Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Copperhead13, that is one nice mexican hog (who did it come from?) and appreciate both yours and Brad's thoughts...but let me explain my situation...

I can purchase a southern hog eating scented pinks, and it should start eating unscented within a year.
Also, they are definitely more expensive than a mexican, but I am able afford it.

The big questions facing me (that I'm hoping someone could help me out with) are:
1. If I get a southern hog, will feeding it strictly rodents have a negative effect on its lifespan due to a premature death from fatty liver disease like some studies suggest? (I have never been able to get a yes or no answer to that question.)
2. Under ideal conditions, how long do southerns live in captivity? (Is it worth spending the money to have one as a pet?)
3. Would feeding a southern a diet of WC lizards, toads, frogs, and CBB rodents be any better for the snake? (Would freezing the WC stuff eliminate all parasites, or would there still be a risk that it could get parasites?)
4. Does anyone even feel that southerns look any nicer than mexican hogs when they both reach adulthood, or do you guys feel that there is really no reason to choose a southern over a mexican hog?

I'm just trying to get as much input as I can here.

Thanks,
Alex

"The big questions facing me (that I'm hoping someone could help me out with) are:
1. If I get a southern hog, will feeding it strictly rodents have a negative effect on its lifespan due to a premature death from fatty liver disease like some studies suggest? (I have never been able to get a yes or no answer to that question.)"

In my experience, no. They seem to do fine on a rodent diet. I would avoid overfeeding, especially of males.

"2. Under ideal conditions, how long do southerns live in captivity? (Is it worth spending the money to have one as a pet?)"

I don't know-haven't had mine long enough. I don't see why they would have a shorter lifespan than, say, an eastern-and they have been kept for many years.

"3. Would feeding a southern a diet of WC lizards, toads, frogs, and CBB rodents be any better for the snake? (Would freezing the WC stuff eliminate all parasites, or would there still be a risk that it could get parasites?)"

Maybe, and an emphatic NO to the parasite/freezing thing. Some parasites will be killed by freezing, but others will survive. If you feed any wild-caught ectothermic prey, you'll have to deal with regular anti-parasite treatments. I doubt the gain would be worth the health cost from the parasites and treatments.

"4. Does anyone even feel that southerns look any nicer than mexican hogs when they both reach adulthood, or do you guys feel that there is really no reason to choose a southern over a mexican hog?"

There are definite reasons to choose one over the other, as I said earlier-they are just different reasons for each snake. If you like a snake that will definitely stay small, go for the southern.As far as "look nicer"-that is a simple matter of personal taste, and a question you can only answer for yourself. For myself, I think they are very diferent snakes, and cant bring myself to choose one or another-like comparing apples and papayas..

Brad Chambers

"If I get a southern hog, will feeding it strictly rodents have a negative effect on its lifespan due to a premature death from fatty liver disease like some studies suggest? (I have never been able to get a yes or no answer to that question.)"

- - Have there really been studies that are more than individual stories or isolated examples? (I'm not saying that isn't a good place to start but I'd really like to read more real research if it exists)

I don't know of any studies supporting this.
Fatty liver is a condition associated with obesity in humans.
Just don't over feed your snakes, they should be fine.

I agree!! Jeff

Fatty liver is found in more than just hoggies! It really is a simple matter of over feeding.
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Jenea
Guardian Reptiles

"When your memories are bigger than your dreams, you're headed for the grave" Author unknown