Posted by:
colchicine
at Mon Mar 10 09:16:25 2008 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by colchicine ]
I disagree with using under tank heaters for hognoses. They are strictly diurnal and will burrow underground to escape high heat (see Dwight Plat, 1969). Although I am not under any false illusions about there being anything natural about four glass walls, using only an UTH is completely unnatural for hogs.
Most people I see on here don't keep their hogs warm enough. Though, I agree with the others that even a 40 W may be too much. I always advocate the use of 20 gal long tanks for the sake of providing a PROPER temperature gradient. Use a 60 or 75 watt bulb on one end and aim for 95-100F. A 5 gal is completely too small, regardless of the snake's size.
Since hogs are diurnal, they benefits of using a full spectrum bulb (even the incandescent bulbs) are probably underestimated. While you are at the store buying a 20 gal tank, pick up a full spectrum bulb while you're at it.
Scenting techniques are bountiful. What seems to work the best is tuna.
Otherwise, eliminate handling, remove all visual stressors (such as if the tank is in a high traffic area), and feed him in a dark container.
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Virginia Herping
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/VaHS
Virginia Herpetological Society online store
http://www.cafepress.com/vaherpsociety
"The irrational fear of snakes is the only excuse a grown man has... to act like a complete sissy" - Colchicine
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RE: Snake still hasnt eaten.... - colchicine, Mon Mar 10 09:16:25 2008