Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Today i have come across a beautiful 4 and 1/2 ft sd gopher snake. It is clean of ticks and very friendly. But what i need feedback on is:
1)reasons to keep it or let it go.
2)what to feed it.
3)how often to feed it.
4)cage and bedding.
5)where/how to check for internal parisites.
6)and other things to be aware of.
Please do not post biased comments but useful info for me to consider. Right now it is in a 15gal tank temporarily and i will move it to a 25gal tank tomorrow. It has a water dish and is in no means skinny. I have a little bit of time on my hands to make this decision so please reply quickly especially if you have experience with keeping wild caught snakes.

Hey there!

I do feel your excitement and can relate to the thrill of catching a snake in the wild. Pits are my fave, and you are one step ahead of me in catching a wild pit. I have never even seen one in the wild.

Personally, I like to keep captive bred snakes, except if I was breeding and then I would bring in wild caughts for expanding bloodlines and such if it were possible.

In my opinion and what I would do, I would let the snake go. But, if you don't want to and he seems to thrive well, then more power to ya!

I would like to suggest buying some killer captive bred pits from some of the fine breeders that frequent this forum. Most of my pit collection came from the guys here.

Take care!

Billy
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Genesis 1:1

Hi!
I'll try to be as unbiased as possible...but I believe wild snakes should be left in their native habitat. If too many are taken out, the "pest control" balance will be upturned. Not to mention, that if more and more people take snakes out, we may face extinction of our native snakes.
However, now that you've taken it out...you have two choices. If you're quick, you can put it back where you found it. I've been reading that relocated snakes don't do well so you'll have to put it back where you found it. Your other choice is to keep it, as you've suggested.

> 1)reasons to keep it or let it go.
I've given you reasons above on why to let it go...if you wish to keep it, it is entirely up to you. My first snake was a native gopher and from there, I progress to other snakes. It was a hardy "practice" snake for me. Years later, I released it. But, I still wonder if I did the snake a disservice.

> 2)what to feed it.
A 4 ft or larger gopher snake can eat anywhere from large mice to medium sized rats. It's better to give him a few mice than a large meal, especially in the beginning to avoid regurgitation.
Snakes usually need a week or two to adjust to their new environment before they will feel comfortable enough to eat. Don't try to feed him/her for a while...snakes need to feel they are safe because eating leaves them defenseless.

3)how often to feed it.
Some people believe on feeding on a schedule. I do not. Because in the wild, food is found at random. I wait for my snakes to "tell" me they are hungry, by attentiveness and activity level and that changes with the seasons. If you wish to feed on a schedule, which entirely your choice, feeding the snake as much as it wants at a time (probably 3 large mice), every 8 to 14 days is more than enough. Some snakes like more...some less.

4)cage and bedding.
He should have a terrarium at least half as long as his length. The gopher will probably get to be about 5-6 feet long. For substrate, anything large like bark is good. Don't use the fine stuff because pieces can get caught in the animal's mouth and cause mouth rot. Of course, newspaper is fine too, if you don't want to spend the money on the bedding. The water dish should be large enough that the snake can get in and soak, if he so chooses. He will also need a piece of drift wood or some other piece of wood, so that he can use it to get his shed started.

5)where/how to check for internal parisites.
The only way you can check for internal parasites is to take a stool sample to the vet. Sometimes snakes have round worms and are visible in the fecal matter but if you're concerned, you'll have to find a vet check him out.

6)and other things to be aware of.
For digestion, depending on the temperature where you are, he will need a heat source. I would recommend an under tank heater.
You should keep him out of the direct line of air conditioners and do not put him in the direct sun, like near a window.

Good luck!

Those of you who answered me were extremely helpful. I have contacted one of my dads vetranary coworkers who is a extremely successful breeder of kings(and knows much on gophers). She has told me that she has kept 5-10 wild caught snakes and they flourished. She also said that the area that i caught the snake is in peril. I have gained a little more info on what to do and the points i needed help one. Thanx to you i will be more prepared for what is to come and i have decided not to remove anymore snakes from the wild. Once again thank you and thanx for being unbiased and informative! -Evan(gopherlover)