snake keepers first, after all we are not born with this knowledge it is learned by asking questions.

many people would just do it, THEN join the forum and either ask why the snake got sick or say "look at me"

Kudos.

[sharthun]

Hey and Welcome! We have awesome people on the forums with ton's of very valuable knowledge and experience. Asking questions first and doing research before acquiring a new animal is the right way!

[Mikoh4792]

Honestly, that is very helpful information. And thank you for understanding.
I'll be sure to make sure his living environment is the very satisfactory. I plan to put his cage on the top shelf of my deck. It's fairly large, and more of another floor than a shelf.

Pics of my desk. (the figure is there to help you get an idea of what I'm talking about (it's 12" tall)):
28569
28570

Would that be a good place? And if so, where would be a good place to get the cage?

It's not a bad place in itself, but that seems a bit small to be keeping a snake in. Hognose snakes are not big snakes, but it's my opinion that any snake requires some room to move about and stretch. For a snake that can reach 24+ inches, I'd recommend an enclosure about 24-36 inches wide and 18-24 inches deep.

[mrderson]

I was always told that hognoses did not need much space and didn't like large enclosures. However, I moved mine to larger enclosures and they use all the space they have. I can't really tell how large that space is from the pictures but a good rule is to provide as much space as you reasonably can (or course these are not large snakes so you don't have to go too big, my tubs are about 30 by 20 inches and are more than large enough).

Depending on the snake they may be a little skittish so provide plenty of places to hide and a good substrate for burrowing and they should be fine.

Both of my hognoses have great personalities and make excellent pets.
I don't know if you have seen any red hognoses but they are my personal favorite. They are not too much more than a normal and their colors can be beautiful while still looking natural.

[Duelist]

Sorry
It's honestly kind of silly I forgot to get an upper view. So it's around 2.5 - 3 feet long, and a couple inches more than a foot wide. And it's JUST ABOUT as tall as it is wide.
28572

I can put the cage in many other places, but I figured this could be a nice place. It's not TOO small, but at the same time it's not enormous. It's kind of a mid way between a cage he can move around in, and a cage he can get cozy in. Plus, it will let him stay very close to me without us seeing each other unless I decide otherwise. (well, it might be able to see the top of my head)

Hm, Red Hognose huh? I can see myself liking one of those, especially the ones with a bit darker of a red on them.

Does anyone have any preferences when it comes to the sources of the snake stuff? Like where you buy your frozen mice, cages (terrarium...? I'm not sure of what people casually refer to them as), thermostats, ground stuff (maybe even certain certain types that I shouldn't get?), cage decorations, and other things?

[Kimmie]

the first thing I would say please ask if the breeder have made them eat unscented if it is a random breeder who have been lazy about their hoggie babies it can end up badly, I bought (as stupid as I was) from a random woman who told they had fed 3 times and the male ended up dieing after 2 weeks not eating or pooping.

Hognoses can be hard to take care of if you don't know that they can be picky with their food. :)

[Mikoh4792]

f/t rodents - Laynelabs(the one I use the most), Rodentpro, lllreptile, bigcheeserodents, mice direct, big apple herp

Thermostats:
- herpstat, vivarium electronics, helix(these three are high end)
- big apple herp, hydrofarm, zilla, ranco johnsons(these are budget thermostats that work well)

Enclosures:
- Animalplastics, boaphile, visioncages, constrictorsNW(Some of these make both enclosures and rack systems)

[GUITARZAN509]

Hognose snakes are pretty straight forward to take care of no special requirements other than Aspen bedding to burrow under. If your getting a baby, starting them out in a small plastic sweater box from Walmart or some other place will hold one for awhile provided you make enough air holes in the lid to breath and let moisture out. I am keeping my 8 month old Mexican Hoggies in plastic boxes that are 6.2 qt. with heat pads under them. Good luck P.S Snakes will not bond with a person, like a cat or dog

[Duelist]

While I'd be partially lying if I said I knew snakes didn't bond, I meant bonding in more of them getting used to you/them not seeing you as a threat. And in general make them ok with you holding them.

I've been looking at the different cage makers, and so far Animal Plastics seems like what I'm looking for. They have a fairly wide (48") dual sliding door cage that's seemingly perfect based on the recommendations so far. So I'm probably going to order that on Friday.

Do I actually need a bulb? Because from most snake setups I've seen, they don't use any.

I'm also not sure about the whole humidity thing. Some people use it, others don't. Would they be a good idea for hoggies?

So far on my list:
Cage
Thermostat (if I'm going to do a 2 sided cage, do I need 2 thermostats?)
Bedding (thinking about aspen)
Mice, water bowl, and feeding tongs.

