> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://developers.gopher-ai.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Delegation

## Validator delegation using child hotkeys

This guide helps you delegate a portion of your validator stake to the official Gopher validator using a child hotkey. Delegating through child hotkeys enhances security, simplifies operations, and enables direct support of the Gopher network.

### What is a Child Hotkey?

A **child hotkey** is a hotkey that receives a delegated portion of stake from a **parent hotkey**. This lets you safely stake across subnets and validators without exposing your primary hotkey to risk.

### Why Delegate to the Gopher Validator?

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="2% Take Rate" icon="percent">
    ✓ Keep 98% of your rewards
  </Card>

  <Card title="Trusted Infrastructure" icon="server">
    ✓ Run by Gopher core team\
    ✓ Enterprise-grade reliability\
    ✓ Professional monitoring
  </Card>

  <Card title="Simple Setup" icon="gear">
    ✓ Delegate in minutes\
    ✓ Clear documentation\
    ✓ Easy to get started
  </Card>

  <Card title="Scalable Design" icon="chart-line">
    ✓ Multi-subnet staking\
    ✓ Isolated operational risk\
    ✓ Flexible delegation
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Note>
  Gopher is currently one of the most delegator-friendly validators on Bittensor Subnet 42 with a 2% take rate, though this rate may be adjusted in the future.
</Note>

### 🪪 Gopher Validator Hotkey for Delegation

To delegate to the official Gopher Validator on Subnet 42, use this hotkey address:

```text theme={null}
5CZv4oXgYsAFjJj8rLmmbLG29y7x9RGEc6hM9tzCwRU8NeDe
```

### 🛠️ Step-by-Step Guide

<Steps>
  <Step title="Register Your Child Hotkey">
    Run the following command to register your child hotkey:

    ```bash theme={null}
    btcli register --wallet.name <child_wallet_name> --netuid 42
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Delegate Stake to Gopher Validator">
    Execute this command to delegate your stake:

    ```bash theme={null}
    btcli stake set_children \
      --netuid 42 \
      --children <your_child_hotkey_ss58> \
      --proportions 1.0 \
      --hotkey 5CZv4oXgYsAFjJj8rLmmbLG29y7x9RGEc6hM9tzCwRU8NeDe \
      --wallet.name <your_coldkey_name>
    ```
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  Tip: The `--proportions` flag should reflect the portion of stake you want to delegate (e.g., 0.5 for 50%).
</Note>

<Note>
  By default, the child hotkey starts with a take rate of **0%**, and the Gopher validator does **not** charge any fee. You keep 100% of your rewards.
</Note>

### View Your Delegation

Check that your delegation is active:

```bash theme={null}
btcli stake get_children --netuid 42 --hotkey 5CZv4oXgYsAFjJj8rLmmbLG29y7x9RGEc6hM9tzCwRU8NeDe --all
```

## Update or Revoke Delegation

**Update proportions**:

```bash theme={null}
btcli stake set_children \
  --netuid 42 \
  --children <your_child_hotkey> \
  --proportions <new_proportion> \
  --hotkey 5CZv4oXgYsAFjJj8rLmmbLG29y7x9RGEc6hM9tzCwRU8NeDe \
  --wallet.name <your_coldkey_name>
```

**Revoke delegation**:

```bash theme={null}
btcli stake revoke_children --hotkey 5CZv4oXgYsAFjJj8rLmmbLG29y7x9RGEc6hM9tzCwRU8NeDe --netuid 42
```

***

### Optional: Set Take Rate for Your Child Hotkey

Control how much your child key keeps from rewards:

**Set take rate**:

```bash theme={null}
btcli stake set_childkey_take --hotkey <your_child_hotkey> --netuid 42 --take 0.18
```

**Check take rate**:

```bash theme={null}
btcli stake get_childkey_take --hotkey <your_child_hotkey> --netuid 42
```

*Note: You can only update the take rate once every 30 days.*

## Important Considerations

* The total proportion across child keys must be ≤ 1.0
* You must have registered your child hotkey on Subnet 42
* Minimum stake may apply depending on network settings
* Gopher validator’s default take rate is **0%**, so you keep **100% of your earnings**