Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey all...today I purchased my first pit, I've wanted one for a while and decided on a gopher snake because of their smaller size in relation to the pines and the bulls. Anyway...I bought this guy at a reptile show, he's a male, about three feet long. He was actually sold to me for a lower price than what I was expecting because of his disposition. When I got him home, he put on quite a show, hissing, striking, he wasn't letting up at all. Anyway, I was wondering if anyone had any hints on taming this guy, he's an incredible snake, very impressive, and gorgeous coloration. Thanks,
Kevin

Kevin,
Let him rest for a week or so. Them get yourself a pair of welding gloves, and handle him every 2-3 days till he get use to you. Do not play with him after feeding(3 days.
I have 3 sonoran gophers. It took me about a month.

Good luck,
Gai.
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1.2 Albino Sonoran Gopher,
2.3 W.C Okeetee Corn,
1.1 Abbt line Okeetee Corn,
1.2 W.C Miami Phase Corn
1.1 Sinaloan Milk,
1.0 Orange Pueblian Milk,
1.1 W.C Mexican Black King
1.0 W.C Cal King,
0.1 Durango Mountain King
1.0 Desert King,
1.2 Bearded Dragon
45 Tanks full with African Cichlids.
Many Mice, Rats and feeder Roaches

Advice sounds right on the button. I've been into Pits for a little over a year, and haven't run into any Pacifics (hoping that changes real soon) and only 1 Sonoran Gophers, but have dealt w/ Great Basins and San Diegos. Most of the Great Basins I've come across (except 1 yearling male inthe wild who came right up to my hand) seem pretty nervous and jumpy. I'd leave the snake alone for a bit, let him get adjusted to his new digs, offer a couple of meals, and after the 2nd feeding then I'd start in w/ handling. The whole gloves thing reminds me of my Children's python. Good luck.

reako45

Make sure he has a hidebox and isn't be kept too warm. Also I'd wait two weeks to a month before starting to handle him. The gloves idea is a good one. Gloves can help with confedence and building trust. MOST pits that put on a scary show don't bite once you pick them up as long as you don't reach for their heads. Not how like a racer or a garter snake will just chomp on you out of the blue. In my experience the males tend to calm down easier. My female cape gopher earned the name Pyscho and lives up to it. Now she has bit me after being picked up and never stops hissing. After she started bleeding from her vent when handled I gave up. Some never really tame down!

One thing I've noticed about him is that once he's out of the cage, he isn't too bad, UNLESS someone walks in front of him. He hates that. Also, if he happens to turn around and see my face, he can get a little angry. He hasn't quite figured out that my head is attached to his new perch (my arm.) He's just an incredible snake though, so much spirit. I do really love the fact that there's no ifs, ands, or buts about what kind of mood he's in, if he doesn't like something you're doing, he IMMEDIATELY lets you know. And I can't see him really letting someone have it without giving them a pretty convincing warning. Anyway, thanks for the hints, everyone, wish me luck.
Kevin