Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi there:

I recently saw a young melanistic pine snake and a pet shop a few towns over, and just loved it. I own a Sonoran gopher snake that is the exact same size. Pines are in the same genus as gophers- Pituophis. Their care is also very similar. Because they are the same size, and if I fed them in seperate containers, do you think it might be possible for the two snakes to coexist? The gopher, measuring about 3 feet, resides in a 75-gallon brushland environment with plenty of hiding places and basking spots. The pine is also this length. Keep in mind that both are more slender than bullsnakes, and the gopher snake is not very active- he is usually curled up in a large hollow log in the vivarium.

DAVE

If these snakes are a true pair, then you might find yourself the parent of a clutch of hybridized/intergraded babies. Also, they may breed younger than they should, and if one should happen to regurge, you will not know which one did it. Nor be able to tell who pooped what.

Plus you should quarantine. Never know what nasties are in a pet store snake.
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~Katt