Gopher Snake as a Pet
Taking care of gopher snakes as pets means knowing the ropes when it comes to legal stuff and permits in your neck of the woods. Playing by the rules is your golden ticket to a smooth and trouble-free life with your slithery buddy.
Legal Considerations
If you’re thinking about adding a gopher snake to your family, make sure you know the local dos and don’ts. In Ohio, you’ve got to grab a restricted snake possession permit for certain types, like gopher snakes. This permit helps keep both your new pal and you safe, making sure you’re up for the job and won’t be learning things the hard way.
| State | Permit Requirement |
|---|---|
| Ohio | Restricted Snake Possession Permit |
| California | No permit required for native species |
| Texas | No permit required for gopher snakes |
| Oregon | Wildlife Holding Permit for native species |
For more on gopher snakes and their whereabouts, check out our pieces on the Pacific gopher snake and the Sonoran gopher snake.
Care Permit Process
Getting that restricted snake permit is a bit of a dance. According to what Ohio has on the books, you need to gather up some info and fork it over to the powers that be. Here’s what’s on their checklist:
- The lowdown on you, the owner
- Where the snake will shack up
- Deets on the snake (type, age, how long the critter is)
- Some kind of money-backup plan (insurance or bond)
- Your vet’s lineup
- The “whoops, he got out” plan
- A thumbs-up from your vet on the snake’s health
Plus, there’s a $150 fee to toss in with your papers. And your snake’s home needs to tick a few boxes, like having a two-acre patch to roam (unless they give you a pass on that).
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $150 |
| Minimum Land Size | 2 acres (they might bend this rule sometimes) |
| Application Details | Personal info, snake description, financial proof, vet info, escape plan, vet’s statement |
If something happens to the person on the permit, the next of kin has a few options: snag a new permit themselves, send the snake to a proper place, or pass it on to another snake-friendly permit holder. More on that in Ohio’s rulebook if you’re curious.
Following these rules doesn’t just keep you out of trouble—it’s also the way to keep your slithery friend happy and healthy. For more fun facts, sneak a peek at our guides on the Great Basin gopher snake and the Arizona gopher snake.
Characteristics of Gopher Snakes
Get to know gopher snakes and see why they could be the slithering sidekick you’re lookin’ for.
Behavior and Temperament
Gopher snakes are chill creatures, known for being easy-going. Once they’re comfy around you, they rarely throw a hissy fit or snap—just treat ’em with kindness (Quora). They’re pretty straightforward to make nice with, which is part of what makes ’em popular pets.
These chunky noodles stretch out to 4-6 feet, with a pretty good run in the years department—15 on average, but some overachievers hit the big 3-0 (Reptiles Magazine). Their beefy bods and impressive length often catch the eye of those snake-loving folks out there.
| Characteristic | What’s the deal |
|---|---|
| Average Length | 4 – 6 feet |
| Lifespan | 15 years (up to 30 years) |
| Temperament | Chill, not usually bitey |
| Behavior | Easy-going, loves some TLC |
Feeding Habits
When it comes to chow time, gopher snakes ain’t shy—they chow down on little critters like rodents. In your care, these slinky buddies do great on a menu of store-bought mice and, for the bigger guys, rats (Quora). You wanna dish out food once a week, picking a size that’s around or just a tad bigger than the widest bit of their body (Reptiles Magazine).
The baby noodles start with mice snacks and move on to rats once they hit their growth spurt. Don’t overdo the snacks, even though they’re always ready to eat—you don’t want them packing on the pounds or getting sick. Heads-up, if it’s chilly and their tank is under 80 degrees, they might turn their noses up at dinner (Quora).
| Stage in Life | What’s for Dinner | Chow Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Hatchlings | Mice | Once a week |
| Adults | Mice and Rats | Once a week |
If you wanna dig deeper into gopher snake grub, check out our guide on gopher snake diet. Keeping their menu balanced and timely is key to a happy, healthy snake life.
Building the Perfect Home
Keeping a gopher snake happy means setting up the right home sweet home. You’ve got to get their digs just right—comfy and secure, like a cozy spa day for snakes.
House Setup
First off, gopher snakes are escapees in training—your Houdini of the snake world. So their crib needs to be secure. They can kick it in rack system tubs or flashy reptile terrariums. They’re more about the spread than the penthouse, liking to slither out horizontal instead of vertical. Little guys start out in tiny apartments and upgrade as they grow into snake teens.
Here’s what you need for their sweet pad:
- Escape-Proof Lid: No one wants their snake on walk-about, so that lid better be on tight.
- Comfy Bedding: Think of a soft layer of aspen shavings, perfect for channeling their inner mole and burrowing.
- Hidey Holes: Multiple little spots to retreat to—privacy is key.
- Pool Time: A shallow water dish for a drink or a snake version of a hot tub soak.
Heating and Lighting
Gopher snakes are a bit like Goldilocks—they need their temperatures just right. With the right basking to chilling temps, they can do a little sunbathing and find a cooler nook when needed.
