The list of food items that gopher snakes eat in capitivity may surprise you. In this article we will cover their Behavior, Breeding, Health and Prey items. Hopefully, this information will help you make the right choice for your pet! If you are not familiar with gopher snakes, here are some basic facts about them to help you make an informed decision.
Contents
Prey item list
The ideal diet for a Gopher Snake in captivity is a defrosted rodent, but it will happily consume any other form of prey, including mice and rats. For optimal results, provide your snake with frozen, thawed mice at least once a week, and larger rats once every other week. If feeding your snake more than once a week, he may become overweight and unproductive.
A gopher snake is large and slender, with a pale background and black or dark brown patterns. Males have a sex organ known as the hemipene, which is located just below the cloacal opening and is contained in the snake’s body scales. Females lack this organ, but do not have a sex organ.
Behavior
While the venom of rattlesnakes is lethal, gopher snakes don’t have deadly venom and are more tame in captivity. They feed mainly on small mammals, insects, and other reptiles. Their prey also includes eggs. They kill by crushing bones and squeezing prey. The behavior of gopher snakes in captivity is quite different from those of other snake species, including rattlesnakes.
Gopher snakes are large and beautiful. Their body color is pale with dark brown blotches. Their belly is yellow. Their main diet consists of small warm-blooded animals, such as mice, worms, and even small birds. They are not poisonous, but they do pose a threat to small animals if they are bitten or dragged. Behavior of gopher snakes in captivity is dependent on the species, and its habitat must mimic its natural habitat.
Though gopher snakes are active during the day, they tend to sleep during the night. During this period, they slow down and hide underground. They will come to your home only to hide. Even though gopher snakes make great pets, they require a large, comfortable enclosure that mimics their natural habitat. And because they are not tolerant of heat, you should avoid over-exposing them to bright light, which can cause skin cancer and leave them vulnerable to attack.
Health conditions
Anorexia is a common health condition among pet gopher snakes. During the fall and winter months, these snakes reduce their activity and eating. Although gopher snakes usually look healthy during these times, it can be concerning if they don’t seem to be eating enough. Observation is key. It is essential to keep your snake clean and healthy in captivity.
While gopher snakes are native to western and eastern North America, they are not domesticated. They can be kept as pets, but they require extensive care and attention. Unlike other snakes, they are prone to developing bacterial and fungal infections, especially if they are kept in unhygienic conditions. Regardless of the type of habitat, they require a clean environment and climbing activity.
Although they’re generally harmless, gopher snakes can be aggressive when handled. They will raise their bodies in a warning posture, rattle their tail, and release malodorous musk. This aggressive behavior is common among young gophers, but will eventually fade. Fortunately, gopher snakes can be social and grow out of it with proper handling. Their habitat consists of open brush areas, dense vegetation, and burrows. Although they’re not arboreal snakes, their habitat is rich with potential prey.
Breeding
The gopher snake is more tame than its rattlesnake cousin, but that doesn’t mean it can’t bite. Its venom isn’t as deadly as that of a rattlesnake, so it is often an excellent choice for breeding. Gophers typically feed on insects, small mammals, lizards, frogs, and eggs. They are also relatively docile and don’t pose a danger to humans. While they are more docile than rattlesnakes, they do hunt small mammals and frogs.
While a female gopher snake is smaller, male gopher snakes can reach five or six feet in length. They usually have a light-colored body with brown to black blotches. Their tails have two or three rows of black and brown spots. Breeding a gopher snake is a great way to expand your terrarium’s options and enjoy the company of a new pet.
