Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I just purchased my first gaboon viper and have had it about 3 weeks now, he is roughly 12 inches long, I keep him in a 20 gallon terrarium with douglas fir bark substrate, temperature hovers around 75 and humidity levels are at 60%, an undertank heating pad keeps one end of the enclosure at 84-88 degrees. The second day I had him I offered a fuzzy to no avail, I left it in there for 3 days and finally removed it. The second and third week I practiced the same procedure but with the same results, although the second week he proceeded to regurgitate his previous meal, he drinks regularly when I place him next to his water bowl. I have kept rattlesnakes and copperheads for many years now and have never experienced this problem, and now I am concerned that I might lose my first snake ever. Please help, any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks

There are many variables but assuming the snake is healthy and parasite free, and, assuming your environmental parameters are where they should be at, there are few things to consider:

1) Snake probably just needs more time to settle in. Don't offer food for a couple of weeks and then offer a f/t rodent that has been re-warmed. Or, if you have access to quail try that...most snakes can't resist them.

2) Re-check your temps, humidity levels and set up. Ambient temps are just as important as substrate temps - in some ways, more important. Also, try dumping a layer of field collected dead leaves (oak, etc.) - this will help your gaboon feel secure. 75 is good for your low end and middle area - try boosting ambient temps on the warm end to the low to mid 80's....but make sure the snake can get to cooler areas of its cage.

3) Give the snake a good misting prior to feeding - warm water mist.

4) Have you run fecals? Just something to consider.

In all honesty, three weeks is nothing to worry about - if it continues for another 4-6 weeks, then you may have to re-evaluate.

These are a few things I've used with success with this species. Good luck.

>>Hi, I just purchased my first gaboon viper and have had it about 3 weeks now, he is roughly 12 inches long, I keep him in a 20 gallon terrarium with douglas fir bark substrate, temperature hovers around 75 and humidity levels are at 60%, an undertank heating pad keeps one end of the enclosure at 84-88 degrees. The second day I had him I offered a fuzzy to no avail, I left it in there for 3 days and finally removed it. The second and third week I practiced the same procedure but with the same results, although the second week he proceeded to regurgitate his previous meal, he drinks regularly when I place him next to his water bowl. I have kept rattlesnakes and copperheads for many years now and have never experienced this problem, and now I am concerned that I might lose my first snake ever. Please help, any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

I agree with what Rob said, except, DON'T feed quail! Sure, snakes love them, and WILL imprint on them VERY quickly. Then your problem is, feeding quail every time you feed it.
It is VERY hard to odor-manipulate rodents with birds. (unless you "dip" rodents in Campbell's Chicken Soup!)

Also, another thing I didn't see mentioned.
Is the snake in a shed cycle? That is a very good sign Gabbies won't eat. I think your temps are fine. Most snakes won't eat during a shed cycle, with exceptions, such as Indigoes, False Water Cobra's, etc.

Randal Berry

Interesting you mention that. I've done this with many herps and have never had any trouble switching back to rodents - of course, my herps live in the Midwest where things aren't quite as finicky. I typically only resort to this when everything else has failed so when I say "many" that's a bit of an exageration - probably a couple of dozen and three or four gabbies off the top of my head.

>>I agree with what Rob said, except, DON'T feed quail! Sure, snakes love them, and WILL imprint on them VERY quickly. Then your problem is, feeding quail every time you feed it.
>>It is VERY hard to odor-manipulate rodents with birds. (unless you "dip" rodents in Campbell's Chicken Soup!)
>>
>>Also, another thing I didn't see mentioned.
>>Is the snake in a shed cycle? That is a very good sign Gabbies won't eat. I think your temps are fine. Most snakes won't eat during a shed cycle, with exceptions, such as Indigoes, False Water Cobra's, etc.
>>
>>Randal Berry
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

I tip my hat to you Rob.
I was only relying on my past experiences.
You are far more knowledgeble than I when it comes to venomous reptiles.

Randal Berry

Huh?...did I say something wrong Randal? You shared your experiences and I shared mine - wasn't meant to be a competition - just sharing of observations and we both shared important considerations. I have just never encountered any imprinting problems when using quail. Is the heat getting to you?

>>I tip my hat to you Rob.
>>I was only relying on my past experiences.
>>You are far more knowledgeble than I when it comes to venomous reptiles.
>>
>>Randal Berry
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

Hahaha, you've got to be kidding me, right?

Thank you guys for the speedy response and great advice, Ill let you know how it goes, again I appreciate it, thanks

Gaboons are by far the laziest snake I have ever dealt with. They will totally dehydrate even though water is within 12 inches of them. You sometimes literally have to put their nose in it. Be sure the snake is drinking, not drinking will also cause them to not metabolize their food well and cause them to regurg. Next, a fuzzy is probably not an appropriate size meal for a 12 inch gaboon. Since they are so lazy they may not approach a small fuzzy mouse laying in one spot. Try feeding a hopper or up to even half grown mouse. The mouse will move around the cage and eventually move into striking distance of the snake. The snake may be motivated by movement. Also, since you say the snake is 12 inches, it has obviously eaten a few times prior. You may want to find out what the previous owner was feeding. Good luck.