Temperature setup looks like this:
| Area | Temperature (°F) |
|---|---|
| Sunbathe Zone | 85 |
| Chill Spot | 70-72 |
- Heat Zones: Use heat lamps or flood bulbs where they catch some rays. When it’s lights out at night, that helps them keep their zzz’s cycle in check.
- Thermometers: Slap those bad boys in opposite corners to keep track of the warming and cooling spots.
- Chill Nighttime: At night, usually no extra warmth needed. But if temps drop like it’s winter in Alaska, an under-tank warmer can step in.
Make a snug and balanced spot, and your gopher snake will think life is the cat’s pajamas. If you’re curious about more specific gopher snakes, check out our guides on the Pacific gopher snake, Sonoran gopher snake, and Arizona gopher snake.
Health and Well-being
Looking after gopher snakes as pets means keeping an eye on their health and knowing what to do to keep them in top shape throughout their lives.
Common Health Issues
Gopher snakes, much like their reptile buddies, can run into a few health snags. Some of the usual suspects include:
- Respiratory Infections: Often triggered by messed-up humidity and temperatures. Signs to watch out for? Wheezing, gunky stuff near the mouth or nose, and them being a bit sluggish.
- Mouth Rot (Stomatitis): A pesky bacterial intruder showing up as swollen, red gums with pus, plus difficulty eating. Keeping their home clean and their diet on point can help keep this at bay.
- Parasites: Inside or out, these pests can be a pain. Regular vet visits and a tidy living space keep them mostly at bay.
- Shedding Problems (Dysecdysis): If shedding goes wrong, maybe the humidity’s too low or there’s not enough rough stuff to rub against. Keep things moist and provide some scratchy surfaces.
- Obesity: Overindulgence can lead to a pudgy snake, which isn’t just cute but also unhealthy. Stick to giving the appropriate food size at the right times.
Want more nitty-gritty care tips? Check our rundown on gopher snake care.
Lifespan and Care Requirements
These slithery fellas typically hang around for 15 years, yet, with excellent TLC, they might keep you company for 30 years or maybe even longer (Reptiles Magazine).
| Aspect | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | 15-30+ years |
| Enclosure Size | Minimum 30-gallon tank for adults |
| Temperature | 75°F – 85°F daytime, with a warm spot reaching up to 90°F |
| Humidity | Just right at 40-60% |
| Diet | Young ones: mice; Grown-ups: rats |
| Feeding Frequency | Once a week |
| Substrate | Aspen shavings, cypress mulch, or newspaper |
| Lighting | UVB light for sunbathing action |
A cozy setup is the key for a happy snake. That means the right-sized home, good temperature control, and the perfect humidity balance. Curious about creating the perfect snake pad? Find more info on our gopher snake habitat page.
Keeping meal times regular helps avoid chunky snakes. Start the babies on mice, letting them graduate to rats as they get bigger. Frozen feeders are best—they save your snake from any potential dinner-time drama (Reptiles Magazine). For more on feeding, hop on over to our gopher snake diet article.
With the right care and some regular TLC, your gopher snake will be the perfect scaly friend for years to come. Need more advice on handling and bonding with your pet? Visit our page on interactive and engaging pets.
Interactive and Engaging Pets
Gopher snakes make impressive pets with their unique features and moderate upkeep needs. With a little TLC and some know-how, they can become the star attraction of any animal lover’s crib. Here’s the lowdown on getting cozy with your scaly buddy, handling their social affairs, and spicing up their life.
Handling and Socialization
Getting hands-on with gopher snakes is super important for their well-being and to forge a bond that’s tighter than grandma’s holiday hugs. These snakes are gutsy and naturally curious, traits that make them perfect candidates for being social butterflies.
- Regular Handling: Grab your gopher snake, but not too tightly, a few times a week for a friendly meet-and-greet. Make sure your paws are clean to keep any nasty stuff at bay.
- Chill Vibes: Keep it mellow with no wild celebrations or sudden surprises while hanging out. Stress is a no-no!
- Full Support: Hold your snake as you would a platter of mom’s favorite china – gently and with both hands.
Consistent friendly face time will help your snake get used to being around humans, saving both of you from unnecessary drama. Check out our detailed article on gopher snake care for more.
Enrichment and Interaction
Keeping your gopher snake on its toes (figuratively, of course) is a must. Mix it up with fun activities to keep them sharp and sprightly.
- Decor That Pops: Give your snake a fun pad with cozy hides, climbing bits, and snug shelters. Sprinkle on some loose bedding – they’re all about that digging life.
- Snack Attack: Play with different feeding methods or prey choices to light up their natural hunting vibe. Hide their grub or use tongs for a playful chase.
- Toys Galore: Bring in safe toys like tunnels or tubes for your snake to wiggle around and explore. They love a good nudge-and-shove game.
These activities don’t just keep your snake fit – they jazz up their mental game too. Unearth more secrets with our guide on gopher snake habitat.
Stick to these tips, and you’ll have a gopher snake that’s not just a pet but a cool companion. Have a peek at our segments on quirkier subspecies like the pacific gopher snake or great basin gopher snake for specific care tips and tales.
