Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Does anyone know if CB Bushmasters fare better in captivity than WC specimen? Do they need as much privacy to thrive? Just curious. After seeing them on display in Costa Rica I am very interested in these guys...

YES.
Almost all c.b. reptiles thrive better than w.c., Lachesis is no exception.
I have had Lachesis (wild caught) imported from Suriname that gave me fits to aclimate, some not eating for a period of 6 months before they started eating. Captive born Lachesis are very hardy. In fact, there is one for sale right now in the Venomous classifieds.
Lachesis DO need a hide box though.

Randal Berry

I echo Randal's comments. Having worked with Lachesis (stenophrys) for a while now, I have found that they are quite unlike any other venomous snake I have ever worked with. They have distinct feeding cycles, activity cycles, etc. They MUST have secure hiding areas to thrive; if not given those opportunities, they don't do well. We provide a big, hollowed out real tree trunk/base (old rotting log) and our bushmaster LOVES it; he spends probably 90% of his time in there. Ryan from Wild Ryno is a great guy to deal with and he does have one more male bushmaster for sale.

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center

>>YES.
>>Almost all c.b. reptiles thrive better than w.c., Lachesis is no exception.
>>I have had Lachesis (wild caught) imported from Suriname that gave me fits to aclimate, some not eating for a period of 6 months before they started eating. Captive born Lachesis are very hardy. In fact, there is one for sale right now in the Venomous classifieds.
>>Lachesis DO need a hide box though.
>>
>>Randal Berry
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

Unfortunately I am in California and I don't think I am ready for a Bushmaster anytime soon as I recently started keeping Crotalus, I more curious than anything. I appreciate the info.....Very cool species, looking forward to working with them one of these days.

..I would recommend you stay away from WC imports!! Even though they may be half the price, WC Lachesis will almost surely die, unless they are in the care of a certain few keepers who really know the tricks to acclimating them...Randal and Dean Ripa, being two of the few I know who can do it. With that kind of snake, it really is worth the extra money to get an established cb baby.

BUT, once you get hooked on them....they are truly one of, if not thee, most awesome of the pitvipers. 8' individuals are impressive!

MCH