Common name : Bull Snake
Scientific name : Pituophis catenifer sayi (formerly Pituophis melanoleucus sayi)
Longevity : 10 - 15 years (average)
Distribution : Central United States (Mexico to Canada and Ohio to Colorado)
Size : Average adult size 4' - 7 1/2', record 8 1/2 '
Growth : Can reach 3' in the first year. On average, about a foot per year after the first year.
Food : Rodents of the appropriate size should be offered to babies every 4 - 5 days. Adults should be fed every 7 - 10 days. The general rule of thumb is to feed the snake a prey item that is equal to or greater than the snakes' largest diameter. ( A small meal is better than a large one)
Housing : Babies should be housed in a 10 gallon aquarium for their first year. Adults should be have the equalivalent of 36" x 20" x 18".
Temperature and humidity : Daytime temperature should be in the 80 - 86 degree range, with a night drop to 65 - 75 degrees Fahrenheit (19 - 24 C). Brumate (hibernate) in darkness at 45 - 55 degrees Fahrenheit (7 - 12 C) for 8 - 12 weeks. Access to a water bowl should provide adequate humidity.
Photo period : 12 -14 hours of daylight in the summer. Darkness during the winter brumation.
Lighting : Full spectrum UVA/UVB lighting is not neccessary.
Heating : Under the tank reptile heating pads will provide 24hr bottom surface heat, which is essential for proper digestion. Incandescent lights with a dome reflector situated above basking areas will provide the proper daytime heat gradient. Be sure to use a properly placed high temperature thermometer to ensure the temperature does not exceed 90 degrees.
Substrate : Newspaper or carpet type material is reccomended for its ease of cleaning and removal. For a more natural looking vivaria, orchid bark (Repti-Bark), pea gravel, aspen shavings, or pine shavings can be used. If you use shavings or gravel, you must ensure that the substrate is not ingested during feeding as this can lead to impaction and/or death. NEVER USE CEDAR OR REDWOOD SHAVINGS AS THEY CAN BE HARMFUL OR FATAL !!!
Water : Water should be made available in a large sturdy water bowl at all times. Aside from the necessity of providing water, a water container will also raise the humidity and provide an area for soaking to aid in proper shedding.
Maintenance : A weekly mainteance schedule should be implemented with all snakes. Clean the enclosure to remove feces and replace areas of soiled substrate as needed. Thw water container should be removed, cleaned, and disinfected weekly (sooner if the snake defecates in the water bowl, which is common for the bull snake). Never allow the substrate to remain damp as this could lead to to skin and health problems.
Eggs and incubation : One annual clutch of 3 to more than 20 eggs. Incubate at 82 - 84 degrees Fahrenheit (28 - 29 C) for approximately 60 - 75 days in a box filled with 3" of damp vermiculate. Females WILL defend eggs !!!
Notes : This species is very secretive and spend a lot of time hiding. It is important for the proper maintenance of this species to provide a hide shelter at both ends of the temperature gradient of the enclosure. Hides can be as simple as a clay flower pot, cardboard box, or a molded plastic box.
Special thanx to Chris House and Paul Hollander for this comprehensive care sheet.
