Resources/Advice for Vipers

[Bogertophis]

I have no experience with any of those (just with rattlesnakes & one Palestinian viper & a few other non-vipers) but your enclosure plan sounds good- not sure why you'd think climbing branches are over-kill? The more you can replicate their natural habitat- at least to afford similar activities- the better. You'll probably want to install fake foliage too.

I would never rely on "gloves" to protect you- it's all about planning what you need to do versus what the snake will do in response, & using long non-locking hemostats (or similar tools of your choice) to feed & move things while staying out of reach. I'd strongly suggest that you either make or buy a pre-made "shift-cage" for cleaning time- it's the safest way for you, & the least stress for the snake; when presented with what appears to be a safe dark cave to hide from us in, most snakes welcome the opportunity & just go in easily. And when there's less stress, they feel safer, eat better & stay healthier. Unlike non-venomous snakes, you won't get to handle hots so they don't learn that we're not predators lurking about- that's why it's important to minimize their stress by using a shift-cage for cleaning.

I HOPE you have experience with snakes for at least a few years before trying to keep a hot? Because it helps to recognize health issues before it's too late, or better yet, to know how to prevent them- and I hope you also have an experienced vet lined up who's willing to see your pets also.

How did you happen to choose these species? I'm guessing their adult size is part of the equation? Good luck researching them further, I don't recall anyone here posting about them, and one problem with potential bite accidents is that your local hospitals aren't going to have antivenin as they do for native species. Local zoos might, but that's a sticky situation sometimes, when it comes to a private owner.