Hognose for beginners?

[ThatPetPerson]

I have been wanting a snake for a while. I won't be getting one for a while but I want to be prepared and know about a variety of snakes. So are hognose snakes good for beginner snake owners?

[Tsubaki]

I wouldn't recommend them as first time snakes, they are rear fanged venomous and known to be finicky eaters. I'm not saying it's not possible, it very well could be as long as you're well prepared. And i would start with an already established rodent eater.

[Little Wise Owl]

I have three and wouldn't really recommend them due to their really, really picky eating habits.

[reptiledude987]

Originally Posted by Little Wise Owl

I have three and wouldn't really recommend them due to their really, really picky eating habits.

Are they worse to get eating than BP's? I've been considering getting one also.

[charlesc84]

Originally Posted by Tsubaki

I wouldn't recommend them as first time snakes, they are rear fanged venomous and known to be finicky eaters. I'm not saying it's not possible, it very well could be as long as you're well prepared. And i would start with an already established rodent eater.

Really?

Hognose snakes are common now and I think they're very cool snakes. Any snake you buy as a baby can be a picky eater. Outside of starting with a rubber snake you probably can't buy an easier snake to care of. Just look around online and get a well started animal from a reputable breeder. Do your research, utilize common sense and you'll be fine.

[Minkness]

I dunno. Depends on the individual I think. I want one but after reading about the feeding issues I decided to start with an MBK but a hoggie will be my 2nd snake now that I have a bit of experience with feeding and shedding schedules.

Good beginner snake? For someone who is ok learning alot and has patience and doesn't want to see it out and about all the time, sure. For someone who just wants a cool snake for the sake of having a cool snake...maybe not so much.

Just my opinion of course. Almost any snake can be a fine beginner snake depending on the individual's willingness to learn and supply the needs of the snake.

[reptiledude987]

Theyre on my short list also. I know they can be picky eaters but dont imagine they would be any worse than some of the finicky baby BPs I've dealt with.

[Minkness]

Agreed. But in my experience of people around here locally give up on difficult feeders and give them up or just don't know what to do.

Just today there is someone who has a BP that hasn't eaten in 3 weeks (brand new snake for them) and they are freaking out asking for life feeders.

I just see it so often I usually suggest something with a more reliable feeding response. It's the reason I went eith a king over a BP or Hognose.

Again, just my personal experience and opinion. A determined, informed beginner shouldn't have an issue, but I don't assume every beginner is determined/informed.

[Little Wise Owl]

Originally Posted by reptiledude987

Are they worse to get eating than BP's? I've been considering getting one also.

Having experience with both, I'd say hogs are a bit more of a headache when it comes to pickiness. My BPs give me WAY less trouble than my hogs have.