I was thinking of maybe getting a red tail boa, but I decided that it would be too big for a first time snake (I’m sure there are a lot of you out there wiping the sweat off your foreheads thinking "Thank God someone realised it!" LoL).

Now, I know you all are going to warn me that they are slightly venomous, but I read that their bites about as poisonous as a beesting (and not to worry, there’s a really long story about a golf cart, a curvey gravel road, a crash, a tree, and about 20 bee stings that has me convinced that I am not allergic to bee stings) but I’m not too worried about that.

Now, I’m just a little interested in the price and set up of these little buggers. The 24th I’m heading to a reptile show in Indy, so I hope to find some at a good price, but I haven’t a clue what a "Good price" is.

I know I need to have a 10 gallon, but will it eventually need a 20? And a heating pad/ceramic bulb (well that’s what we use with our beardies so I figure it would work for the hoggies, too) along with some aspen- which brings me to another question: How often does the apsen bedding need to be changed.. I figured ever 2-3 days. Is that correct? And how often do they need fed? Anyhow, what else would I need for my set up? Do they require any UVB or water bowls?

I think that’s it for now. Thanks for your comments!

My personal opinions (laced with a few facts):

1. I have never been bitten by a Western hog. They are unlikely to strike in defense - just make sure you feed them very carefully. We keep plastic tubs that we drop the snake - and then the mouse - into, so the snake doesn’t associate your hand with his lunch.
2. Price has been steadly increasing. You can find babies for about $50-75 apiece, but I recommend a first-timer should get an adult female, an ’03 or ’04 (females generally have a better appetite) and for this you may pay about $100-125. Be sure to ask when and what it last ate. Try to get one that’s feeding on frozen/thawed mice. We feed ours about once a week.
3. They can stay in a 10 or a 20, if you want to plan ahead, get a 20, but you may not need it for a very long time. We use undertank heaters and aspen - and we spot clean the aspen, changing it out about once a month.
4 . No UVB is required, but we like to put a water dish in their tanks - you’d be surprised at how often they drink!

Good luck, and feel free to ask any other questions you may have...