Wonderful Wagler's!

Will0W783 · 02-01-12, 02:51 PM

This thread is for one of my favorite snake species of all-time: the Wagler's pitviper, aka temple viper.

I am blessed to own a beautiful Malaysian phase adult female, and a neon green subadult female Sulawesi phase. Both girls are pleasant-mannered, awesome eating machines.
Wagler's are a very high humidity snake, and most problems that people have with acclimating them and successfully raising babies is because they misunderstand the sheer amount of hydration these animals require to thrive in captivity. In the wild, they spend their time in trees and bushes deep in the South American rainforest, often near bodies of water. I use the "aqua-cage" method of housing: I have watertight, ABS plastic cages, with no substrate and large water bowls. I use non-porous perches, lots of plastic vines and plants, and resin sculptures for decoration and perching. The cages are hooked into an automatic misting system which produces a fine, fog-like mist for 1 minute every 2 hours. This results in extra water which collects on the floor of the cage and is aerated with an airstone. The water is siphoned out once a month to prevent algae growth and bacteria. In addition, my Wagler's vipers enjoy weekly 45-60 minute soaks in warm water. They have incredibly slow metabolic rates, and are therefore fed once every 3-4 weeks. They will pass urates frequently, but can go 3-6 months without passing much fecal matter. They are given additional water with a tattoo-shop-style wash bottle, which allows me to dribble large droplets directly onto their noses for them to suck down.

My large Malaysian (black, green, yellow and white) female is named Bisa Ular, which means "venom snake" in Malay. The green Sulawesi female needs a name yet.

Here they are, Enjoy!

First is Bisa, my adult Malaysian phase:

Will0W783 · 02-01-12, 02:53 PM

And next is my new little girl, the bright green Sulawesi phase we still need to name:

alessia55 · 02-01-12, 02:55 PM

They look great as always, Kim
You should put some sort of reference in some of the pics to show their size. Bisa has some size to her, but the new girl is really quite small, and the pics don't show that

Also, you + new snake = me coming over for new photos, right? I didn't get a chance to last time

Gungirl · 02-01-12, 02:56 PM

Amazing snakes as usual Kim.

MoreliAddict · 02-01-12, 02:57 PM

two of my favorite snakes on this site. you have awesome taste, kimber

Will0W783 · 02-01-12, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Also, you + new snake = me coming over for new photos, right? I didn't get a chance to last time

You bet, Alessia! Let me know when you want to come over!

For reference, Bisa is about 3.5 feet long, and the new girl is maybe 1.5-2 feet.

Swany · 02-01-12, 02:58 PM

Wow stunning. Thanks for sharing these ;-)

Will0W783 · 02-01-12, 03:14 PM

Thanks, guys. Wagler's vipers really are great animals to keep. I consider them an excellent introduction to arboreal vipers if one has experience with high-humidity species. During the day these guys have a surprisingly laid-back temperament, and neither has struck at me at all. I still use utmost care when handling- gloves, hooks, etc-- but they are very docile hots. At night or when hungry; however, they are startlingly quick and alert....they track every movement and point their huge heat pits at any motion. They are serious pitvipers- huge arrow shaped heads, massive heat pits in proportion to the face, and bulging venom glands in the cheeks, yet for all their intimidating looks, they are wonderful to work with.

They are also reportedly mild in their venom potency; however, there is not a specific antivenin and the available ones do not work for all localities, so they still need to be treated very very carefully and never underestimated.

DragonsEye · 02-01-12, 03:25 PM

Gorgeous creatures! I particularly love your new girl.

Q: Is air circulation (a lack thereof) an issue with your tanks?

Will0W783 · 02-01-12, 03:27 PM

DragonsEve...not with the ones I'm using. I use Herpcages' models for my Wags, which have screen lids and small rear vents. I've found that these seem to strike a good balance between holding humidity and venting air. Also, the ceramic heat emitter bulbs I use on top of the cages seem to create good radiant air movement. I have yet to have any issue with mold at all.

DragonsEye · 02-01-12, 03:31 PM

Cool! Mold was my biggest concern. I grow some mini orchids in terrariums and have seen the mold issue that can occur without decent air circulation so I was interested in how you approached the problem.

CK SandBoas · 02-01-12, 03:51 PM

Both of those are truly amazing!!!

Trent · 02-01-12, 03:54 PM

Awesome pics!

Lankyrob · 02-01-12, 04:52 PM

Wow those snakes are seven kinds of AWESOME!!! MAke sure we get some regular updates PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESE!!

Swany · 02-01-12, 05:06 PM

My first look was on my ipod, now I've just seen the pics on my laptop and these are truly STUNNING. Thanks for the photos.
Alessia please take LOTS & LOTS of shots ;-)