Posted by:
Jeremy G
at Thu Dec 4 07:13:29 2003 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by Jeremy G ]
Hello,
Atheris chloroechis should be kept similar to A.squamigera. I would keep them around 82 to 85 max for a day time temp with a drop down to around 75 at night. These snakes, contrary to popular thinking do not exsist in awfully hot areas. Although I belive chloroechis is typicly found in lower elevations then most from the Tribe of Atheris, they still arent what you would call a savannh sp.
As for humidity and substrate, I sugest either cypress mulch, potting soil or just good ol fashioned newspaper as a substrate and I would mist them everyother day in not every 2 days. Atheris, unlike many other arboreal vipers/pitvipers are not as humidity dependant and misting them too frequently can lead to alot of problems. Of cource, as with all sp of snake, proper ventilation should be provided as well as a good hide box. These guys as well as squams spend alot of time on the ground and atleast a few hrs out of everyday in their hides. They arent like eyelash vipers who will stay perched all day.
Regarding lighting, although a lamp may not be needed I would try to keep them in a room were natural sunlight peaked in during the day. If your situation requires a heat lamp to keep the temps up then I would go with a red or night time heat lamp for nocturnal herps. Still though, they need a day/night cycle like everything else so dont just keep them in the dark. They arent like Fea's Viper or Bushmasters who come from areas that have virtualy no light shining through. The can be found on the fringes of forest and even in feilds if memory serves, basking. Definately give them some sort of light source.
Another note on substrate. Although I think moss will work fine it may keep too much humidity in so I would play around with it and find a nice medium were it is not too moist at all. Since these guys hang out on the ground you dont want them basicly sitting in warter all day. Remeber, they are not rain forest sp.
Well, I hope this helps you out some. Good luck! They are awesome snakes to work with and easy keeps. If you are in search for further info from one of the experts of the sp I sugest going to the Viperade forum and post a question for Derek Morgan akak Squamiger. He has bred these guys several years in a row and know just as much about keeping them as anybody.
Have fun and enjoy!!
Adios,
J
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RE: green bush viper care ? - Jeremy G, Thu Dec 4 07:13:29 2003