Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Should I place a water container for my Cerates vipera ? Thanks .

To mine opinion every animal needs water, the Cerastes vipera included. I also keep 1.1 Cerastes vipera as well as C. cerastes. All of those snakes have a small water bowl.

We have only seen our cerasted drink on several occasions....but they will utilize a water bowl. My recommendation is to provide water but only in limited amounts. Our cerastes have never encountered any problems with water bowls provided ad lib. Rob Carmichael, Curator, The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm, Lake Forest, IL

I keep Cerastes cerastes and also Crotalis cerastes. These snakes come from severe desert situations. With Cerates especially you stand a much greater chance of having a w/c vs c/b specimen which means your typical American climate is more humid than what they are used to.

High Humidity is dangerous for these snakes. Here is how I handle that problem:

None of mine EVER have water bowls in with them and they thrive. (Here in S. Florida even AC is neccessary to their good health because it is so humid here.)

About once a month or so I lightly mist the glass for them to drink off(in imitation of dew which in nature is the only water they get). the bulk of their liquids they get from prey animals.

A water bowl can be dangerous when the snake is kept (like mine are) on sand as the wet snout of the snake can get caked with sand.

Interestingly, the only Sidewinder I ever lost was one that had a water bowl in with it.

I'm sure other people have a different take on this so you have to try and see what works for you. The bottom line is that if it works....then you did the right thing.

Frank
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"The luxury of not getting involved departed with the last lifeboat Skipper..."