littlebigzoo - Tumblr blog

littlebigzoo · 2 years

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#mypets #snake #reptile #western hognose #zim the hognose #tumblr makes all my good photos look grainy until you open them

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littlebigzoo · 2 years

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Thank you for your concern about my video; it was not my intention to miscommunicate that Hognoses playing dead was to be encouraged. This snake is two years old and normally very comfortable being handled, as he is handled every day so I can keep events where he feels threatened to a minimum. This is the first time in 1.5 years he's played dead, and I wanted to document it, since it is undeniably an extremely interesting phenomenon.

For context: prior to the video I was demonstrating features that make a Hognose suited for their native habitat and diet and comparing them with ball pythons and corn snakes. My sister brought her dog to my house, and against my request she let the dog loose to take it outside, but the dog made a detour. The dog jumped up and scared Zim (the snake). Immediately after the video ends I returned him to his enclosure. The time elapsed between when he began playing dead and when he was returned to his enclosure was about 30 seconds. 25 to return the dog (during which I recorded a ten second video and explained to my Zoom call why Zim had to go and what playing dead indicates), and 5 to place him in his enclosure. Two minutes later he ceased playing dead and returned to his burrow. That evening he ate without issue and resumed his normal activities.

I apologize if this comes across as an unwarranted reply, but I care deeply about my reptiles and their health. It should be made clear that I do not support or condone frightening Hognose snakes for entertainment. I felt a reply was needed that would be visible on my blog in case those who saw the video were given the impression that this is normal or encouraged behavior for a pet who feels safe and secure.

Thank you for bringing to my attention that this video would potentially communicate otherwise.