bunch of general hognose questions before purchasing!

so heres my bunch of questions:

im looking at a 12gram female hognose currently and i have a a 40 breeder which i know is WAY too big of a tank, i can go out and buy a 10gal tank no issue and would that suffice for that small of a hog? and would the hog be able to eventually go into the 40 breeder?

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...151eb844e8.jpg this is what the person has, and reading a previous thread the feedings are good i just dont know much so id like other opinions.

i havent done much research yet because literally just today i switched my mind from getting a BP to getting a hog, theyre just so darn cute. but any suggestions on temps, substrates, and lights to use? (ill be doing research after i post this just wanted to post while all the questions were fresh on my mind)

im going to nashville repticon in february and ive never seen hognoses there but if i do, what are some questions i should ask the vendors about the snake that i want?

right now these are all the questions i can think of but any input helps!


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When it comes to hognose even the largest adult female will have too much space in a 40 gallons breeder not too mention the difficty of providing proper temps

To start of at 12 grams you want something no bigger than a 6 quarts tub sometime there is even a need for something much smaller, 10 gallons is still too big

As far as care the info is out there there are various datasheets.

As far as question you want to make sure to ask about feeding and here are the things to avoid.

Do not buy an animal that is feeding on scented preys.
Do not buy an animal that feed on live (finding live pinkies is very hard and would get old quick)

Make sure the animal is well started at least 10 meals on unscented and 10 meals on frozen, those are the minimum I would expect especially for a new owner.

More and more you see new owner buying hognose that feed on scented or may have had one or 2 f/t (sellers are in a hurry to move them) and it's a big mistake, because if your hognose does not feed for you, you have very little room to get them back on track due to their small size.

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Originally Posted by Deborah

When it comes to hognose even the largest adult female will have too much space in a 40 gallons breeder not too mention the difficty of providing proper temps

To start of at 12 grams you want something no bigger than a 6 quarts tub sometime there is even a need for something much smaller, 10 gallons is still too big

As far as care the info is out there there are various datasheets.

As far as question you want to make sure to ask about feeding and here are the things to avoid.

Do not buy an animal that is feeding on scented preys.
Do not buy an animal that feed on live (finding live pinkies is very hard and would get old quick)

Make sure the animal is well started at least 10 meals on unscented and 10 meals on frozen, those are the minimum I would expect especially for a new owner.

More and more you see new owner buying hognose that feed on scented or may have had one or 2 f/t (sellers are in a hurry to move them) and it's a big mistake, because if your hognose does not feed for you, you have very little room to get them back on track due to their small size.

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i just looked up 6 quart containers and theyre most definitely cheap, how would i regulate heat in such a small space? dont even know how id fit hides/water dish in something that small. after doing research im seeing to keep temps at 90° on hot side and ambient temps at 80°. i saw aswell that a 20long is typical for adults.


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also- i know BPs can get intimidated in bigger tanks but are better when you clutter the tank, is it the same case with hogs? like could i use a bigger tank but have lots of plants n hides n stuff like that?


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Worth remembering that Hoggies are rear-fanged and as such mildly venomous ..


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Originally Posted by Zincubus

Worth remembering that Hoggies are rear-fanged and as such mildly venomous ..


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ah yes i know, that was one thing that also had me on edge but ive heard from many many people how rare it actually is to get bit


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People underestimate the size of a 6 quarts tub especially for a hognose they also often do not realise are tiny a 12 grams snake really is.

To give you some perspective I took some pictures of an actual 6 quarts tub and a 12 grams hatchling female hognose and I also did the same with a 120 grams female hognose (so 10 times the size), you will also see a quarter for size reference.

http://i65.tinypic.com/w1xzwh.jpg

http://i65.tinypic.com/2rrw3yh.jpg

Your 6 quarts tub will last your for a year or more depending on whether you are feeding your hognose adequately or not, at a year a female should be about 75 grams at that time depending on how well she feeds she will do fine in a 10 gallons or if you want to save money in a 12 or 15 quarts tub. Once she is around 200 grams she will be ready for her final enclosure a 20 gallons tank.

When you buy your 6 quarts tub I will also advice to buy a 2.7 quarts tub l just in case, because if you have feeding issue downsizing will be your first step. (1 of them at walmart will be around $3.00 while your 6 quarts tub will be from $1.00 to $3.00)

As for regulating heat it’s like in a tank you use a heat mat, I will recommend Ultraterm as they are more sturdy and can be moved from one enclosure to another) and a reliable thermostat, you want to cover 1/4 to 1/3 of the tub. This one will work now and on your permanent enclosure in the future.

