First time owner need advice - Western Hognose

[lucille]

Hi all I have a month old female western hognose that I bought last friday. The guy in the pet shop told me to give it a pinkie mouse once a week. I want to know if its ok to feed it more often. Also she hisses at me almost everytime I touch her. I like snakes but this freaks me out a little bit, is it normal for them to do that and will it bite me. I have heard that it just pretends to strike at you.
Thanks you.

[Andy_G]

I would be feeding a hatchling hognose on pinkies every 4-5 days.

As far as the hissing goes, I have never had or heard of a western hognose that will bite out of self defense. It's all bluff and in time you'll learn to ignore it.

Just a note that you shouldn't be touching her or bothering her at all until she's eaten a few times in your care. That's a good rule for any new snakes.

[Minkness]

Exactly what Andy said.

I have 4 now and had more a whike back, but none ever bit me, even if they did do amazing jobs impersonating a rattler lol.

But yeah, leave her 100% alone until she eats 3 times. Then do small handling sessions once a week. If she refuses food again, you would need to start over with not handling her until she eats 2-3 more times.

Congrats on your new baby! Hognoses really are great snakes!