Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Florida, st. John's county, Oak hammock.

I fished this little guy out of the swimming pool. He's about 8 inches long, tan blotches with black outlines and small black dots interspersed. I think he's a hognose (he flips over and plays dead, sometimes with his tongue sticking out, if I handle him too aggressively). I would like to keep him for a couple of months to show my nieces when they come for a visit in November. I would like them to not be afraid of snakes. Can someone tell me what to feed him? If he can't be kept easily, of course I will let him go. I just want to keep him until the girls can see him and then let him go. He(she)is soooo tiny and cute.

I really want to do what's best for this little guy. If I can keep him for a while without harming him, I will. If I can't I'll let him go. Come on snake people! Talk to me

Does sound like a hognose. You probably won't be able to keep it until then...toad season is winding down. All they eat are toads unless you have enough time and experience to get them on mice. I would let it go and just try and catch one when your nieces come in town or buy your own. They are cute little guys though...here are pics of my captive bred babies.

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Andy Maddox
Houston Herp Key
The Reptizone

Burgundy baby, With your blue eyed soul, You play the hits and I'm on that roll, Capricorn sister, Freddie Mercury, Jupiter Child cry

Thanks, I will let him go in the morning. He is so small I would have never guessed that he eats toads, which I fish out of the pool often. He doesn't look quite like the picture: his head looks the same but his body has much larger tan blotches outlined in black. I don't think I'll be able to catch one the next time the girls visit; you know it's a matter of serendipity. I was just hoping I could keep this cutie to show them that snakes are not scary. (My nieces are 4 and 6). Thank you again for answering my question.

Yeah, they normally hatch right at about the time that tadpole season starts, so the baby toads are perfect food. They vary in color a lot. Sorry to break the news, they just do not make good captives. I have a lot of experience with them and I still have trouble with them. You might be able to find a nice one of the classifieds though. They make great pets, especially the westerns, if you can get a CB one eating mice. Good luck and thanks for understanding! Andy
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Andy Maddox
Houston Herp Key
The Reptizone

Burgundy baby, With your blue eyed soul, You play the hits and I'm on that roll, Capricorn sister, Freddie Mercury, Jupiter Child cry

What you have is an eastern hognose snake. They feed on amphibians. You may still be able to find toads or frogs where you are. If so, it will probably accept them readily.

~~Greg~~
Florida's Venomous Snakes