While you have room to provide a hide (6 inch plastic flower pot saucer), it will be unnecessary, Hognose do not use hides what they need however is 2 inches of the adequate substrate (aspen) that will allow them to do what is natural for them digging and bury themselves.

I would check out the youtube channel for hognose information. She breeds hognose and has excellent tips on how to house and feed them.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Deborah

People underestimate the size of a 6 quarts tub especially for a hognose they also often do not realise are tiny a 12 grams snake really is.

To give you some perspective I took some pictures of an actual 6 quarts tub and a 12 grams hatchling female hognose and I also did the same with a 120 grams female hognose (so 10 times the size), you will also see a quarter for size reference.

http://i65.tinypic.com/w1xzwh.jpg

http://i65.tinypic.com/2rrw3yh.jpg

Your 6 quarts tub will last your for a year or more depending on whether you are feeding your hognose adequately or not, at a year a female should be about 75 grams at that time depending on how well she feeds she will do fine in a 10 gallons or if you want to save money in a 12 or 15 quarts tub. Once she is around 200 grams she will be ready for her final enclosure a 20 gallons tank.

When you buy your 6 quarts tub I will also advice to buy a 2.7 quarts tub l just in case, because if you have feeding issue downsizing will be your first step. (1 of them at walmart will be around $3.00 while your 6 quarts tub will be from $1.00 to $3.00)

As for regulating heat it’s like in a tank you use a heat mat, I will recommend Ultraterm as they are more sturdy and can be moved from one enclosure to another) and a reliable thermostat, you want to cover 1/4 to 1/3 of the tub. This one will work now and on your permanent enclosure in the future.

While you have room to provide a hide (6 inch plastic flower pot saucer), it will be unnecessary, Hognose do not use hides what they need however is 2 inches of the adequate substrate (aspen) that will allow them to do what is natural for them digging and bury themselves.

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this just put me massively at ease cause the heating was my main concern, i bought a heating pad n thermostat for a 40 gal breeder cause i initially planned on getting a BP but hogs are irresistible to me. i can ship the mat back but ill keep the jumpstart thermostat n thermometer. which is better, aspen shavings or aspen chips? also how do i provide light?


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Oops forgot to put the youtube channel I meant LO Check out snake discovery

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnI...8Xj-ArA/videos

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Originally Posted by SDA

Oops forgot to put the youtube channel I meant LO Check out snake discovery

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnI...8Xj-ArA/videos

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i was kinda confused by this AHA thank you! idk for some reason im getting barely any notifs from this, any way to fix it?


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by baldegale

this just put me massively at ease cause the heating was my main concern, i bought a heating pad n thermostat for a 40 gal breeder cause i initially planned on getting a BP but hogs are irresistible to me. i can ship the mat back but ill keep the jumpstart thermostat n thermometer. which is better, aspen shavings or aspen chips? also how do i provide light?


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Shavings is better for hognose it really allows them to bury themselves a little more easily especially when they are very small.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Deborah

Shavings is better for hognose it really allows them to bury themselves a little more easily especially when they are very small.

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alright thank you! ill definitely consider that. a small enclosure is a lot easier for me anyways cause im probably moving in 6-8 months. and itll help me with maintaining low humidity.


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OP, you're in good hands with Deborah. She helped me get an 11 gram trouble eater eating like a champ. When he came to me he had only eaten a few meals and was TINY. Now, 9 months later, he's almost 60 grams, has only refused twice and is an awesome little member of the family. Follow Deborah's advice and you'll be in great shape.

Good luck with your hognose, they're seriously adorable little snakes.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

OP, you're in good hands with Deborah. She helped me get an 11 gram trouble eater eating like a champ. When he came to me he had only eaten a few meals and was TINY. Now, 9 months later, he's almost 60 grams, has only refused twice and is an awesome little member of the family. Follow Deborah's advice and you'll be in great shape.

Good luck with your hognose, they're seriously adorable little snakes.

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every post in the hog sub forum ive seen a mention of her so i figured as much! i think im most definitely getting a hoggie its just trying to find one decent pricing :( everywhere seems to be sold out of cheaper ones!


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by baldegale

ah yes i know, that was one thing that also had me on edge but ive heard from many many people how rare it actually is to get bit


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Everyone reacts differently of course , someone who's hypersensitive to chemicals / tastes and fumes etc should be very wary of them in case the unthinkable happens. ..


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Zincubus

Everyone reacts differently of course , someone who's hypersensitive to chemicals / tastes and fumes etc should be very wary of them in case the unthinkable happens. ..


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i know! will never know until i (god forbid) actually get bit!


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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e4b6feec7c.jpg would this be acceptable for the 6 quart container? ive had it forever and never even opened it and its too small for my 40 so was wondering if itd work for this.


