hognose snake

Question
QUESTION: Tracie, I bought my son a hognose snake about 3 weeks ago. the breeder said he was just coming out of hibernation but it has been 3 weeks and he still hasn't eaten. how long does it take for them to start eating after coming out of hibernation?
Dena

ANSWER: Hello Dena,

I have never had a hognose snake, but our ball python has brumated in the past & didn't eat really for a few months.  It took a month or so before he started eating again.  
How large is he?
What are the temperatures he is keeping him at now?

Tracie

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: He is about 2 and a half foot long and about a half inch around. he is very healthy and I know I'm silly for not keeping the contact information from the breeder I got hi from but things go wrong right? LOL when he shipped him to me he said "he is just now coming out of hibernation" so I put him in a 20 gallon long tank with a warm side of 86 to 88 degrees and a cool side of about 74. He was laying around the first few days now he is very active. I just feel out of my element because I haven't had a snake for over 30 years. Anything you can help with is appreciated.
Dena

ANSWER: Hello Dena,


The temperatures are fine at the 88 or so on the warm side, you could maybe bump it up to around 90-92 or so which might help improve the appetite a bit.
It will take a little bit for him to start rousing completely.  Their metabolism is very slow, much like a lizard's is.  Putting him in a new home may have affected him a little bit, too.
I would give him a little more time to come around.  
At least it appears he is becoming more active now, he should be thinking about eating real soon!
Let me know how he is doing.

Tracie

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: As usual thank you for the advice and you are awesome. Maybe one day when I am in Florida or you are out here we can actuall meet that would be very cool since I think you are awesome. Take care and talk to you soon I;m sure.

Answer
Hello Dena,

You are very welcome!  We have moved to Texas for awhile, but I don't think it is a permanent move though.  We miss Florida!  Where are you again, Montana?  Sorry I have forgotten.  
That would be cool to meet, thank you.  It would be great to meet a fellow reptile enthusiast!
You are very sweet, I appreciate it.

Talk to you soon.

Tracie