Habits

I recently aquired a seven year old adult male western who has not been handled much and hides constantly. the previous owner said that he would never come out in the open except when he eats. is there any way i can help make this hognose feel comfortable in the open? also if i want to get him used to handling but hes burrowed all the time is it pushing it to remove him from being burried to be able to handle him?

I have a corn like that, and it's just taken time and persistence... he used to hide ALL the time, but especially now that it's breeding season, he's showing his cute face more and more. I just make sure to hold him at least 1-2 times a week, whether or not he likes it. :P I also switched him from substrate (Carefresh) to flat newspaper after a few months, and just throw in some crumpled paper for added security. This seems to have helped, since he's not able to completely bury himself anymore. Good luck!

I find if you want to see a snake more, then make it feel more secure. It sounds counter productive, but if you fill the enclosure with hiding options from thick substrate, to hides to foliage, I find the snakes are more likely to come out when they feel they can more from place to place.