Taming a hognose

HerpDerp3005 · 02-20-17, 06:18 AM

Hey everyone! Been a couple of months since I've posted or checked on this forum aha. Anyways, I've had my hognose since last September and it took me awhile but I did get him to start feeding consistently (every 3-4 days). I was also told to let the little guy settle in for a bit before trying to handle him. The thing is, I got pretty busy with school and work that I never got around to handling the little guy. I honestly just check on him, change his water, feed him, and stare back at him as he watches me do my homework.

When I realized that I never got around to holding him after he settled in, I tried to reach in slowly and pick him up. He then starts a hissy fit with his flattened head and striking (no open mouth from what I noticed).

I know that Hogs are notorious for bluffing but I was wondering if this will calm down if I start to handle him repetitively? My nephew is also intrigued by my Hog and wants to hold him but I am afraid that something will happen if I don't get the hog used to being handled first. Any help guys?

**Minkness** · 02-20-17, 10:02 AM

Possibly. I have 4 and one I got as an angry little thing and he's chilled a good bit. Then I have one that was chill and now is a monster, and one that started chill and stayed chill. So it's a possibility. =)

Also, usually they are fine after you pick them up. So don't let his bluff scare you!

=)

FWK · 02-20-17, 10:33 AM

Glad the little one is doing well for you. Hognose are big bluffers, but they do not bite defensively. The only way to get bit is to trigger a feeding response, and that isn't likely to happen unless your fingers smell like food. Always wash your hands prior to handling and you'll be fine. When you handle the animal just reach right in and pick it up. Hesitating will encourage the threat display, and the animal will become more and more agitated.

**Andy_G** · 02-20-17, 12:46 PM

It may or may not cease, but just ignore that and pick him up.

serpentgirl123 · 02-20-17, 02:14 PM

As Andy said, it may or may not stop. I have had my male hognose for almost 2 years and he has never stopped his bluff biting/striking, but he has never actually bit me nor hurt himself. I have gotten used to his craziness lol.

HerpDerp3005 · 02-20-17, 08:06 PM

thanks everyone! I'll keep persisting and eventually get over the bluffing. Hopefully he calms down a bit too ahah.

Also have a random question, can someone recommend me a site for frozen feeders that would be closest to LA? My local pet shop told me that they will be closing their doors in a few months so I will need to start looking for another way to get frozen feeders.