Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I heard that young San Diego Gophers may hiss quite a bit, and even seem to try and jump out of their enclosures when you open the lid. Well, I can verify that this is true. I got my first pair of San Diego's, and my little guys are 06 babies from June, and as soon as I slide the tray out so I can place them in their feed box, when I reach for them they turn into Hyperactive little gymnasts that Hiss like crazy, and when I pick them up they turn into struggling hissing wriggling little runners. I placed one in his food box today for his feeding, and he jumped right out of it and onto my desk.

I have Boas right now and they seem more relaxed, but do San Diego's eventually grow out of this with handling, or are they just naturally stressed by being held?

I am also looking at a Sonoran. Should I expect the same from the Sonorans?

Don't know about Sonorans. I've heard their temperment can be a little different from the standard mellow sub-adult Gopher. I've run into a couple of San Diegos in the field (unfortunately none last spring or summer), but they've all been super sweethearts. I've only heard one incident of a rather good sized (4') SD acting up, and that was when my friend went to do a snake removal from his neighbors yard. He said that Gopher was rather hornery and didn't want to leave w/out a fight! The SD's I've run into in the field were so mellow you could just pick them up. They'd coil around your hand for safety and be a bit nervous, never a hiss, musk or bite attempt. Babies are different story. I've got an '06 Pacific that has its moments@ times, but is learning that I am the food bringing friend. Give it time.

reako45

Let me ask, what temps are you keeping these San Diego gophers at? Sometimes, higher temps can stress them out.
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Genesis 1:1

I try and look at every snake as an individual. My female breeder Sonoran can be fiesty at times and it is no bluff, and the male is always puppy dog tame. I never let this bother me when purchasing snakes. I actually like them to be fiesty as often they do outgrow it and it can be a sign of a healthy snake. Not too mention just because the adults are testy is no guarantee that the babies they produce will be. Occasionally snakes can be "het for mean". But I often see them to have different personalities within a clutch. As Billy mentioned heat can really get any Pit wound up ready to pop. If you have some that always seem agitated try turning off the heat source for an hour or two before picking them up. Tom Stevens
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TomsSnakes.com

Overall, I find that Pacifics and SDs are the most high strung ssps. Not so much inclined to be biters/strikers, but just not very handleable and always trying to get away. Some Sonorans can be pissy, too, but generally they are more relaxed and will at least sit still in your hand.

P&S Pituophis

Great looking SD Gopher. Is that the same snake pictured as a breeder on your website? Nice website btw. I've found SD's & Great Basins to be really docile especially when encountered in the wild. I'm waiting to encounter that big 6' adult meanie! Hasn't happened... yet. Maybe spring '07!

reako45

I like the temperature comment. I have found SD gophers to be active at times but not like you describe.. unless they are very warm. Check it out just in case.