Hey Wolfgang, you're certainly right about the chewing part, but at least of our native non-constricting colubrids, Coluber, Masticophis, and Drymarchon seem to be the most avid rodent feeders. I've read that they use other tactics to kill difficult or dangerous prey such as pressing into the ground and beating onto the ground or other objects along with vigorous chewing. Sizeable coachwhips and certainly indigos should be powerful enough to immunize the prey (mouse size) from jaw strength alone. I don't limit the possibilities, but it does seem odd that (to my knowledge) a hognose has never attempted the feat in captivity (the others are well known for it). I wish I kept hognose these days; I'd like to test them with some slightly decomposed mice. Heterodon (especially platyrhinos and simus, not so much nasicus) are very difficult to switch over to unscented rodents. That they do take rodents in the wild (not often for sure) is well supported, but the circumstances are an enigma. I have a hard time believing it only happens when said rodent gets cozy with a toad I'm tempted to start another group of platyrhinos now. Shane

[ Show Entire Thread ]