Looking to get my first hognose

[Idealistic]

I've been working with colubrid snakes for a few years now, and I'm starting to get bored of just the typical python or corn snake. I want something new, and I feel that hognose snakes would be the perfect new addition. The only problem? Nobody breeds them around here, and I don't want to pick one up from petco. Does anyone know of any refutable breeders that are in/near Maryland? I'm fine buying online too, but so far I haven't seen shipping prices go bellow $80. Also, does anyone have any special advice for when I actually get my hognose? I've heard it's hard to get them started with pinkies, but I'm sure there's more I should know about the breed. My housing plan is a 30 gallon terrarium with all the bare necessaries and a few hides. I'm just looking for some advice since I haven't worked with the breed before. Thanks for reading!

-Katie

[John1982]

Get a female, they tend to feed better and stay on feed year round - if you're not brumating. There's nothing wrong or unnatural about a male nasicus going off feed but it tends to worry new keepers. I have had good success scenting with boiled egg white for hatchlings I've bought that weren't showing interest in pinky mice - just thaw the pinky in some water with a piece of the egg.

Shipping over $80 seems a bit steep for such a small snake/package. A lot of folks offer a $40-50 flat rate or even include shipping in the price. If you haven't already, check out kingsnake.com, faunaclassifieds.com and marketplace.thereptilereport.com for a good sampling of ads.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

If you get an hatchling make sure you do not start it of with a 30 Gallons or you will run into issues.

As far as breeders I do not know of anyone in Maryland but I know a few people I would recommend

Mike Russo located in NJ, Mike has ads on kingsnakes.

Steve Beamer at The Reptile Collective https://m.facebook.com/ReptileCollective

https://m.facebook.com/CahabaRiverReptiles






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[Idealistic]

Thank you both for the advice. I've decided to get a female to start with, but I might pick up a few males for future breedings. As for tank sizes, is 20 gallons too big to start a hatchling? I do have a few small RUB's I can use if that's the case.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Still too big, remember that an hatchling will be a few grams, 6 quart will do fine until the animal is a year or so (75/100 grams) after that 20 gallons will work.

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[Rorschach]

I bought one for my significant other recently and it terrifies me. Seriously.