We keep L. stenophrys and L. muta - not animals for the faint of heart and they are very prone to stress if not kept propertly. Here's the Cliff Notes version:
Bushmasters:
Exhibit cage: 8' wide x 3' deep x 3' high (for one specimen)
Substrate: a deep layer of cypress mulch, top soil, leaf mulch, forest humus and a layer of dead leaves. Or, just keep on newspaper...still the best stuff on the planet.
Hides: Big hollow and half hollow logs (collected from untreated forests)...security is an absolute must
Other items: Sturdy live plants to boost humidity
Water: large bowl but not large enough for soaking
Heat: 70-72 deg F on cool side and low to mid 80's on warm side. We do provide a small heated portion that reaches the upper 80's but it it critically important that you do not overheat these animals. Err on the cooler side than warm. Large cages afford the opportunity to do this while smaller cages are better off heated with a thermostatically controlled heat tape over a small area (we use radiant heat panels).
Humidity: 80-90% BUT it's imperative that you do not keep the substrate damp; it must be dry but the ambient air needs to be high - not an easy task.
Diet: Rodents - err on the smaller rather than larger size of prey despite these animals' large size. Avoid over feeding.
There's MUCH, MUCH more so do your homework - this is barely enough to get you started and that's it.
Crotalus polystictus: in all honesty, if you treat them like any other North American species, you'll be fine (avoid exposing this species to temps that are too warm - if you provide a gradient, then its not a problem). They can be kept as simply as newspaper substrate, hide box and water bowl with a heat pad under 1/3 of the cage, or, in a naturalistic set up.
Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center
>>I'd appreciate information on keeping one of the central american bushmasters, to wit: L m stenoferous, and on the mexican lance-headed rattlesnake, Crotalus polystictus. Any tips of housing, feeding, and particularly on temperature and humidity gradients during day/night and seasonally, lighting, and anything else you deem important. While some basic (read: "very basic!" info is out there, I'd like to hear from those of you who have actually kept these creatures. Info on the polystictus seems to be praticularly scarce.
>>
>>Thanks in advance and besr regards
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL
info is out there, I'd like to hear from those of you who have actually kept these creatures. Info on the polystictus seems to be praticularly scarce.