is a gopher snake right for a beginner?
Gopher snakes require a significant commitment, including a lifespan of 12–20 years and daily care.
Commitment Reality
Gopher snakes can live up to 20 years, requiring daily care and attention. You'll need to invest at least 15 minutes a day for feeding and maintenance.
Prepare for an enclosure that's at least 4 feet long for a juvenile and up to 7 feet for an adult. Handling should be limited to once a week to avoid stress.
Be prepared for the space requirements, as gopher snakes can grow quite large and need room to move.
- Lifespan: 12–20 years
- Daily time: 15 minutes
- Space: 4–7 ft enclosure
- Handling: Once a week
One-Time Setup
The initial setup includes purchasing an enclosure, heating elements, substrate, and a hide box. Plan for a 55-gallon tank for a juvenile and a 75-gallon tank for an adult.
You'll also need a heat lamp, a thermometer, a hygrometer, and a water bowl. Ensure the enclosure has a warm side (85–90°F) and a cool side (75–80°F).
The substrate should be 2 inches deep and can be made of coconut fiber or aspen shavings.
- Enclosure size: 55–75 gallons
- Heat lamp: 150 watts
- Thermometer: Digital
- Hygrometer: Digital
- Water bowl: 1 gallon
Recurring Consumables
Expect to replace the substrate every 2–3 weeks, depending on the snake's size and activity level. This can be a significant ongoing cost.
Feeding should be every 3–5 days with rodents, which can add up to 1–2 cups of food per week. Fresh water should be provided daily.
Bedding and food are the main recurring costs, with the potential for additional expenses if you need to replace equipment or visit the vet.
- Substrate replacement: Every 2–3 weeks
- Feeding: Every 3–5 days
- Water: Daily
- Bedding: As needed
- Vet visits: Annually
Ongoing Costs
Don't forget to budget for heating elements, which can be a significant expense, especially during colder months.
Replacement equipment, such as water bowls or heating elements, can also add up over time. Plan for at least one replacement per year.
Regular vet check-ups are crucial for maintaining your snake's health, with costs averaging around $100 per visit.
- Heating elements: Replaced annually
- Replacement equipment: Replaced annually
- Vet visits: $100 per visit
Are You Ready?
Before bringing a gopher snake home, ensure you have the following: a secure enclosure, heating elements, a thermometer, a hygrometer, a water bowl, and the knowledge to maintain the correct temperature and humidity.
You should also be prepared for the time commitment and the financial investment required for food, bedding, and vet care.
If you can check all these boxes, you're on the right track to being a responsible gopher snake owner.
- Secure enclosure
- Heating elements
- Thermometer
- Hygrometer
- Water bowl
- Time commitment
- Financial investment
Keep reading about Gopher Snake: Gopher Snake care sheet
Related questions
How often should I feed my gopher snake?
Feed your gopher snake every 3–5 days with rodents, depending on the snake's size and activity level.
What type of enclosure do I need for a gopher snake?
A 55-gallon tank for a juvenile and a 75-gallon tank for an adult are recommended.
How much does it cost to keep a gopher snake?
The ongoing costs include food, bedding, heating elements, and vet care, averaging around $100 per month.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your gopher snake is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.