Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently asked about determining the sex of gopher snakes by their tail. From what has been described to me on this forum, it looks like the snake I posted the pictures of (in the "Sexing by tail" thread) is a male and the new one is a female. Their tails are very different... the new snake's tail tapers off right after the vent for sure, whereas the other snake has an obvious bulge after the vent.

I do not have pictures of the new snake's tail at this point. But I am pretty certain that I have a male and a female here. Now, the challenge still remains to get the new snake to eat! As recommended, I have tried a hopper (twice) with no success. She will hiss at the mouse and she will bite it and chase it away from her hide spot, but has not attempted to eat it in any way. Today, I am going to get a live fuzzy, although it will be quite a small food item for this snake, I hope that she will eat this (I will get two, so if she eats one, she can get another shortly after, since one will not be much of a meal for her). I guess that is all I can do... keep trying. The temp. has been adjusted and I'm not using any heating for this snake anymore (had an under tank heat pad on at first, but unplugged it before the last 2 feeding attempts).

Any other suggestions for getting this new snake to eat in captivity? I had to take her out to clean her tank yesterday and she was calm as can be when being taken out and handled for that VERY short period of time. She is active in the evening also, so other than not eating, she seems to be pretty relaxed in there.

Tried a fuzzy for the new snake last night... she sat there staring at it for 2 hours and did nothing. I don't know what the problem is!

Wait a week and put a live fuzzy in there in the evening and leave it over night. Do not view anything! Just put it in there gently and leave. Sometimes they can be shy when eating due to how vunerable it makes them. I have had a few pits like that. On the other hand, I have a few that will eat while sitting in my lap. Not that I let them.

From what I am assuming, and please correct me if I am wrong, but isn't this animal wild caught? If so, my honest opinion is to just let it go, because it sounds like it is not adjusting to captivity well, and letting it go is what would be best for the animal. Some wild caughts do great in captivity while others don't.

If it is captive bred, then it is a whole different story.
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Genesis 1:1

Yes, this snake is wild-caught and has been in captivity for about 7 weeks now. My husband and I won't be back in the area where we found him until the middle of September. Is it dangerous for the snake to be back in the wild after being in captivity for that length of time??

My first thought would be " No " in regards to whether or not it would be dangerous for the snake to be released back in the wild. Since he hasn't eaten and doesn't seem like it he has grown accustomed to captivity, I don't see why it would be anything but beneficial to release him back in the wild.

If anyone else has any opinions on this, feel free to chime in.
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Genesis 1:1

I would also say let him go where you found him, as of late I've also heard its not a good idea because of the possibility of spreading disease from captive animals to wild populations.
So yes and no sorry.
Nate

If you have the means to capture some dear mice that would also help. If you can't catch the mice find a dear mouse nest and collect some of the bedding and throw it in a bag with your food item to scent it. then offer the domestic mouse.
Another idea.
Nate

In an earlier post you said you would not feed a lizard, but how bout scenting a hopper...I've done it with wild caught and had some luck. Also, if you can get a baby bird, that may help. I've bought hatchling quail, which are common here, and used them with alot of success. Usually bird dog breeders/trainers can tell you where to find them locally.

I also think you may want to think about releasing him. That will give you a little more time to get him to eat, and if no luck, then you can release him. I've had to do it a few times, sucks but some just don't adjust.

For the last week, there has been a sheet over the side of this snake's tank, so she won't see us walking in and out. Figuring that more privacy might make her more comfortable. Then last night, my husband and I carefully and quietly lifted the lid to put in a fuzzy and left it in overnight. Left her alone completely. She did not eat. We are going back up to the area where we caught her next weekend, so we will be releasing her then. It's sad though, I like this snake a lot, but maybe we'll find another while we are up there and it will adjust better. The first one that we caught a few years ago adjusted immediately and does so well in captivity... so maybe we'll get lucky again after we release this snake that hasn't eaten.

Thank you everyone for the suggestions.