Reptile · Venomous snake
Eyelash viper care guide
Bothriechis schlegelii
The eyelash viper is a expert-level venomous snake from S Mexico to N South America. Adults reach 45–80 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. Arboreal; plan servicing so hands never pass under perches.
- Enclosure 60 × 45 × 90 cm
- Temp 24–28°C
- Humidity 70–90%
How much does a eyelash viper cost in Canada?
Eyelash viper quick facts
- Skill level
- Expert
- Adult size
- 45–80 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- S Mexico to N South America
- Minimum enclosure
- 60 × 45 × 90 cm (24 × 18 × 35 in, ≈ 64 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- 24–28°C
- Humidity
- 70–90%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Eyelash viper enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 60 × 45 × 90 cm (24 × 18 × 35 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: 24–28°C. Humidity: 70–90%. 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 eyelash viper eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one small thawed mouse every 10–14 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Arboreal ambush predator; never free-handle.
Health watch: Watch for dehydration and regurgitation.
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 eyelash viper bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (60 × 45 × 90 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
Eyelash viper FAQ
Is the eyelash viper good for beginners?
No – the eyelash viper is a specialist animal for expert keepers only. Arboreal ambush predator; never free-handle.
What size enclosure does a eyelash viper need?
At least 60 × 45 × 90 cm (about 24 × 18 × 35 inches, roughly 64 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a eyelash viper cost in Canada?
Typically $300–800 CAD to buy, about $770–1350 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $200–400 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a eyelash viper need?
Temperature: 24–28°C. Humidity: 70–90%.
What does a eyelash viper eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one small thawed mouse every 10–14 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.