Reptile · Venomous snake
Boomslang care guide
Dispholidus typus
The boomslang is a expert-level venomous snake from Sub-Saharan Africa. Adults reach 120–180 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Symptoms can appear hours after a bite; seek care immediately and plan antivenom access.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 150 cm
- Temp Warm 29–31°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity 50–70%
How much does a boomslang cost in Canada?
Boomslang quick facts
- Skill level
- Expert
- Adult size
- 120–180 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 150 cm (47 × 24 × 59 in, ≈ 285 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 29–31°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity
- 50–70%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice, chameleons in the wild
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Boomslang enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 120 × 60 × 150 cm (47 × 24 × 59 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a tropical arboreal bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls5 cm
Most of the action is vertical – keep the soil moist but not wet, and focus on perches and dense planting.
Temperature: Warm 29–31°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Required.
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 boomslang eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice, chameleons in the wild. Feed one appropriately sized thawed mouse every 7 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Rear-fanged with potent hemotoxic venom; tools only.
Health watch: Watch for dehydration and stress.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Mist to raise humidity – usually a heavy evening misting with a dry-down by day.
- Check temperatures at perch height.
Weekly
- Feed; remove uneaten food (and diet dishes after 24–48 h).
- Check the drainage layer and prune vines.
- Look for stuck shed on toes and tails.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter.
- Check branches and mounts are still secure.
- Clean glass, vents and misting nozzles.
Yearly
- Refresh the top of the soil in open areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used) on schedule.
Recommended for a boomslang bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (120 × 60 × 150 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 5 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 8 cm
Magnolia Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Cork Bark Backgrounds
Turns the back wall into climbing space
Cork Bark Tubes
A “tree trunk” to climb and hide in
Yamuna Spiderwood
Arboreal species prefer diagonal and horizontal perches
Cork Branches
More climbing routes
Boomslang FAQ
Is the boomslang good for beginners?
No – the boomslang is a specialist animal for expert keepers only. Rear-fanged with potent hemotoxic venom; tools only.
What size enclosure does a boomslang need?
At least 120 × 60 × 150 cm (about 47 × 24 × 59 inches, roughly 285 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a boomslang cost in Canada?
Typically $800–2000 CAD to buy, about $1880–3230 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $400–700 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a boomslang need?
Temperature: Warm 29–31°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 50–70%.
What does a boomslang eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice, chameleons in the wild. Feed one appropriately sized thawed mouse 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.