Wanting help

[sassy_snake_lady]

My hognose is doing exactly the same right now. Hasn't fed since I got him 5 weeks ago but he is a yearling male and had been introduced to a female before I bought him so I think he just has the horn right now.

With the handling, I have just been doing little and often. The way I see it is wether I feed him in the tank or out, he needs to feel comfortable with me being near his tank and with my hand in the tank. I just ignore any hissing, striking and musking and gently pick him up. After about 30 seconds he calms. I then hold him maybe another 60 seconds and put him back while he is calm. I have increased the time everyday and so far so good. He no longer hisses when I out my hand in and now lets me pick him up. I will try feeding him this weekend so fingers crossed!!

Feeding inside or outside the tank is personal preference. IMO as long as you take measures to avoid any injestion of harmful substrates, I don't see any issues with either method.

[sickvenom]

Originally Posted by Lankyrob

When they feed on thr plate they still get tease fed, you can still see the whole process but they dont have the additional stress of being removed from familiar surroundings.

This is a skittish snake feeding for the first time by this owner. If he puts a dish in the cage and dangles food over it, I highly doubt the snake will know what's going on. Your method may work great for YOUR established specimens, but it is not practical in this situation. Best bet is to put him in a small tub and work with him in a smaller, confined space.