I am looking to get a venomous snake, most likely a pit viper that can grow between 2-3 feet long. I've researched my state/local laws and I face no issues on that front.

My main issue is finding info to care for the snake. I know they are arboreal and need temps from the low 80s-low 90s and like it humid. They eat weekly and are dangerous. That's about it. My search brings up info on snake bites/venom, but not much on care. I understand this is a dangerous hobby and want to be 100% prepared before moving forward. Luckily, I have found info on general venomous snake precautions to take (gloves/hooks/tongs) and I intend to look more into that. My main concern is making sure I can create a habitat the legless guy will thrive in.

I am currently looking at a 24W x 24D x 36H enclosure with a hide, water bowl, and 2.5in-3in diameter fire-treated bamboo sticks for climbing. Is that overkill?

The snakes I'm looking at are:



Red Purple Spotted Pit Viper
(Trimeresurus purpureomaculatus)
Green Purple Spotted Pit Viper
(Trimeresurus purpureomaculatus)
Hageni’s Pit Viper
(Trimeresurus (Parias) hageni)
Sulawesi Wagler’s Viper
(Tropidolaemus wagleri)

From what I can tell they all require the same habitat.

I am waiting to be approved to join the Fauna Classified forums.


Any help would be appreciated!

Maximus