Charlotte the Hoggie's outdoor shoot... DUW

Today I took Charlotte the Western Hognose outside, for the first time since getting her - weather is usually too freakin' cold in SF, even (especially) in the summer. But it was semi-sunny this morning, so I brought her out for a little photo shoot. She's getting big so quickly, from 19g to nearly 60g in three months, and now her color seems to be turning greenish. Very cool! Here are some... okay, LOTS of the better photos. I planned to get more shots on the ground, but she didn't want to let go of my hand (such a momma's girl, hehe).

I never realized how deep their "fork" is - wow!


















P.S. I have fading henna on my hand, in case you're wondering... also desperately in need of a manicure, LOL.

She's adorable! (I love henna tattoos too!)

Charlotte says thanks! I've always loved Henna, and my roommate actually just learned how to do it... she didn't apply the one pictured, but did give me a sweet foot "tattoo" earlier tonight. Told her I'm happy to be her guinea pig, LOL.

Pretty snake, I love the closeups . Nice henna too

Beautiful hoggie! I especially like picture #2

I love her face! Hoggies have such cute noses. She seems really docile. I have never had one. How are their personalities compared to corns? I saw one on Don's website with its mouth open and realized they have fangs. I like the fact corns don't!

sweet~nichole~marie said:

I love her face! Hoggies have such cute noses. She seems really docile. I have never had one. How are their personalities compared to corns? I saw one on Don's website with its mouth open and realized they have fangs. I like the fact corns don't!

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She's the only Hoggie I've owned, so I don't have much to go on... but she is much calmer & more sociable than my corns, and probably the nicest snake in my collection (of 20)! She's never struck at me, only puffed/hissed once when I woke her from a nap, and literally slithers over when I get near her tub - she'll press her cute little nose against the plastic, tracking me until I open the lid to give her cuddles.

These are diurnal snakes, so unless you're a night-owl like me, you'll get to see them out & about all day. I have heard males can be more temperamental, although each snake will of course have their own personality... the boys also tend to go on seasonal fasts, whereas females will typically eat (anything you offer) year-round. Charlotte is a complete hog - pun intended - and has never refused a meal since I got her.

They do have fangs and mild venom, but the fangs are only in the rear... so you'd have to stick your finger WAY down to get bitten, and the venom is only enough to kill a toad (basically harmless to humans). It's so rare to be bitten and/or "poisoned" by a Hognose, they aren't actually classified as venomous snakes. I would absolutely recommend this species to anyone, and I do plan to get more someday soon.

Porro said:

Beautiful hoggie! I especially like picture #2

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First, thank you to all who commented... I agree she's adorable, and just can't get enough of that little snub-nose.

I actually submitted picture #2 for a contest, over on my Ball Python forum (for "herp of the month"). I didn't know there was a contest here too, and unfortunately missed the deadline... especially disappointed when I saw those awesome prizes.

Thanks for the great info! I keep saying I am strictly a corn girl, but the more I see on this forum, the more I rethink that

Lol I noticed your henna and thought "hmm everyone's been coming in with henna on their hands from the fairfax festival, wonder where she lives..." sure enough, bay area! WOOT

Great shots! I love my hognose so much, she is a mellow sweetheart like yours!

Kanchii said:

Lol I noticed your henna and thought "hmm everyone's been coming in with henna on their hands from the fairfax festival, wonder where she lives..." sure enough, bay area! WOOT

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Haha... I didn't get it done in Fairfax, it was actually some cheap Indian booth at the Great Mall (Milpitas). I did just come from the San Mateo County Fair, though, where they usually have a henna guy - but he wasn't there this year.

I just got one of these - and I think mine might be a female looking at yours.

Was totally psycho in the shop before I got her and I almost didnt - the minute she was out of there shes almost a different animal. I suspect they were overheating her since she goes to the cold side of the viv all the time.

Shes got the hooding and hissing down pat - sounds like a little steam engine getting going - but once shes curled up in your hands shes quiet. Shes also struck a couple of times - for such a small animal she packs a hard punch.

One thing I have noticed compared to Corns is that Hognoses have much better eyesight.

So cuuuute... unfortunately probably a snake I'll have to wait years for... I think two (with my upcoming rosy purchase) should be enough for some time.