Anything I'm missing?

[mrderson]

I think the not seeing you as a threat has a lot to do with the individual snake, my female often comes out to see whats going on when I clean the cage but my male almost always hides. But occasional handling can help to get the snake used to you and less afraid of being picked up or you cleaning the cage.

I have never heard anyone say a bulb is necessary with a hognose, the heat pad should be enough.

I provide a humid hide and mist the enclosures every once and a while. They don't require much humidity but they seem to appreciate a humid hide (or higher humidity in the cage) when they are shedding.

You should also get a temperature gun, I am sure someone on here can provide a good brand as I don't know which ones are best. If the room the snake will be in is very cold you may need two heat pads and two thermostats but I have always been able to keep a temperature gradient with just one. You can start with one and test the enclosure for a while to see if another one is necessary.

[Mikoh4792]

While I'd be partially lying if I said I knew snakes didn't bond, I meant bonding in more of them getting used to you/them not seeing you as a threat. And in general make them ok with you holding them.

I've been looking at the different cage makers, and so far Animal Plastics seems like what I'm looking for. They have a fairly wide (48") dual sliding door cage that's seemingly perfect based on the recommendations so far. So I'm probably going to order that on Friday.

Do I actually need a bulb? Because from most snake setups I've seen, they don't use any.

I'm also not sure about the whole humidity thing. Some people use it, others don't. Would they be a good idea for hoggies?

So far on my list:
Cage
Thermostat (if I'm going to do a 2 sided cage, do I need 2 thermostats?)
Bedding (thinking about aspen)
Mice, water bowl, and feeding tongs.

Anything I'm missing?


You need to control every heat source. So if you are using two heat sources(for example a radiant heat panel and a heat mat), then you need a thermostat that will be able to control two heat sources independently(ex. herpstat 2, vivarium electronics300x2).


you don't need to use a bulb, and I wouldn't reccomend them. If you do use a bulb, you'll need to install a guard around it, or have the makers install a cut out for a lamp screen. A heat mat should be enough most of the time, and if you're house gets very cold in the winter you could use a radiant heat panel in conjunction with a heat mat to help raise ambient air temperature.

[Bacon]

I love my western hognose, he is a blustery little sweetheart. He is very amicable to handling, even if he has attitude sometimes. If he is having a "hissy fit" I take it as a cue that he doesn't want to be bothered, so I don't push him. While they don't "bond" I find my hognose is much more friendly/inquisitive/calm than my corn snake. Maybe it's personality, or that we raised the hog from a little baby, or who knows but there is a noticeable difference. He will come out to watch us if we are fussing around the cage, and is often sitting with his head positioned so he can look out the glass at us.

One thing, that's been touched a bit, but I want to emphasize is the feeding. This is my only reservation about these snakes, and the only big problem I've had with mine. It seems like males more so, but they can be difficult about food, especially in winter. Try to get an established feeder, as a first snake a good feeding response will be way less stressful on you, if a little less cute. I've found leaving the thawed mice in a plastic tub inside the cage works best for me. Tong feeding and feeding out of the enclosure freaks our guy out. I get my frozen mice from rodentpro since they come to our area reptile show.

I provide humid hides in addition the the normal ones, I can't control the humidity well enough in the overall cage. They are just ziploc tubs with a hole in the lid filled with damp peat moss or coco coir in them, a warm and a cool one. He really only uses them when he is about to shed.

I use a light (low wattage outside the screen lid) that puts out some heat to get the ambient air temp up and gives him a day/night cycle as well.

I'd add a scale to your list. Tracking weights is good record keeping, and is great piece of mind should the snake decide to fast. It's also kind of fun, to me anyway :)

I wouldn't worry much about "stupid" questions ;) we've all had our share of our own.

[EL Ziggy]

You'll need at least 2 hides-one on the warm side, one on the cool side, and a humid hide might be nice too. I'd recommend a temp gun and you may want to add some fake plants for cover. Best wishes with your new addition.

[Duelist]

Since there are things I've been trying to get for a while now, and other things I need to get done. I'm going to hold off getting my hoggie. I just want to make sure I fully understand how to set everything up, and everything I will need. Plus, in a week or 2 I'll actually have plenty of spendable cash for him.

Thank you everyone, you're all fantastic. You're all so nice, well-informed, and willing to inform.

Another thing: Since the thread title is very off at this point, I'll make another thread when I get there.

Again, thank you all.

[Mikoh4792]

Anytime.

I appreciate your choice to fully prepare before acquiring a pet snake. As said before, many people come here asking questions after they've bought an animal and realized they don't know how to care for one.