What should I know about setting up a gopher snake enclosure for the first month?
In the first month, prioritize a warm side of 85–90°F and a cool side of 75–80°F, with 40–55% humidity.
Young Gopher Snake Care
During the first month, your gopher snake is transitioning from a neonate to a juvenile. This stage requires careful attention to temperature, humidity, and feeding.
Maintain a warm side of 85–90°F (29–32°C) and a cool side of 75–80°F (24–27°C) to mimic the snake's natural habitat. Use a heat mat or under-tank heater to achieve these temperatures.
Keep the humidity between 40–55% to prevent respiratory issues and maintain healthy shedding. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels.
- Maintain a warm side of 85–90°F (29–32°C) and a cool side of 75–80°F (24–27°C).
- Use a heat mat or under-tank heater for temperature control.
- Maintain humidity between 40–55% with a hygrometer.
Feeding and Handling
Feed your gopher snake every 3–5 days with appropriately sized rodents. Neonates can be fed every 5–7 days if needed.
Handle your snake during feeding times to establish a routine. This helps with taming and reduces stress.
Avoid handling for 24 hours post-feeding to allow digestion.
- Feed every 3–5 days with neonates every 5–7 days if needed.
- Handle during feeding times to establish a routine.
- Avoid handling for 24 hours after feeding.
Enclosure Setup Priorities
Choose an enclosure that is at least 4 feet long for a young gopher snake. A depth of 12 inches and a height of 18 inches is sufficient.
Line the enclosure with 1–2 inches of substrate like coconut fiber or aspen shavings. This provides a comfortable environment and aids in shedding.
Provide a hiding spot on both the warm and cool sides of the enclosure. This allows the snake to regulate its temperature and feel secure.
- Enclosure length: at least 4 feet.
- Enclosure depth: 12 inches, height: 18 inches.
- Substrate depth: 1–2 inches of coconut fiber or aspen shavings.
- Hiding spots on both warm and cool sides.
Monitoring and Adjustments
Regularly check the temperature and humidity in the enclosure. Adjust the heat mat or heater as needed to maintain the desired temperature range.
Monitor the snake's weight and shedding. If the snake is losing weight or having difficulty shedding, adjust the temperature or humidity.
Keep the enclosure clean and provide fresh water daily.
- Regularly check temperature and humidity.
- Adjust heat mat or heater as needed.
- Monitor weight and shedding for adjustments.
- Keep the enclosure clean and provide fresh water.
Keep reading about Gopher Snake: Gopher Snake care sheet
Related questions
How often should I feed my young gopher snake?
Feed every 3–5 days, every 5–7 days if neonate.
What temperature should the warm side of the enclosure be for a young gopher snake?
85–90°F (29–32°C).
How often should I handle my young gopher snake?
During feeding times to establish a routine.
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.