Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm trying to decide between a corn snake and a western hognose for my first-ever snake (and probably my only snake, as my husband has this problem with things without shoulders).

Any info about which is easier, more interesting, any special considerations, etc.

I'd like a curious snake, but I'd also like to be able to hold it without it constantly struggling to go someplace else. I know corns are escape artists; what about hognoses?

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks

Leslie

any snake can be an escape artist. its our job as a snake owner to make sure it has a secure enclosure to house it in.

it all depends on what you want and like. i have 3 corns. very easy to care for. they like a couple of hiding spots, some warmth and food. they are very docile with handling. like to explore when i have them out. and they come in SO many colors.

i am considering a western hog nose also. i've read they are rear fanged and mildly venomous. the western hogs will take to pinkie mice where as the eastern eat toads. so i would make sure if i get one of those its a mouse eater. i think they are also more expensive then corns. they do have the cutest faces!

just research what ever you decide to get. and if you can go to a reptile show/sale. you may see something else you like more and your husband may even fall in love with. they are fun to go to.

Ok, I have both corns and w. hogs.. I personnaly think the western hog is the best, just dont get a baby, at least a yearling, then it should feed alot better, but corns are great also, alot of cheap color morphs.. and another choice is a albino banded california kingsnake, real docile and great eaters also...

im not sure about hognose but hers a little on corns

i have a sliding top with a latch and shes never escaped at all

very docile toward poeple but mine hates cats... me too

mine wraps around my neck, and goes in my hair and doesnt really go anywhere unless i put her on the floor

hope it helps, also as you alredy know they are easy maintenance
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my addiction:
2 normal ball pythons (lazlo and izzy)
1 amelenistic corn snake (mazy)
1 wc eastern milksnake (psycho)

It's entirely up to you, really.

Western hognoses are adorable, docile, mellow and don't grow too big. You'd need to get one from a reputable breeder that is well started and accepts frozen/thawed unscented mice. I've also heard they can go off feed in the winter. The catch is, their mild venom. A nip shouldn't be harmful to a normal healthy person but if an allergic reaction like anyphylactic shock (I know I misspelled that) happens, that, would be a problem. Correct me if I'm wrong, anyone, but there are some medicines like "epipen"? and basic antihistamines that can be kept in case of this. And in the very rare case that one does bite, don't let the critter chew. (don't get me wrong, they're awesome little critters and I hope to get one myself someday.)

Keeping a spritz bottle of white vinegar prepared and ready is a good idea no matter what species of snake. In case a snake mistakes you for food and chomps, a few spritzes of vinegar persuades a snake to spit you out. (I've gone around smelling like an Italian resturaunt before)

Cornsnakes are pretty much the classic beginners snake. They come in many color morphs, are hardy, docile, etc. They grow up to five feet or so and are faster moving than the hognose. They can escape, same as any snake, but having a good cage and keeping it latched should prevent that. The cornsnakes I've handled seem to enjoy exploring. So they move from hand to hand a lot. But all in all, quite nice critters.

Good luck deciding and with your new snake.
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0.1 chickens (Condor)
0.2 dog mutts (half ownership, only mine when they misbehave, Lucy & Amy)
0.1 Halflinger horse (Crissy)
0.1 Normal phase California Kingsnake (Sophia)
1.1 parents
Still searching for 1.0 WC human

Either one makes a great choice. Both are very docile, though I belive Hogs tend to spook a bit easier then corns when it comes to fast/sudden movements around them. Corns average around 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 feet in size. Some can and do grow larger. Hogs will get around 12-17 inchs for males, and up to 36 inchs for a large female. There is a very low risk of being bit by your hog unless you have handled rodents before hand. Pick which one appeals to you. Good luck.

Steve

I would say a Hognose. I myself have 4 Easterns. I have handles Hogs most of my life and have never been biten (and all were wild caught). As to the "venom" of a hognose....there is a lot of debate. I personally do not believe they are venomous. I have had them regurgiate frogs when captured, and the frog just hop away and live for days. Some people have been biten and had reactions, some none. Is it "venom" or just bacteria in the mouth?? They are not listed as venomous. The only bites I have heard of from Hoggies occured when hands were mistaken for food items (and that was because hands were not washed after handling the food item) You might want to go to the Hognose forum and do some reading. More info than you probably need, and some pretty lengthy debates on the venom issue. People with Hoggies tend to be pretty loyal to them

Here is a pic of my favorite

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Jenea

1:3 Eastern Hognose
0:0:1 Florida Redbelly Snake
0:1 Gulf Coast Box Turtle
1:1 Red-eared Slider
2:0 Cats
1:1 Kids
1:0 Spouse

Thanks for all the great info. I'll be doing more research on both. It's a hard decision, as I love the cute faces and the patterns of the hogs, and with the corns there are all the colors to chose from.

Now all I have to do is convince the hubby that I can get something that doesn't have shoulders!

Leslie