Do I want a hognose?

[ThEmAdHaTtEr]

After doing a little research on these guys and seeing all these cool pics (and video :D) Ive decided I might want a Western Hognose. My question to you all is: What are the cons of this snake? Im not worried about its "mildly-toxic" aspect. How are they when handled? Flighty? Calm? Thanks a lot all! :)

[Simon R. Sansom]

Mine's pretty good to handle. He sometimes hisses and flattens his head and neck when I go to pick him up. I have been using a light wire hook to pick him up with initially because he HAS bitten me once when I just reached in to take him out. He didn't grab and hang on, so there were no apparent ill effects from the saliva apart from the itching that I normally get from any snake-bite.
Once he's in my hands he's just fine.
I don't find him to be "flighty" at all. He is very calm and deliberate in his movements, and is a joy to be around.
They really are excellent little animals.

Cheers!

Simon

[reverendsterlin]

the only real con to a hog is the hunger strikes that can sometimes get an owner a little nuts. I have seen them go off eating for up to 8 months at a time.

[Vanan]

Once you have em in your hands, they're awesome. I take mine out to shows for kids to handle.

[HtotheB]

I just got mine 2 weeks today. Haven't begun handling him yet. He's pretty fiesty - hisses and strikes at me if I put my hands in while hes roaming around. He's fun to watch and so far I haven't had any difficulty.. I guess I'll know more a year down the road though!

andrew

[Katt]

Yes, you want a hognose.

[ThEmAdHaTtEr]

Sorry all, forgot I posted this. Well, The show is in October so I have plenty of time to decide. I get my Midwest Collapdsable Hook Tuesday so Thats one uetencil less to buy. I have a free 10 Gallon it can inhabit. All that leaves me with is substrate, some hides, and a heat source. The only drawback Im noticing is the fasting. Everything else seems perfect.
How are eastern hogs? Are they even available in the pet trade? I have yet to see any. Thanks a lot for all the replies guys. :)

[Jungle Jen]

I used to have hogs, and they are great snakes! If they bite you with their front teeth, it is just a normal snake bite. A little bit itchy, but that's it. These snakes are rear fanged, and when I got bit my finger swelled up like a golf ball, but that was it. Remember though, everybody reacts differently.

[enso]

i've never had a problem with them not eating. get a young one, handle it with some regularity and enjoy. one of our country's finest snakes.