Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I'm planning on getting a snake in the next few months and one of the 2 main species I'm most considering is the gopher snake (the other is the prairie kingsnake). I've kept snakes before (garters and corn) so I am not a complete beginner, but I have no experience with gopher snakes and have a couple of questions.

What is the average size for gopher snakes? Every site I've read gives a different number, ranging anywhere from 3 to 9 (which I know is rare) feet. Of course I'd be getting a male so as to go more toward the lower (or at least middle) part of the spectrum. What is the average size for male gopher snakes specifically? Does size vary between subspecies? I like the look of Sonoran gophers the best, but are they bigger on average than San Diego gophers or other subspecies? I would most likely be getting a 29 or 30 gallon tank - would that be sufficient for a single adult?

The main reasons I'm asking is because size is a relevant issue since I share an apartment and don't have a lot of space. I would prefer to get a gopher snake, but I do like the size of prairie kingsnakes so I'm still trying to work this out. Thanks in advance.

John

I am afriad I am kind of new to Gophers as well, my Albino San Diego was my first! But he is an awesome snake and definately a great addition to my collection.

The breeder I bought him from had his parents on site and i must say they were large, on the up side of 5 feet anyway. It was hard to tell. And from what i have gathered, that is a pretty average size. I would say too big for a 29 or 30 gallon. Probably a 40 breeder or larger would be best for an adult? I was going to go with a 65gallon reptarium for mine. I have only had him for 3 months and he has already outgrown his 15 and is moving into his 20long.

I am not sure about the difference in size amoung sub species though..maybe there is a smaller sub species that would be good for you. Hope this helps!!

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1.0 green iguana-Deitrich
1.1 Common Boa-Un-Named, Ursula
1.0 Ball Python-Anabell (go figure!)
1.0 Red Tegu-Uteg
1.0 Albino Cal King-Pig
0.1 Mexican Black King-Morticia
1.1 Bearded Dragons-Unnamed, Hanabil
1.0 Albino San Diego Gopher-Unnamed
0.1 Hermans tort-Esio
1.1 JCP-Milton, Medusa
1.1 Reverse Okeetee Corn-Unnamed
0.1 Snow Corn-Unnamed
1.0 Hypo Okeetee Corn-Unnamed
0.1 Motley Okeetee-Unnamed
1.0 Western Hoggie-Wyrm
0.0.1 Rose Hair Taruntla-Unnamed
2.0 Leopard Geckos-Reptar, Pogo
4.1 cats-Tucker,Poe,Abhib,Emerald, Felicity
0.1 Bullmastiff-Asha

OK. I read Melissa Kaplan's caresheet on gophers and she said a 20 gallon was enough for a sungle adult, but that sounded too small so I planned on 29 or 30. I mainly just want to be able to fit it on top of my dresser as that's a convenient location, and the area is about 36" by 18" - I'm not exactly sure what size (in terms of gallons) of tank would fit there.

How much do they grow within the first 2 years? I'm a junior in college and will begraduating in about a year and a half, so if I could get by with a 30 gallon for that time and then get a bigger tank when I get my own apartment after graduation that might work. Still considering all the possibilities I guess.

Thanks for the reply.

the smallest one is the sandiego gopher snake, generally getting 4 feet long. i breed normal morphs of these and they are great snakes. the largest being the sonoran, gettin up to 7 feet generally. they are usually nicely colored, ive never worked with these. good luck.
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0.0.37-blue lab chichlids
0.1.6-sandiego gopher snakes
0.0.1-cal. kingsnake
0.0.1-anole
0.0.2-f.b.t
2.3-coturnix quail
0.1-cockatiel
0.2-s. black widow
1.1(fixed) cats-eddie/buzz

Even male Sonorans get up to 7 feet?

ive actually seen a pic. on the web of a 9 foot sonoran gopher snake, but i cannot be sure whether it was real because the snake was wrapped around the breeders arm.
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0.0.37-blue lab chichlids
0.1.6-sandiego gopher snakes
0.0.1-cal. kingsnake
0.0.1-anole
0.0.2-f.b.t
2.3-coturnix quail
0.1-cockatiel
0.2-s. black widow
1.1(fixed) cats-eddie/buzz

Sonorans and Great Basins tend to be the biggest, with Pacifics and San Diegos generally being smaller. Of course, exceptions occur, but I'd say Pacifics are the smallest on average.