Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I love these things, it was kind of an impulse buy when I bought my pair a few years back and looking back it was one of the best decisions I made. These are a great addition to any collection.
Tom Stevens

Tom,
That hybino looks great. The two females I got from you are doing good though I have decided to sell them and two other 2004 animals. I just bought too many and now I have 3.3 adults of various morphs so I've got plenty. I too couldn't be happier with these gophers, they have great attitudes and eat well.

Russ

I hear ya, they're very under rated in my opinion. I feel they are a great first Pit for someone. San Diegos are also great looking snakes but these Sonorans are my faves. You'd think with so many morphs that Corn people would give them a shot,,,,but most are sissies about it LOL. Take it easy Russ Tom Stevens

That one is gorgeous. Just a question for Tom. What makes the Sonoran a good choice for a first Pit? Is it because the adults stay at a smaller size? What are some of the others that would be a good first Pit? What are some that would not be a good first choice? Thanks.

Steve

"I hear ya, they're very under rated in my opinion. I feel they are a great first Pit for someone. San Diegos are also great looking snakes but these Sonorans are my faves. You'd think with so many morphs that Corn people would give them a shot,,,,but most are sissies about it LOL. Take it easy Russ Tom Stevens"

Well, for starters I think people think all Pits become enormous. This is not exactly true. It also seems many think they are these insane snakes that love to strike and bite. Again...not true. Sure, some have attitudes, but you have to get over it and learn to tell the difference between the bluff and when a snake means business. For example sometimes baby Sonorans will hiss with their mouths wide open and lash around a bit when you reach in for them or even when picked up. Sometimes they will take a bite at ya but often they will strike and just bump your hand instead of actually biting it. Many times after a minute or two that act goes away and they just hang out. They don't require much special attention, basic colubrid husbandry seems fine and many Pits do well without excessive heat. My Ghost male is as mellow as a snake can be. I do feel they need a bit larger of a cage than other colubrids, and this may help them feel comfortable in captivity. Also if they're too hot they seem to become more aggressive? Not sure if many agree with that but I think it is true. A Pine or Bull may become a huge 6 foot monster of a snake. My Sonoran breeders are 4 years old and are a little over 4 foot. I say they're great starter Pits because they are so freakin cool lookin you won't be able to resist handeling them. And once you get used to the way Pits differ from other colubrids you WILL want more. You will even enjoy the occasional freakout when they rear up and do their thing. They are very intersting captives. Tough as nails, pretty as snakes can get and low maintenance. I also keep Bulls and Pines, and Pits are definitely my faves. You know I love my Kings and Milks but when babies start to hatch over here it is the Pits I play with most. Another huge plus, many Pits start off on fuzzy mice or even hoppers, and NO scenting is ever required.
Tom Stevens

I have a 3' San Diego Gopher. Sonorans I've heard are some of the prettiest Gophers. Where'd you buy your Sonoran? Do they get much bigger than San Diegos?

reako45

Mine are roughly 4 years old and just over 4 foot. They're Envy Reptiles stock. The other line of Amels are also really nice looking snakes, but they're not compatible with this line.
Tom Stevens

For that bit of information. The only thing that has kept me from considering Pits was the size factor. Or maybe it's my misconception of their size. I kind of like the 6 foot and under range, but from what I understand there are quite a few to choose from that stay at around 4 to 5 feet. I really love Phil Peak's Kankakee locality Bulls, though I'm not sure what size that they tend to average. I want to try and choose one that's not too much larger then my getula kings. Take care.

Steve

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No problemo Steve, ya know if you scroll down a bit under my Amel Pine post there's a pic of the mother. She is about 7 years old and maybe 5 and half or 6 foot long. I do not think she will grow anymore. I have seen mean Pines, and the babies can sometimes be pissy and mean business when they strike but the trio of adults I have are all very handleable. I have one docile Bull and one insane Bull. The psycho ones are intimidating at times but many who keep them will tell you...you get over it LOL. I have seen huge gentle Bullsnakes and they're really impressive great animals to keep. When you mentioned size and cage requirements I realized I should have mentioned that I feel any Pit will be a better captive in a large cage. 45 Gallon aquariums are great. I keep my female Sonoran in a 3 foot Boaphile, also perfect for her. Anything smaller may piss them off, but that may not be the opinion of everone on here but in my opinion they simply are not like Kings and Milks and appreciate the extra space,,,,,makes them feel safer or more comfortable I suppose. If I had the room I would consider even larger cages, and once you start keeping Pits you'll probably agree. Seeing them stretch out and watching them crawl around with their inquisitive nature is much more interesting than many other colubrids you may keep. At times they peek out of thier hides and watch you, and this time of year I sometimes see the adults and ALL the babies doing it and it is really cool. Try em, you will love em. Tom Stevens

I love this guy and he makes those bee-you-tee-ful babies
Tom Stevens

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What a great looking ghost!!! With a temperment to boot, man you can't go wrong with that.

Yup, those are the parents of yours bro. Nice eh?
Tom Stevens

I took this pic a few days ago. She can be a real bee atch. But I love her. Tom Stevens

That's a hell of a pair. Randy W.

>>I love these things, it was kind of an impulse buy when I bought my pair a few years back and looking back it was one of the best decisions I made. These are a great addition to any collection.
>>Tom Stevens
>>

I hadn't looked at your user id, but instantly knew the poster was from the Austin area when I saw the bat in the ad under your snake.

deg

HAHAHA! I have an even cooler one with a Ghost Honduran that looks like the bat is actually flying away with it. God knows that bat would be dead meat flying away with any of my snakes but the pic looked kinda cool. I will email it too ya
Tom Stevens