Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What are the ideal day and nighttime temps and humidity level for a Bitis ganonica rhinoceros. I have researched many different answers for this question and would like to see especially what R. Carmichael has to say.

Cheers.

There are many other folks equally are more qualified to share their experience than me. The key is to provide a thermal gradient to allow the snake to decide what it's optimal thermal zones are. We always provide a cool retreat that is in the 70-72 deg F. range at all times. This area is usually shaded with dense foliage, thick leaf pile and high humidity. The mid rane temps are in the mid to upper 70's while the warm end reaches the low 80's with a basking area of 90 for up to four hours daily. Night temps gradually drop to the low to mid 70's with a basking area of 80-82 deg F. We use a Pro Product Radiant Heat Panel connected to a thermostat that allows for day/night fluctuations. We always keep a close eye on behavior. If our snakes are unusually active, we take a close look at temps (they are either active because they are hungry, getting ready to take a big poop, or looking for ideal temps - thankfully, our environment is pretty stable so temp fluctuatiosn otuside of the norm don't happen often). Light is provided by two 18" zoo med iguana lights. We don't utilize fancy misters mostly because I think it's important for the animal to get used to the keeper working with it every day. We use large hand held misters and try to give them a good soaking every other day or as needed (more during our dry winters in IL). Too many people soak their cages every day and I think that leads to more harm than good (especially if ventilation is limited). We'll give our exhibits a good misting including the animal and then let it dry out gradually. We don't have to mist every day; not even every other day but we try to mist heavily every 2-3 days and our Bitis take normal defecations w/out the need to soak as some folks do.

Hope this helps. Rob

>>What are the ideal day and nighttime temps and humidity level for a Bitis ganonica rhinoceros. I have researched many different answers for this question and would like to see especially what R. Carmichael has to say.
>>
>> Cheers.
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

The reason I asked you is because I knew you kept Gaboons at your facility. I didnt know of anyone else that kept them.

There are quite a few folks who keep them but not everyone keeps them properly. You'll get some really strange advice depending on who you are talking to - the worst advice I ever saw on this forum was when someone recommended that you keep gaboons in shallow water w/out any dry land areas.

>>The reason I asked you is because I knew you kept Gaboons at your facility. I didnt know of anyone else that kept them.
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

Exactly, that why I asked you, not any Tom, Dick, or Mary. No offence to other perfectly suitable Gaboon keepers that I remain unaware of.

Would you say a constant humidity level of 70% is ideal?

Would the use of a "Retes stack" be appropriate for a Bitis gabonica rhinoceros?