Baby Hog plays dead

[Stockwell]

This western hognose snake is only a few hours old. It's perfectly fine by the way..This is their little playing dead routine... I've had adults even produce blood in the mouth. They sure are neat unique snakes
As soon as I picked it up from the egg tray, it did this...As I touched it's belly the tongue would protrude more and curl into a complete loop.
http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/1801hogbabyplaysdead.jpg

[Tim_Cranwill]

LOL... that is too funny. GREAT pic, Roy! :D

[exotic_66]

Very cool!

~nessy~

[Jamie]

hehe that is too cute, very nice snake (from what I can see lol)

Jamie

[Will]

That's hilarious... :D

[Jeff_Favelle]

Too cool. Nature is hella neat!

[thunder]

the best part is when you right them, they will flip themselves back over as if to say "no really, im dead!"

[Lrptls]

my hoggy did the same thing when i bought him, i had to handle him a few times before geting him into his new enclosure but after he was in there for a few hours i picked him up and he playd dead. it was the cutest thing hes ever done. he only did it for a few seconds and has never done it again. sometimes i wish he would so i could get a pic

[kidchameleon]

hahaha, thats great

[vanderkm]

Great picture - incredible instinct in these little guys!

mary v.

[Cruciform]

What a cute little thing.

I made the mistake of mentioning the "venomous" nature of hoggies to the gf, and now she's dead set against me ever getting them.

It doesn't matter how much literature I show her, she's convinced I could be allergic and die. Even though the same could be said from getting scratched by my cats, or I could walk out of the house and get hit by a drunk driver. Irrational fears suck.

The funny thing is, she had no problems with garters and knew they produced a mild venom too. Argh!

I guess I'll just have to tell her they're another species when I get some :)

[HeatherK]

Terrific picture! Very interesting instinct :cool:

[lolaophidia]

My pair are too calm to play dead, but I'm hopeful that if and when I get some hatchlings, I'll get to see that trick in person. Great pic and thanks for sharing!

[Simon]

LOL
that is a funny little one~

I haven't seen one in a long time~

thanks for sharing that great pic~

[Matt_K]

Awesome pic Roy!!

[Classic]

lol. My pair never showed me this trait.
Did many hatch out Roy?

Brian

[Linds]

LOL babies are awesome! :p Especially when their defense mechanisms are as cool as that!