Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just started out with western hognoses so I'm not looking to jump right into easterns, however, I think they are just some of the most beautiful creatures and I am considering keeping them in the future.

What I would like to know is what are some of the negatives to keeping them (if any) and what really makes keeping them worth while. I realize that everyone can have a different opinion on this, but I would like to hear everyones thoughts.

Thank you!
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2.1 dogs
0.1 cat
1.2 crested geckos ( 10 eggs)
1.2 leopard geckos
0.0.2 Western Hogs

Good for you doing your research!

Without repeating everything in this forum, it only needs to be said that easterns certainly can be difficult to switch to mice, depending on where they came from. Your success depends largely on your experience, resources, and patience.

Personally, I don't like how they feel. They are hollow feeling and are much lighter than their size indicates. I suspect this is a defensive attribute, to look bigger. Even people new to snakes notice this hollow feeling.

Also, since they have more of a triangular rostrum instead of the western upturned shovel, they don't look as cute. I really haven't been able to detect a real difference in personality, they both can get pretty pissy!
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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

Having both, I like the easterns much better! I find the westerns are much more pissy, and have a very definative odor that the easterns don't. As for switching over to mice.....I personally do not find it difficult, but there are some tricks. My easterns are much more curious and interactive than my westerns. I also find them gentler. I feed all of my easterns by hand, the westerns by forceps. Of course CB will always be easier and better. Especially if you get one already started on mice. I have also never had my easterns go on fast, like westerns are prone to doing. I would recomend them, but unless you have patience and experience, get a CB well established one.
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Jenea

2:3:1 Tricolor Hognose (plus babies)
4:2 Eastern Hognose
1:2 Western Hognose
0:2 Southern Hognose
0:0:3 Florida Redbelly Snakes
0:1 Gulf Coast Box Turtle
1:1 Red-eared Slider
1:2 Eastern Fence Lizards
2:0 Cats
1:1 Kids
1:0 Spouse

Without repeating what others have said, I would say a plus is the natural beauty and variability of the easterns. A big minus for me is that I would need to get a yearly permit to keep easterns here in Ohio. Other states may have even more regulation right up to an all out ban of keeping them. I would check on any state regulations first.