Suggestions needed

Bschott · #1 (**permalink**) 10-25-2006, 07:38 PM

Hi guys,

Well, I'm getting the itch to add another beauty to my collection, however I am at a crossroads on what to buy. I'd like to have a little variety in my collection and the rub is I have limited space as I am in a nicely furnished apartment (hence I don't have room for anything bigger than a 35 gallon. maybe a 50, but thats pushing the limits), so the bigger boas and pythons are out.

I have thought about a Western Hognose because I have always thought they were an interesting snake and as 'close' to a rattler as I would ever wish to own.

I was thinking of a pure black King snake but I have heard they do not like to be handled and are fairly nippy animals.

A bull snake may be a welcome addition, however I would need to do a lot more research before jumping into owning one.

I'm not looking to spend more than $200 on a single animal, however the local dealer is able to get in anything that is non-venomous (state law in ND makes owning a venomous snake illegal, however the western hognose is exempt...thankfully). Any suggestions? I am willing to research the animal WAY before I would purchase it, and yes, all my babies deserve only the best enviroment as close to their natural habitat as possible.

Any suggestion? While I would love a beautiful coloration, I would prefer a snake that can be handled (though that isn't a must).

Thanks in advance!

louise · #2 (**permalink**) 10-25-2006, 08:00 PM

i loved having a hognose. they stress real easy though. but they are very interesting snakes. now that i have more experience with snakes i am thinkg about a hognose again.

Jem_Scout · #3 (**permalink**) 10-25-2006, 11:55 PM

Louise~ Do hognoses cruise the cage very much? I love how they look and it would be a shame that if I got one, to not see him if I couldn't handle it very much....

MikeGreathouse · #4 (**permalink**) 10-26-2006, 12:05 AM

Both the Hognose and the Nigrita (Mexican Black Kingsnake) make nice pets.

For the Hognose, they are reasonably active, although they do like to burrow in the substrate. They remain small and can be easily accomodated within the enclosures that you have specified. You are aware that they are mildly venomous. For most people, it's like nothing more then a bee sting. The good news is: they are not prone to biting - it's a very rare occurance.

For the Nigritas, they are much larger (adults averaging around 5' in length.
They are higher strung then the Hognose, but one of the calmer of the kingsnakes. In my experience, they are also not prone to biting. I have several and have never been bitten.

The choice is yours - both make wonderful pets.

louise · #5 (**permalink**) 10-26-2006, 12:06 AM

mine was out quite a bit. but he was in the snakeroom and a lot of activity stresses them out. i had to let a good friend have him. he had quit eating, now that he is in a very low traffic place he is great again.

Fenderplayer108 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-26-2006, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jem_Scout

Louise~ Do hognoses cruise the cage very much? I love how they look and it would be a shame that if I got one, to not see him if I couldn't handle it very much....

My cousins hognoses (cdlc92) cruise the cage often. They have no problems with stressing either.

Good luck,
Ryan

Aaron_NSBM · #7 (**permalink**) 10-26-2006, 01:14 AM

well if you want to stay in the 5' range try a colombian rainbow boa...they get around that length full grown.. or maybe a dwarf boa...just a couple ideas.

Advertisement