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RE: rhino viper
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by adamanteus on March 23, 2004
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Here is an article that I wrote for the SHHS Rattle in spring 2003. Maybe it will answer some of your questions.
Rhinoceros Vipers in Captivity
By Matthew T. Crews
hotherps@comcast.net
Introduction:
The Rhinoceros Viper Bitis nasicornis is a very colorful ambush predator in the rain forest of Africa. They get their common name from their two to three pairs of nostril scales “horns”. Sometimes they are referred to as the “River Jack” because of their semi-aquatic nature, they are often found near rivers and streams. The Rhinoceros Viper is a stout snake with an average size of 2 ˝ to 3 ˝ feet with some individuals reaching 4 feet in length.
Housing:
I house newborns to juveniles in small opaque plastic boxes with paper towels for substrate and a water bowl. Newborns need to be soaked every two weeks for several hours to insure proper hydration. I keep sub-adults to adults in medium size enclosures
measuring 3 feet long by 1 ˝ feet deep and 1 foot high. I use a substrate of sani-chips and a water bowl with fresh water at all times; the bowl should be shallow and large to allow easy access and prevent spills. The room in which they are kept is temperature controlled with a daytime temp of 80 to 82 degrees with a nighttime drop to 76 to 78 degrees.
Feeding:
Newborns will usually take pinky mice after their first shed, although some may hold out for a week or so most will start eating without any trouble. After they start eating, food is offered every 7 to 10 days for the first two years. After two years of age, I skip approximately every fifth feeding. The amount of food offered must be adjusted according to body weight. They are a robust snake, but can quickly go from being heavy bodied to obese. Obesity can lead to fatty liver disease and unwillingness to breed.
Breeding:
Rhinoceros Vipers in my experience have not proved difficult to breed, although I do things quite contrary to their natural habitat, besides keeping a semi-aquatic rain forest animal mostly dry; I also breed them at the wrong time of the year. Beginning the first week in December, the temp is slowly decreased to the low 60’s. This temp is maintained for approximately four weeks. During this time food is not offered, but fresh water is available at all times. Care is taken to disturb them as little as possible. In early January they are slowly warmed up to their normal temp. Seven to ten days after being warmed feeding is resumed. A few days after their first meal the male is placed into the females’ enclosure, mating will usually occur almost immediately. Separate them for feeding, then reintroduce the male a few days after feeding, reintroduce the male several times to insure a successful breeding. During separation from the female, the male may become very active moving constantly about his enclosure. Whenever this behavior is noticed, place the male back with the female and mating will usually take place immediately. If a successful breeding has taken place, the gravid female will continue to take food up to July. At this point she will be very noticeably gravid. And a clean hide box should be offered for her to give birth in. A few days after her shed in mid August she will give birth.
Notes:
Let me start by saying that I know that the way I keep Rhinoceros Vipers is contrary to the way most people keep them. I am not saying they are wrong, I just know what has worked for me. I have been keeping this species for many years and have been very successful in breeding them. Also, it is my opinion that a major factor in my success is captive born stock. Wild caught imports do not fair well in captivity often succumbing to parasites and stress.
Conclusion:
For the advanced venomous keeper the Rhinoceros Viper with its gorgeous coloration has to be one of the most spectacular snakes on earth. They have a relatively calm disposition and can be handled with two hooks fairly easily; although care must be taken when moving due to their heavy bodies. And no matter how beautiful they may be, we must not forget they have highly toxic venom and can deliver a deadly bite very efficiently.
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