Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am soon to be the proud owner of a 6 inch Desert Horned Viper... speaking in terms of life long what size cage wouald you guys/girls recommend?

I had in mind a 40 gallon with a top made for reptiles.. 3 locking sections bulit into the top and the aquarium is 36x18x16

but if that is considered to big the next option is a 20 gallon setup the same way.. I would like to do this only once so please give me some assitance
much appreciated
PR

Even though these aren't very large snakes, I would still go with a 40 gallon breeder for an adult sized cerastes. This will allow you to establish a good thermal gradient. We LOVE our cerastes and enjoy watching him in his naturalistic vivaria. We keep our adult in a custom made cage that measures 36" x 18" x 18" which I realize is probably excessive to some, but the perfect size for this animal. He spends equal time in classic ambush position on the warm and cool ends of the cage. For a young cerastes like your's, however, I would probably lean towards a 20 gallon long until it gets a little bigger. Here's the rest of the details on our set up:

We use a combination of quality sand, crushed walnut and a little ESU jungle mix until we have just the right consistency; one that the animal can burrow into easily. The cage is heated by a pro product radiant heat panel on one end and lighted with a full spectrum fluorescent light. We had a piece of old driftwood which the snake will, on occasion, bask on (much to our surprise). Water is offered a couple of times each week. These snakes GREEDILY take frozen/thawed mice off of forceps so be careful. All I can say is that these are awesome snakes.

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
City of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation (IL)

That sounds great, and exactly the reason why I wanted this species for so long. What is the temperment of yours? fiesty? even thought he is only 6 inches and eating pinkie parts right now I was kinda ering on the side of the 40 gallon just so that he could live his whole life in one tank (poor college budget), do you really think he will benefit from a 20 first, I wouldnt wanna shock the little bugger with a huge enviroment, but I ussually take the bigger side just becasue I feel sorry fro cramped snakes to begin wih. I was kinda leary about this specie to b/c of lacking antivenin...but I dont plan on getting bit, but who does lol... Is there an equivilant that you know of that could work.. all my research says no. Also, from everything Ive read, they get a max of 30 inches.. but somewhere out of the ball park I saw a zoo website that said 5 feet, Whats your take on it?

Thanks alot for your time
PR

First, cerastes tend to be feisty but somewhat predictable (basically, you always assume that a strike is going to happen when you get near it). Our cerastes will eagerly come to the front of their cage when they seem me in the vicinity (feedin' time). I would try a 40 gallon and see what happens; if you find that your snake is feeding well, you are all set. If the snake stops feeding, you might go back to a smaller cage; if the budget is the issue, keep the snake in a small plastic sterilite container, with the top secure, and place inside the 40 gallon tank for extra security. Don't think you are cramming your snake in a small cage; baby snakes must feel secure in order to stay healthy....your job is to create an optimal microclimate.

In terms of size, a 30" cerastes is a big specimen; a 5-footer is unheard of and they must be talking about some other species.

Hope this helps. ROb

That sounds great, and exactly the reason why I wanted this species for so long. What is the temperment of yours? fiesty? even thought he is only 6 inches and eating pinkie parts right now I was kinda ering on the side of the 40 gallon just so that he could live his whole life in one tank (poor college budget), do you really think he will benefit from a 20 first, I wouldnt wanna shock the little bugger with a huge enviroment, but I ussually take the bigger side just becasue I feel sorry fro cramped snakes to begin wih. I was kinda leary about this specie to b/c of lacking antivenin...but I dont plan on getting bit, but who does lol... Is there an equivilant that you know of that could work.. all my research says no. Also, from everything Ive read, they get a max of 30 inches.. but somewhere out of the ball park I saw a zoo website that said 5 feet, Whats your take on it?

Sounds great. Thanks alot for your advice... I really appreciate it.. just two more Q?

I had shields made up yesterday.. Do you have any preference.. I used .125 plexiglass instead of .250... I dont think it would be able to get throught .125 plexi even as an adult but your opinion is valued

Also

I have 2 40" hooks.. I know these are far to big to be used with a 6 inch viperidae but do you think I should/need a 20" or so hook due to its small size or should I be able to manage with my 40"ers and save for a gentle giant

Thanx alot, your a great help ( as well as anyone else that resonds)