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It would but if this is the sticky type I don't recommend it because once you use them you cannot really transfer them anywhere else and it does not allow you to completely clean you enclosure in and out.

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Originally Posted by Deborah

It would but if this is the sticky type I don't recommend it because once you use them you cannot really transfer them anywhere else and it does not allow you to completely clean you enclosure in and out.

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alright! ill look into the one you recommended for sure. i found a few hoggies that im interested in so hopefully in 1-2 weeks ill have one! [emoji175]


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sorry to keep asking questions BUT i was wondering, with the 6 quart tub how would i give light? with the BP and 40 breeder i planned on just using a Daylight LED bulb but i cant figure out how to use that on the container


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by baldegale

sorry to keep asking questions BUT i was wondering, with the 6 quart tub how would i give light? with the BP and 40 breeder i planned on just using a Daylight LED bulb but i cant figure out how to use that on the container


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i just wanna be able to give a proper light cycle


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by baldegale

sorry to keep asking questions BUT i was wondering, with the 6 quart tub how would i give light? with the BP and 40 breeder i planned on just using a Daylight LED bulb but i cant figure out how to use that on the container


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You do not need a bulb to provide light in any enclosure you just need to have your enclosure in a room where daylight comes through. And if you put your animal in a dark room just turn the light on in that room.

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Originally Posted by Deborah

You do not need a bulb to provide light in any enclosure you just need to have your enclosure in a room where daylight comes through. And if you put your animal in a dark room just turn the light on in that room.

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alright! just making sure cause i only get 2-3 hours of sunlight in the morning, i mean its still light during the day but not that bright


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by baldegale

every post in the hog sub forum ive seen a mention of her so i figured as much! i think im most definitely getting a hoggie its just trying to find one decent pricing :( everywhere seems to be sold out of cheaper ones!


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Check out Underground Reptiles, they've been having a sale on animals these past weeks. And their prices are fairly low compared to most other breeders

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by andradespb

Check out Underground Reptiles, they've been having a sale on animals these past weeks. And their prices are fairly low compared to most other breeders

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ive checked, they’re pretty much out of stock on ones i can afford. im gonna end up going with south texas dragons.

another question, wheres a good place to buy bulk (50-100) pinkys? everywhere i look shipping is pretty much more than the mice LOL


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by andradespb

Check out Underground Reptiles, they've been having a sale on animals these past weeks. And their prices are fairly low compared to most other breeders

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That's because they are not breeders and anyone doing some research would likely steer clear. I would not take one of their animals if it was free.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by andradespb

Check out Underground Reptiles, they've been having a sale on animals these past weeks. And their prices are fairly low compared to most other breeders

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i do not own a hognose but i would stay very, VERY far away from Underground Reptiles OP. a quick search of the BOI shows they are not a great place to buy animals. there's a reason their prices are cheap; you get what you pay for.

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

i do not own a hognose but i would stay very, VERY far away from Underground Reptiles OP. a quick search of the BOI shows they are not a great place to buy animals. there's a reason their prices are cheap; you get what you pay for.

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yeah i never intended on going with them anyways, it was between morph market and south texas dragons, and due to availability and price im gonna end up going with south texas dragons


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by baldegale

yeah i never intended on going with them anyways, it was between morph market and south texas dragons, and due to availability and price im gonna end up going with south texas dragons

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good. just be sure to do your research on any business before a purchase. :gj: buying from a reputable breeder is worth all the money in the world.

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

good. just be sure to do your research on any business before a purchase. :gj: buying from a reputable breeder is worth all the money in the world.

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i agree! my only complaint with him so far is hes taking forever to answer my email thats asking him for more info on 3 hoggies. i sent it at 8pm last night and its 1pm now.. then again im excited and impatient. doesnt make for a good combination


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by baldegale

i agree! my only complaint with him so far is hes taking forever to answer my email thats asking him for more info on 3 hoggies. i sent it at 8pm last night and its 1pm now.. then again im excited and impatient. doesnt make for a good combination

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that's no bueno, but i'd wait a good 24hrs before your jimmies start to rustle. and remember it's the start of the weekend so if you don't hear from them today, they might wait until monday. EDIT: maybe check their hours on their site or FB just so you know.

tbh, i've purchased 5 snakes from 5 different (highly reputable) breeders and i've never waited more than a few hours for a response, but some were better than others. ;)

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

that's no bueno, but i'd wait a good 24hrs before your jimmies start to rustle. and remember it's the start of the weekend so if you don't hear from them today, they might wait until monday.

tbh, i've purchased 5 snakes from 5 different (highly reputable) breeders and i've never waited more than a few hours for a response, but some were better than others. ;)

