Reptile · Colubrid
Sonoran gopher snake care guide
Pituophis catenifer affinis
The sonoran gopher snake is a beginner-level colubrid from SW United States, NW Mexico. Adults reach 90–150 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. Prefers drier conditions than eastern pine snakes. Solitary.
- Enclosure 150 × 60 × 60 cm
- Temp Warm 30–33°C, cool 22–24°C
- Humidity 20–40%
How much does a sonoran gopher snake cost in Canada?
Sonoran gopher snake quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- 90–150 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- SW United States, NW Mexico
- Minimum enclosure
- 150 × 60 × 60 cm (59 × 24 × 24 in, ≈ 143 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 30–33°C, cool 22–24°C
- Humidity
- 20–40%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Sonoran gopher snake enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 150 × 60 × 60 cm (59 × 24 × 24 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a semi-arid bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend12 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry.
Temperature: Warm 30–33°C, cool 22–24°C. Humidity: 20–40%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a sonoran gopher snake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one appropriately sized thawed mouse every 10–14 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Usually calm after the initial hissing bluff.
Health watch: Watch for respiratory infections and obesity.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check basking surface temperature with an infrared thermometer.
- Keep the humid hide damp; refresh water.
Weekly
- Spot-clean waste.
- Every 1–2 weeks, pour water down into the soil around plants and in the cool corner.
Monthly
- Check stones and wood are stable and can’t be tunnelled under.
- Add a few leaves to the cool corner for isopods.
Yearly
- Refresh the top layer in the basking area.
- Replace UVB bulbs on schedule.
Recommended for a sonoran gopher snake bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (150 × 60 × 60 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive soil layer, 12 cm
Canyon Sand
Optional: mix in for a firmer, sandier texture
Eastern Oak Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Terrarium Moss 7L Bag
Humid hide moss
Cork Bark Half Rounds
A hide at each end – plus one humid hide filled with damp moss
Mopani Wood
Climbing and a raised basking spot
Carnelian Stone
Holds heat under the lamp – place directly on the enclosure floor
Sonoran gopher snake FAQ
Is the sonoran gopher snake good for beginners?
Yes – the sonoran gopher snake is a good choice for beginners. Usually calm after the initial hissing bluff.
What size enclosure does a sonoran gopher snake need?
At least 150 × 60 × 60 cm (about 59 × 24 × 24 inches, roughly 143 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a sonoran gopher snake cost in Canada?
Typically $100–250 CAD to buy, about $1050–1870 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $200–350 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a sonoran gopher snake need?
Temperature: Warm 30–33°C, cool 22–24°C. Humidity: 20–40%.
What does a sonoran gopher snake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one appropriately sized thawed mouse every 10–14 days.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.