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But I have been told that they are dificult eaters. Is this true? I have read some on the net but nothing really about hard to feed. Also, what are their bites like?

Thanks!

~David

If you get a CB western hognose that is eating mice, they're not that difficult. It depends on the hog, some will fast every now and then for a couple of weeks, some will fast once a year for a few months, and some are pigs and will eat anything. They are known to fast sometimes but will normally start eating again unless their husbandry requirements aren't being met. I can't really tell you what their bites are like, because I have never been bitten, and you probably wont either. But I understand that certain people can be allergic to the mild venom they posses. Some people have slight swelling, some have no ill effects what so ever. Have you been to hognose.com? It's a great place to do some research on hogs.
hognose.com

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James
My Web Page

Hognoses are not mildly venomous, as their "venom" does not come through their rear "fangs" (teeth).

>>Hognoses are not mildly venomous, as their "venom" does not come through their rear "fangs" (teeth).

I do not believe that it has to come out of the fangs to be "venom". You could also call it toxic saliva if you'd like. Where's Dr. Bryan Grieg Fry when you need him?
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James
My Web Page

Actually, venom is an injected substance, thus, making a hognose's saliva actually toxic saliva, and not venom. A hognoses saliva might get into the bite, but is not injected.

ven·om [ vénnəm ] (plural ven·oms)

noun

1. biology poisonous fluid injected by animal: a poisonous fluid produced by an animal and injected by a bite or sting in order to immobilize prey or defend itself. Venoms are produced by a wide range of animals, including snakes, scorpions, spiders, and fish.

I guess were both right. Everyone has a different opinion on this subject.
"Further, based on toxicology studies and the behaviors of other, related snakes, it would appear that the secretions of the Duvernoy's glands of the genus Heterodon can be considered mildly venomous; Hognosed snakes possess both a slightly toxic saliva within their Duvernoy's glands, as well as enlarged rear fangs to facilitate its delivery."

Got that info from here

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James
My Web Page