2nd snake: Woma or Western Hognose?

[TattedLass253]

Two threads in one day, whoah!

I currently have one ball python, and am considering getting a second snake. I'm torn between woma pythons and western hognoses. I find them both adorable, and they both seem to have personalities that I would enjoy.

Is one more preferable for less experienced reptile keepers than the other? Pros and cons? I'm leaning towards the woma at the moment.

Thanks!

[asplundii]

I would lean toward the hognose, especially given you have a toddler with an interest in snakes. Womas, by and large, have a tendency to be nippy/bitey whereas the worst I have had a hognose do is headbutt me while bluffing

[janeothejungle]

As someone with several womas, I do not recommend them for people new to the hobby. I love em to death, but young ones tend to be very food smell oriented and excitable, which leads to lots of "ooohhh, can I eat That"? They can also be fairly quick, which can be disconcerting to people used to the slower pace of BPs. Not to say they don't tame down with good handling, just that they are prone to being 6ft derpers.

Just my .02

Cheers,
Kat

[Craiga 01453]

My two cents would be in favor of a hognose. They are extremely fun little snakes. Easy to handle, not nippy, and diurnal so active more during the day.

I don't have much experience with them, but I am currently "snake-sitting" a hognose for a friend and have fallen in love. A hognose was on my wishlist prior to spending time with the little guy I'm watching now, but since have sky-rocketed towards the top of my wishlist. I'm actually pretty sure my friend just wants me to keep the snake I'm watching, but if not, I'm going to be adding one as soon as she takes this little guy back.

I have no experience with womas, but from what I understand they can be a bit nippy and probably better suited for more experienced keepers.

I also think the hognose would be a great snake for your child to grow up with. They are very easy to handle, are pretty slow-moving and their size is extremely manageable for little hands.

That's my two cents. Good luck!!

[Jhill001]

Get what you want, do the research and decide what's best for you.

[piedlover79]

I love my hognose SO much!! He's my favorite snake of five species (ball, corn, rat, sand, hog). He has attitude but doesn't bite, his face is adorable, he super easy to feed, he fasts in the winter making him a cost free pet while bruminating, never has shed issues, just all around a wonderful snake to own.

How can you resist that face?

[enginee837]

I do not know much about hoggies but I can tell you the Womas only downfall is it's rediculous feeding response. If you can be patient and learn to work with and around that they are absolutely one of the most enjoyable snakes I have worked with. All three of ours are absolutely fearless and non agressive/defensive. Of the 3, 2 are very easy to handle. Once they realize it is not feeding time they welcome being handled. The 3rd tries to eat the snake hook and anything she can get her mouth on for a good 10 minutes before she calms down and realizes it is not feeding time.

[TattedLass253]

Thanks for all of the responses and input!

For either snake, I don't think my daughter would be doing any handling any time soon! The ball python is perfect for her for now. So this snake is more for me and advancing into the danger noodle world.

I am taking into consideration the size difference and actual bite possibility VS bluffing. I absolutely love the hognose's little face, and think the woma is stunning. Although I don't mind the challenge of quicker moving/attitude of the woma, I think the majority of you are right that the hognose is probably a better choice. 🙂 I can see how people quickly gain snake "collections" since there are so many cool choices!

I recall running across a hognose breeder in my general area, so Ill check it out further to see if they're reputable.

[TattedLass253]

I love my hognose SO much!! He's my favorite snake of five species (ball, corn, rat, sand, hog). He has attitude but doesn't bite, his face is adorable, he super easy to feed, he fasts in the winter making him a cost free pet while bruminating, never has shed issues, just all around a wonderful snake to own.

How can you resist that face?

What a beautiful animal! And that face 😍

[piedlover79]

Thank you! He's a red anaconda hognose.