Gopher Snake / Bullsnake — Care Sheet & Morphs

Q: How big does an adult Gopher Snake / Bullsnake get?

An adult Gopher Snake / Bullsnake typically measures 1.2–2.4 m.

Husbandry requirements

Gopher Snake / Bullsnake — origin: North America: western and central United States, southwestern Canada and northern Mexico. Mostly semi-arid to temperate habitats (grasslands, deserts, scrubland, open forests, agricultural areas)..

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min18 °C

Cool side22–25 °C

Warm side27–30 °C

Basking spot30–33 °C

Diurnal, heliophilic species that uses a genuine hot spot: provide a clear thermal gradient with a basking zone at 30-33°C. With heating off at night, a drop to 18-20°C is beneficial. Always monitor temperatures with a thermostat and a thermometer.

Enclosure (adult)

120 × 60 × 60 cm

Spacious terrestrial terrarium (active, burrowing species)

Absolute minimum for an adult; 150 x 75 x 60 cm or more is strongly recommended for this active snake. Powerful species and skilled escape artist: a locked lid and doors are essential. Provide several hides (warm side and cool side), branches/relief and a layer of substrate thick enough to allow burrowing.

Humidity

30–50 %

Species of a rather dry environment: moderate conditions, avoid stagnant humidity but also dehydration. Provide a humid box (a hide with damp sphagnum/moss) during shedding periods.

Substrate

Aspen shavingsCoconut fibreTopsoil/soil-sand mixCypress mulch

Choose a dry, absorbent substrate deep enough to let the snake burrow. Absolutely avoid pine and cedar shavings (aromatic oils toxic to reptiles).

UVB

Optional

Not strictly essential but beneficial for this diurnal species: low to moderate UVB (5-7 % tube, Ferguson zone 1-2) supports wellbeing and calcium/vitamin D3 metabolism. Always provide shaded and hiding areas.

Water source

Always available

A large bowl of clean water available at all times, wide enough to drink from; renew regularly. The species bathes little, but water remains essential for hydration and a good shed.

Origin

Colubridae

North America: western and central United States, southwestern Canada and northern Mexico. Mostly semi-arid to temperate habitats (grasslands, deserts, scrubland, open forests, agricultural areas).

Feeding & health

Diet

Strict carnivore (rodent-eater) — Rodents of suitable size (mice, rats), occasionally birds and eggs.

High metabolism and voracious appetite. Adults: one prey item every 7-10 days; juveniles every 5-7 days. Match the prey size (about the snake's widest diameter, ~10-15 % of its weight). Watch for obesity in less active individuals.

Breeding

Oviparous

Clutch 5–20 eggs/young. Breeding is usually triggered by a brumation (cooling) of 2-3 months at ~10-15°C. Clutch of large eggs (5-20, sometimes more in large specimens), incubation of about 55-75 days at 27-29°C.

Health watch points

Respiratory infections (conditions too cold or too humid, poor ventilation)
Dysecdysis / incomplete shedding (humidity too low, dehydration)
Obesity and hepatic steatosis (overfeeding, inactive animal)
Mites (Ophionyssus) and internal parasites, especially in wild-caught individuals
Stomatitis (mouth rot) and skin lesions / blister disease on dirty or overly humid substrate

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 5 documented genes and 3 named combos for Gopher Snake / Bullsnake.

Albino (T-) amelanisticRec
Whitesided sockheadRec
Axanthic (Miami/VPI) aneryRec
Hypo (Stillwater) stillwater hybino (combo)Dom
PatternlessRec

Named combos — 3 documented combined morphs

SnowGhostWhiteout / Blizzard

Pairing calculator

Pick each parent's genotype — clutch probabilities update live. Free, no sign-up.

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Gopher Snake / Bullsnake × Gopher Snake / Bullsnake

Probabilities per gene (independent loci).

Expected clutchSelect at least one gene on a parent.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about keeping the gopher snake / bullsnake.

How big does an adult Gopher Snake / Bullsnake get?▾

An adult Gopher Snake / Bullsnake typically measures 1.2–2.4 m (a large, massively and heavily built colubrid. most adults measure 120-180 cm; the largest specimens, notably the bullsnake (p. c. sayi), reach 200-240 cm. it is one of the largest colubrids in the united states.).

What temperature and humidity does a Gopher Snake / Bullsnake need?▾

A gradient of roughly 22–25 °C on the cool side to 27–30 °C on the warm side, with a basking spot of 30–33 °C. Humidity 30–50 %.

What does a Gopher Snake / Bullsnake eat?▾

Strict carnivore (rodent-eater): Rodents of suitable size (mice, rats), occasionally birds and eggs..

Is the Gopher Snake / Bullsnake a good reptile for beginners?▾

Beginner + level. Non-venomous species, harmless to humans. Famous for its impressive defensive behaviour: very loud hissing (thanks to an epiglottal keel), flattening of the head, body coiled into an 'S' and tail vibration to mimic a rattlesnake. It may bluff-strike, especially the often nervous juveniles, but it generally tames well and calms down with regular, calm and gentle handling. Plan ahead: a lifespan of 15–20 yrs.

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