Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What makes a better pet... Pines or Gophers. I'm looking for something on the small size. One that could live on large mice instead of rats if possible. I live in the desert, so humid lovers are out. I saw some very beautifully colored S.Pines (solid whites, pinks, etc) somewhere on this thread, but a friend of mine also said he has some albino San Diego gophers available. Does anyone have any pic's of these San Diego's... and an answer to my question?

Thanks in advance
MissHisssss

Although I can't vouch for many of the pits, I have kept many San Diego gophersnakes over the years, and they have been nothing but great. For pituophis they generally stay a small size relatively speaking, and all of mine have been extremely easy-going. They eat well, and they will breed right on the floor in front of you. One tip: don't overfeed the babies. Just a normal feeding schedule works very well. Give them like 3 years to grow up, and you will end up with nice healthy robust adults.

I see A LOT about Sonorans, etc. but not a whole lot on San Diego's. Pert near wore myself out trying to find a picture of one. There were applegate albino's, but only one of just a plain albino, and I don't know if it was just a baby or what. Oh, I came across a few in the old forum but only got red X's. No pix. I'd like to see what one looks like all grown up? Pleeeeeeaze? With sugar on top?

MissHisssss

They all make great pets and can be kept on a diet of mice. If you're looking for the smallest then you should get a Pacific or Cape Gopher. This is a pic of my Albino San Diego Gopher, she is a CB 01 and 5'6". They are very active and need a larger cage than most snakes the same size.

What a beautiful snake she is indeed, and thank you so much for letting me see her. So how big do the capes and pacific's get, and what size cage would they need compared to, say, my corns? Thanks again for the beautiful photo, and the advice.

MissHisssss

The Pacifics usually stay in the 4' to 5' range. The Capes are a bit smaller and less active. I've attached a pic of a Cape Gopher I used to have, he was as tame as they come. I think the smaller pits can be kept comfortably in a 30 gallon tank. By the way, I keep the Albino pictured in a 40 gallon breeder tank that's 18"Wx36L"x16"H. If you can provide something like that for an adult then I definately recommend a San Diego Gopher, they are awesome.

getting longer. I don't see many capes for sale. Do they have albino's too? The smaller size is tempting.

You've been so kind...
MissHisssss

The albinos are not common and can be expensive. I think a bright normal Cape looks better than an albino cape.

I don't think I've ever seen an albino cape. Sometimes I too like the rich dark colors. I appreciate all the imput from everyone and will let you know the verdict, tho it may be awhile. I have a lot of studying to do on this.

Thanks again
MissHisssss