What's the daily routine for a gopher snake when I'm away?
Keep your gopher snake healthy and happy with these 5 daily tasks and 3 weekly checks.
Daily Routine
Start your day by checking the enclosure's temperature and humidity levels. Aim for a warm side of 85–90°F (29–32°C) and a cool side of 75–80°F. Use a digital thermometer to ensure accuracy. Next, provide fresh water in a heavy bowl or sipper tube. Gopher snakes need access to water at all times.
Inspect the enclosure for any signs of waste or uneaten food. Remove any soiled substrate and replace it with clean material. This helps prevent bacterial growth and maintains a healthy environment. If you notice any uneaten food, remove it to prevent spoilage.
Offer a meal once a day. Gopher snakes are carnivores and thrive on rodents. Provide a thawed, frozen, or freshly killed rodent, depending on your snake's preference. The size of the prey should be about the size of the snake's head. After feeding, monitor your snake for 24 hours to ensure it's digesting properly.
- Check enclosure temperature and humidity.
- Provide fresh water.
- Inspect and clean the enclosure.
- Offer a meal once a day.
Weekly Routine
On a weekly basis, perform a thorough cleaning of the enclosure. This includes removing all substrate and cleaning the walls, floor, and decorations. Use a non-toxic cleaner and rinse thoroughly. Replace the substrate with fresh material.
Check the enclosure's ventilation and heating equipment. Ensure that the heat lamp or heating pad is functioning properly and not overheating. Adjust the temperature if necessary.
Inspect the snake for any signs of illness or injury. Look for changes in behavior, appetite, or appearance. If you notice anything unusual, consult a veterinarian experienced with reptiles.
- Thoroughly clean the enclosure weekly.
- Check heating and ventilation equipment.
- Inspect the snake for health issues.
Monthly Routine
Monthly, replace any worn-out or damaged decorations in the enclosure. This includes hides, branches, and rocks. A well-decorated enclosure provides enrichment and helps your snake feel secure.
Check the water bowl for any cracks or leaks. Ensure it's securely fastened to the enclosure. If it's not, replace it with a new one to prevent spills and water damage.
Review the snake's diet and adjust if necessary. Gopher snakes can be picky eaters, so it's important to offer a variety of prey to keep them interested.
- Replace worn-out decorations monthly.
- Check the water bowl for leaks.
- Review and adjust the diet as needed.
What to Skip on Busy Days
On particularly busy days, you can skip the thorough cleaning of the enclosure. Instead, focus on removing soiled substrate and replacing it with clean material. This will help maintain a healthy environment without the time commitment of a full cleaning.
If you're short on time, you can also skip the daily temperature and humidity checks. However, it's important to do these checks at least a few times a week to ensure the enclosure remains within the appropriate range.
If you're unable to offer a meal, provide a high-quality commercial reptile food as a substitute. This should only be done as a last resort and for short periods of time.
- Skip thorough cleaning on busy days.
- Skip daily temperature and humidity checks if time is limited.
- Offer commercial reptile food as a substitute if unable to feed.
Daily Checks for Early Detection
Perform a visual inspection of the snake's skin daily. Look for signs of mites, parasites, or wounds. These can be early indicators of health issues.
Check the snake's appetite and droppings. A decrease in appetite or changes in droppings can signal a problem.
Observe the snake's behavior. A lack of interest in its environment or changes in activity levels can be a sign of illness.
- Inspect skin for mites, parasites, or wounds.
- Monitor appetite and droppings.
- Observe behavior for changes.
Keep reading about Gopher Snake: Gopher Snake care sheet
Related questions
How often should I clean my gopher snake's enclosure?
Thoroughly clean the enclosure once a week.
What should I do if my gopher snake isn't eating?
Offer a variety of prey and monitor the snake for 24 hours after feeding. If there's no improvement, consult a veterinarian.
How can I tell if my gopher snake is healthy?
Look for signs of mites, parasites, wounds, changes in appetite or droppings, and behavior changes.
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.