Hey Frank,

Answering your first question, in my opinion, the reason why some hatchlings will take unscented rodent pretty much out of the egg is that maybe in some individuals, the instict to eat just might over ride what they shoud be eating. Thats what I think it can be. It might be as simple as that or I could be way off the mark.



I am not sure if this can be a genetically predisposed behavior or not. I know that the anmals I hold back for future breding projects are not always based on pattern and color. Part of what I look for as far as my own breeding stock is concerned is feeding responce. Does it make a differenc? No sure at this point but it cant hurt to try.



As far as older established individuals being "picky", again it could have something to do with the time of year and what is naturally available to them. One thing I love about snakes and other reptiles is their mostly instinctive behavior that can be seen even in artificial captive environments. This could be their hard wired instinctive nature showing. In my experience, established hog rarely become picky. Especially females. I would think they have more to gain from being opportunisticand feeding on just about anything they can overpower. Males on the other hand cn be a pain in te butt at times. Breeding season usually hinders their feeding. Most of my mature males will not eat until they have bred a female. Younger males seem to be less affected.



In regards to taking hatchlings out of their incubation temps and ptting them in conditions way different conditions.

Personally, I do not set them up in their rack draws (which are clear by the way LOL) until they have had their first shed. This happens anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days. I would imagin that once they hatchin the wild, they will go from where they hatched out into the big bad world where conditions will be vastly different from their hatching environment.



Recipe husbandry is unavoidable in captivity Frank. Everything is a recipe. We do not all always agree on what recipe is best. However, I think the things that work are what should be used and suggested. Your way, my way, Troys way and everyone elses way can differ. I think what is important is the animals we keep like you say. As long as they are "happy" and healthy, I personally believe that there are more than just a few ways to do things. Obviously, if something works well for me and someone whats to know how to keep their hogs, I am going to suggest they do as I do.



Hognose snakes come from different parts of the US as you know, and their environment and ques can differ slightly and dramatically. A hognose snake from Colorado may have different seasonal and feeding behviors than hognose snakes from Illinois. Which can be the answer to the first question as to why some individuals will eat rodents right out of the egg. A theory based on the fact that most of the captive hgnose snakes we are working with are the result of breeding hogs from different areas/States.



This is turning out to be a good conversation. Looking foward to your reply Frank.

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