Hey Pmbolton

[snakehunter]

Hey, could you post/send me a couple pics of your hognose setup, you really know your stuff, and i would just like a few pointers as to what they prefer, or not.
thanx
-Jacob

[Removed_2815]

I suppose you mean me (RMBolton, 'R' as in Ryan) :)

Have you checked out hognose.com yet? There are some decent care sheets there and that is where I started some time ago.
Here is a picture I just took of the setup for two of my adult Western Hognose snakes:
http://home.cogeco.ca/~rbolton1/Folder/Hognose%20Setup.JPG
First, please disregard the haphazard array of cords, I assure it is perfectly safe, albeit a little unsightly.

Okay, I only use the spotlights when the ambient temperature falls below 70F (I am in a basement apartment and am not in control of the thermostat). If your setup is in an area with a constant acceptable temperature range then you won't require spot lights. I also use a Sunbeam human heat pad at night time so they can thermoregulate thigmotactically if they prefer. All heat sources are on timers.

The enclosures are modified 58Qt./55L sterlite containers. I use various heat sterilized curved bark for hides and a few branches for esthetic appeal (believe it or not, my hogs will climb sometimes). I use only small crockery for water dishes, the receptacles need not be large as hogs will not soak unless there's a problem (mites, bad shed, etc). I use only spring water for my hogs (small body sizes are susceptible to solutes and microscopic organisms found in tap water). The substrate is shredded aspen (always feed in a separate feeding container).

I think that's about it. Feel free to ask any more specific questions you may have.
Cheers,
RMB

[snakehunter]

Sorry about the R thing, I get kooky when it comes to typing!

I am going to use a 55 gal on its side, and divide it for the snakes.

I was going to use a spot light, but after reading that it will crack the glass if used how i intended, i decided i didnt want to pull glass out of my babies.

so now i think i will use a uth 24/7,but with a towel between it and the glass to avoid durns and breaking.

My python cages elevate my room temp to almost 80, so i turn on my ceiling fan to circulate and cool off the room some, i think this might help me get the temps right, but i wont know untill i get my room put together and my snakes in.

i think thats it, if you have suggestions feelfree to point anything out. thanx
-Jacob

[Removed_2815]

Sounds good! Just make sure that the snakes are separate, it's not worth the risk. Also, ensure there is some airflow around the UTH (that is, try not to sandwich it between the bottom of the enclosure and the surface the enclosure is on).
Also, if the ambient temperature is 80F then the UTH may be a little extraneous, however, you can set it on a timer to have it come on at night when temps go down a bit. Many breeders do not use lights or UTH's but keep their animals in a controlled environment with temps in the low 80s during the day and high 60s to low 70s at night. This situation appears to be ideal for hogs.
Cheers,
R

[Swampwalker]

Interestin setup you have there Ryan. Is that a screen or plexi-glass on the front and the top of the cage. I found that hognose.com site just before xmas, its fantastic. I'll be picking up a western hognose at the show in Feb.

[Removed_2815]

Originally posted by Swampwalker
Is that a screen or plexi-glass on the front and the top of the cage.
Hi Stewart,
Those are screens that I fabricated (frames, corners, screen, spline, and roller - easy). The front screens are permanent fixtures and the top screens come off (they are secured by 4 simple latches). This affords me the opportunity of performing quick spot cleaning. Now, when I have to remove everything for a thorough cleaning, I simply unscrew the wingnuts and pull the entire top off - tada! Pretty low maintenance, light-weight, looks decent, well-ventilated, and under $30. How can you go wrong??
Cheers,
R

[sapphire_moon]

i'm so sorry if this is old, but to control the temp of the heat pad you may want to try a lamp dimmer. It is safer than putting a towel over the heat pad which may cause a fire.........

[snakehunter]

OK ill try that