Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am thinking of getting an eyelash viper but i dont know a whole lot about them..
I am mostly looking for husbandry help...i have also heard its best to start with one that is at least a year old
I was also wondering what is the best way to handle one..since they are pretty small and could climb the handle of the hook i wasnt sure how exaclty you would go about it...seems kinda tough to tail one being so small..doesnt sound good either...I currently own a couple rattlesnakes and a mangrove snake but i just dont see a eyelash being that easy to handle with a hook..
I have also seen people suggest them as a first hot, is that true..seems like there are better snakes to start with

Jason

Your hard part with a hook is getting them off it. They make small hooks which work great for small venomous snakes especially the arborial pits. My favorite are the ones which can extend from a pen-like device. Tailing is not going to be your best bet and you are going to need to get good using a hook. You setup is also a key tool you are going to use. If you have a front opening enclosure with a branch set near the back of the cage and within the walls so nothing is touching the floor...you can use a single piece substrate to be replaced with tongs. You may also change water with tongs and rarely need to come in contact with the snake even with your hook unless the snake is ill or having problems. Remember having the branch set back is important since these animals have a nice long strike range for a small snake. Also, many people underestimate the potential these snakes can deliver in their bites and it is not to be taken lightly. Good luck...I love schlegelii

I can't help but comment when someone asks about schlegs. I think they're great snakes: small, easy to house and really beautiful snakes. I don't use tongs (except for feeding) becaus I like to keep my cage really clean, and I just can't do a good job if I have to keep one eye on the snake. I just hook it out of the cage and transplant it to another secure container (usually some tupperware or a 5 gallon bucket). Its preferred branch is loose in the cage, so sometimes the branch comes out with the snake, but that's not a problem. I probably need to mist more than I do, but I use a sterile soil substitute as a substrate, so it stays fairly humid. My snake is really good about drinking out of the water dish, but I have heard that others may not use a dish and will rely solely on misting for water. In that case, it's obviously more important to maintain a constant misting schedule.

And here's a random picture. Sorry it's a bit out of focus, but it's the only one I have loaded that I haven't posted before

I would have to add that they are a very good "colony" snake. I presently am keeping 1.1.1 in a 55gl aquarium and they are doing great. As to hook situations. (except for striking ) they are normaly slow moving and easy to shift when needed. I find that a light tap against a branch or the lip of the container is enough to start them moving off the hook. None of mine have offered to strike at anything except food on tongs-sometimes having to be teased or tickle on the tail with it to strike. Once they have it-there is no letting go.

Feedings shoud be small as-like all sedentary tree snakes - like Wags, Chrondos, emeralds... the danger of improper digestion and/or blockage can be a real issue (particularly when they are small).

A word of caution. You can get so used to their normal docility that you have to remind yourself that they still could nail you for no reason and the consequenses are severe.

Barring that, they are one of the easiest venomous species to keep that I have seen.

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

What are you guys using for heat?
Also what temp should they be kept at..i would assume 85 for a hot side.
That pic was very nice..
whats a good size cage for one...Also what is the average adult size...I have never actually seen one in person

Thanks for the help
Jason

Being in south Florida the issue is often cooling. Mine are kept between 76-78*F. Since they are sedentary a large aquarium is not neccessary. A twenty high is ok for one. In nature a large female can reach 40" but tthe norm is closer to thirty and males a foot less. Since mine like it very damp (frequent mistings) a standard all glass tank has worked best for me.

I also tend to use spagnum moss on "Wet" snakes. There is something medicinal about it which seems to retard or prevent body rot. This is neccessary here because while most eyelash's are arborial, there is the occasional one that likes to hide in the bottom medium.

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