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his shipping is delayed until the 9th due to cold weather anyways so im also thinking he might not be checking emails due to that either, but everyone ive seen said hes an amazing guy to work with and really helpful. i just asked the basic questions like weight, how many unscented feedings theyve had, and temperament since i cant see them myself


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by baldegale

his shipping is delayed until the 9th due to cold weather anyways so im also thinking he might not be checking emails due to that either, but everyone ive seen said hes an amazing guy to work with and really helpful. i just asked the basic questions like weight, how many unscented feedings theyve had, and temperament since i cant see them myself

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that's good to hear, then i'm sure they'll get back to you when they can. patience! :P

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

that's good to hear, then i'm sure they'll get back to you when they can. patience! :P

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im excited cause i was worried about considerably small size but all three that ive found of his are 6 almost 7 months old! so that made me feel a lot better


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by baldegale

i agree! my only complaint with him so far is hes taking forever to answer my email thats asking him for more info on 3 hoggies. i sent it at 8pm last night and its 1pm now.. then again im excited and impatient. doesnt make for a good combination

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LOL! You're so cute, all excited and impatient! Joe at ST Dragons also has a full time day job, so chances are he'll get back to you this evening. Also, he fully welcomes phone calls so feel free to call him anytime as he'll often get to those messages before his email.

Good things come to those who wait. ;)

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Originally Posted by hilabeans

LOL! You're so cute, all excited and impatient! Joe at ST Dragons also has a full time day job, so chances are he'll get back to you this evening. Also, he fully welcomes phone calls so feel free to call him anytime as he'll often get to those messages before his email.

Good things come to those who wait. ;)

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i always email cause social anxiety gets to me.. its tough! lol but ill wait. i have 2 weeks before purchasing anyways probably. gonna get the enclosure setup over the next few days and test temps and everything!


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Deborah

That's because they are not breeders and anyone doing some research would likely steer clear. I would not take one of their animals if it was free.

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I haven't heard about or researched any further info on them. And Why not?

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alright so he answered! i am a bit overwhelmed and confused. can anyone help me out and tell me which one would be the best bet? https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e1c2f85c5e.jpg


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by baldegale

alright so he answered! i am a bit overwhelmed and confused. can anyone help me out and tell me which one would be the best bet? https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...e1c2f85c5e.jpg

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they all seem to be eating fairly consistently, with the Hypo female readily eating off of tongs. i wouldn't go for the double het Hypo Albino as i don't think you're going to be breeding any time soon, but it's up to your tastes to decide.

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

they all seem to be eating fairly consistently, with the Hypo female readily eating off of tongs. i wouldn't go for the double het Hypo Albino as i don't think you're going to be breeding any time soon, but it's up to your tastes to decide.

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im still waiting to hear about weights, but is there any other difference with the het hypo albino? theyre all 3 the same price and roughly the same size. aka a hard decision


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by baldegale

im still waiting to hear about weights, but is there any other difference with the het hypo albino? theyre all 3 the same price and roughly the same size. aka a hard decision

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only from a visual standpoint is there a difference.

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

only from a visual standpoint is there a difference.

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im kinda digging the albino one, shes been growing on me https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...96ffffab6b.jpg


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I think she's a beauty.

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

only from a visual standpoint is there a difference.

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also, does left and eaten mean you leave it in the enclosure and wait for them to eat?


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by baldegale

also, does left and eaten mean you leave it in the enclosure and wait for them to eat?

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you got it. ;)

And if it eases your mind at all about enclosures and sizing, Joe keeps all of his hatchlings in a rack system with the small 6 qt tubs Deborah recommended to you. So if you do go with a hoggie from South Texas Dragons, it will be right at home immediately in a small tub enclosure, vs overwhelmed in a large tank.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hilabeans

And if it eases your mind at all about enclosures and sizing, Joe keeps all of his hatchlings in a rack system with the small 6 qt tubs Deborah recommended to you. So if you do go with a hoggie from South Texas Dragons, it will be right at home immediately in a small tub enclosure, vs overwhelmed in a large tank.

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i am most definitely getting it from him! im going to walmart tomorrow to buy the 6 quart tub and hopefully the pet store sometime to buy the aspen snake bedding! im so excited. just cant decide which hoggie i want


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by hilabeans

I think she's a beauty.

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i fully agree, its between these two https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...6f53ada83d.jpg https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...364053c577.jpg


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If they all eat F/T without a doubt I would go with the Albino, it's visually the most attractive and it will remain the most attractive in the future.

She is high orange and will maintain her colors very well.

To give you an idea here is a high orange hatchling in adulthood at 550+ grams

http://i68.tinypic.com/2udx72q.jpg

The best mutations as far as appeal IMO are Albino, Axanthic, and Snow and the same in Conda and Super Conda version