| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Mimi |
Posted - 05/10/2011 : 09:16:06
Hi
just in process of buying my first hognose and my first ever snake
think he is gorgeous , but have read that they can bite and are slightly venomous.
I'm starting to have my doubts although I really don't want to give him up in exchange for something else .
Any info or experiences or tips
gratefully received
ta mimi |
| 5 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| andi |
Posted - 07/10/2011 : 20:39:37
i was told their bites were no worse than a bee or wasp sting.....
and they tend to false strike so its more like a head butt, they tend to be a bit fiesty when they wee but i use a snake hook to pick him up and then handle him from there and hes usually fine from there but if he gets a fright he still musks but he is fastly becoming one of my fave types of snake :o) |
| LouiseB |
Posted - 06/10/2011 : 14:27:07
Yes, there can be localised swelling if they do bite you - the only caution I would advise is if you have had allergic reactions to things like wasp and bee stings, as it's a similar sort of venom. I have a bitey snake but I bought him as an adult and he wasn't really used to being handled. If you get a baby one and handle it every day, I doubt if you'll have a problem. |
| Mimi |
Posted - 05/10/2011 : 18:18:09
Hi
omg that's so reassuring to here...
really .
I just fell in love with it the minute I held him.
And I guess dogs and cats etc can bite , so I just have to be aware of his moods
and circumstances.
I wil by some tongs and look forward to many happy days ahead .
And I agree the tail rattle and movement is all part of the charm
Thanks so much
yeay |
| MrsA82 |
Posted - 05/10/2011 : 16:26:38
I completely agree with kdlang!! Really don't give up on them they are fantastic snakes with huge personalities! I used to have one which I rehomed  but now have 4 and I have had one little bite from one. I think it was a cross between her only knowing handling at feeding time, crossed with a long journey home and then 2 strange people wanting to take photos of her lol no problems with biting from any of them since.
Have had a bit of hissing from the hatchling trying to show off how scary she is
Bottom line is they are great, and how can you refuse those little faces
 |
| kdlang |
Posted - 05/10/2011 : 15:44:04
Any snake can bite although the likely hood of them doing it depends on what type of snake it is. Hoggies are mildly venomous and I've heard the bites can be quite painful and cause localised swelling. They are not life threatening tho and should only last a couple of days. Having said that, the only time I have heard of them biting and releasing venom it has been during a feeding response so I would say as long as you feed with tongs and make sure you never smell of food when handling you will be unlucky to get envenomated. They can give a dry bite which isn't as bad. They can be grumpy and huffy. They are prone to hissing and tail rattling for no particular reason but it is all a big bluff. I think it just adds to their character.
Personally I think they are great snakes and would love to get more when I have more room. |
