How to Keep Gaboon Vipers

Gaboon vipers are a type of snake, closely related to the puff adder, from Africa. These snakes grow to between four and six feet long. They have a striking purple and brown pattern, and are very muscular. They tend to have a lethargic personality, so it is often believed that Gaboon vipers are easy to care for. However, Gaboon vipers are poisonous snakes, with two-inch fangs. It is essential to not only learn how to care for these animals properly, but with extreme caution.

Things You'll Need

  • Terrarium habitat
  • Secure habitat cover
  • Substrate
  • Water dish
  • Heater
  • Live rodents
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide a large habitat, such as a glass terrarium, for your viper. The enclosure should be at least two feet wide, eight inches tall, and should be at least as long as the length of your snake, if not longer. A strong top, such as a plastic, metal, or glass hood, should be placed securely on top of the habitat. The cover to the terrarium should be tight, so that the snake cannot bump it off. A latch with a lock is a good idea.

    • 2

      Place a thick layer of cypress mulch or wood chips in the bottom of the terrarium. Gaboon vipers are most comfortable when they've buried themselves under the substrate, so make sure the substrate layer is deep enough to allow for this.

    • 3

      Place a shallow water dish in the habitat. This dish should be easy for the snake to crawl into and out of. It should be large enough that the Gaboon viper can crawl all the way into it, but shallow enough that the viper will not drown in it. Provide fresh water daily.

    • 4

      Install a heater, such as a reptile basking lamp, at one end of the enclosure. You can also use an undertank heater. The warm end of the enclosure should be between 85 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooler end should be in the high 70s or low 80s. Temperatures can be dropped by a few degrees at night, although this is not necessary.

    • 5

      Feed a young snake once or twice a week, giving meals of live rodents. Adult snakes can be fed once a week. A fully mature snake can even go for two or three weeks without eating. Gaboon vipers have slow metabolisms; feeding them too frequently can cause health problems.

    • 6

      Mist the cage frequently. Some Gaboon vipers feel uncomfortable drinking from a dish. Dehydration is a common problem with this type of snake. Misting the habitat creates droplets, which the snake will lick up. It also keeps the habitat humid. The humidity in the enclosure should be between 60 and 70 percent.

    • 7

      Clean the habitat when waste appears. Viper habitats should also be thoroughly cleaned about four times a year. Remove the snake to a separate, secure container while you work. Gaboon vipers have a strike range that is generally 100 percent of their body length. They can also strike upward, backward, and at any other angle, so use extreme caution and only handle the snake when absolutely necessary. Use snake hooks or tongs. Secure the snake's head with these tools so that it cannot strike at you.