Reptile · Venomous snake
Black mamba care guide
Dendroaspis polylepis
The black mamba is a expert-level venomous snake from Sub-Saharan Africa. Adults reach 200–300 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. Use a lockable enclosure with a shift box so the snake is never worked in the open.
- Enclosure 240 × 90 × 120 cm
- Temp Warm 30–32°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity 40–60%
How much does a black mamba cost in Canada?
Black mamba quick facts
- Skill level
- Expert
- Adult size
- 200–300 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Minimum enclosure
- 240 × 90 × 120 cm (94 × 35 × 47 in, ≈ 685 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 30–32°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Black mamba enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 240 × 90 × 120 cm (94 × 35 × 47 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a semi-arid bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend10 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry.
Temperature: Warm 30–32°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Recommended.
Some Canadian provinces and many municipalities restrict or ban this species. Check your local bylaws and any provincial permit rules before buying.
What does a black mamba eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats. Feed one appropriately sized thawed rodent every 7 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Extremely fast and dangerous; shift-box enclosures and tools only.
Health watch: Watch for stress and respiratory infections.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check basking surface temperature with an infrared thermometer.
- Keep the humid hide damp; refresh water.
Weekly
- Spot-clean waste.
- Every 1–2 weeks, pour water down into the soil around plants and in the cool corner.
Monthly
- Check stones and wood are stable and can’t be tunnelled under.
- Add a few leaves to the cool corner for isopods.
Yearly
- Refresh the top layer in the basking area.
- Replace UVB bulbs on schedule.
Recommended for a black mamba bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (240 × 90 × 120 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive soil layer, 10 cm
Canyon Sand
Optional: mix in for a firmer, sandier texture
Eastern Oak Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Terrarium Moss 7L Bag
Humid hide moss
Cork Bark Half Rounds
A hide at each end – plus one humid hide filled with damp moss
Mopani Wood
Climbing and a raised basking spot
Carnelian Stone
Holds heat under the lamp – place directly on the enclosure floor
Black mamba FAQ
Is the black mamba good for beginners?
No – the black mamba is a specialist animal for expert keepers only. Extremely fast and dangerous; shift-box enclosures and tools only.
What size enclosure does a black mamba need?
At least 240 × 90 × 120 cm (about 94 × 35 × 47 inches, roughly 685 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a black mamba cost in Canada?
Typically $1500–4000 CAD to buy, about $3130–5660 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $600–1200 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a black mamba need?
Temperature: Warm 30–32°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 40–60%.
What does a black mamba eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats. Feed one appropriately sized thawed rodent every 7 days.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.