Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just obtained a near four-foot long GB Gopher Snake. I would like to hang on to this one through the Winter. It was wild caught, so it is used to hibernating, and I don't want to throw its biological clock out of whack.

I am wondering what I need to do to successfully hibernate it. I know it must be well fed, but what is the temperature range that I gradually drop it to....and how would I go about doing it??

If anyone has any experience on hibernating gophers, I could really use any information.

Thanks,

KingCobra

I think that you would be okay in not "hibernating" (technically the snakes are brumating)it. If you would still like to brumate here is how I do my animals. About the end of October to the first part of November I stop feeding. Gradually start dropping the temps a little at a time and place them in a dark place. I end up brumating at 55 degrees. I leave them at these temps for three months at the end of which I slowly bring the temps back up. It's really just as easy as that, of course make sure that the animal has good body weight before entering into brumation. The hardest part is finding a place that holds the cooler temps consistently. I probably go a little colder than some but it works for me. If the temps fluctuate too much you could run into respiratory problems. Also there is that middle line (to me depending on the species could be right around 70 degrees) where a snake is active and burning calories yet may not have an appetite. Good luck with your new animal. Post some pics if you get the chance. I hope this helps some. Take care!

Jeremy

Thanks a bunch for the Info Jeremy.

If you think it will be ok if I don't brumate it, then maybe I won't. I would probably mess up. Especially since I have no idea where/how I could maintain a constant 55 degrees.

If I don't Brumate it, should I just maintain the current warm temperatures, and continue to feed it at regular intervals??

Thanks again,

KingCobra

Yes, just keep up the regular schedule. Good luck and take care!

Jeremy