Reptile · Venomous snake
Nose-horned viper care guide
Vipera ammodytes
The nose-horned viper is a expert-level venomous snake from SE Europe, W Turkey. Adults reach 50–90 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. Needs a winter cooling period to stay healthy.
- Enclosure 90 × 45 × 45 cm
- Temp Warm 28–30°C, cool 18–22°C
- Humidity 30–50%
How much does a nose-horned viper cost in Canada?
Nose-horned viper quick facts
- Skill level
- Expert
- Adult size
- 50–90 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- SE Europe, W Turkey
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 48 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 28–30°C, cool 18–22°C
- Humidity
- 30–50%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Nose-horned viper enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 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 28–30°C, cool 18–22°C. Humidity: 30–50%. 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 nose-horned viper eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one small thawed mouse every 10–14 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Relatively calm but never free-handle.
Health watch: Watch for feeding refusal 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 nose-horned viper bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 45 × 45 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
Nose-horned viper FAQ
Is the nose-horned viper good for beginners?
No – the nose-horned viper is a specialist animal for expert keepers only. Relatively calm but never free-handle.
What size enclosure does a nose-horned viper need?
At least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (about 35 × 18 × 18 inches, roughly 48 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a nose-horned viper cost in Canada?
Typically $300–700 CAD to buy, about $590–1090 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $200–400 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a nose-horned viper need?
Temperature: Warm 28–30°C, cool 18–22°C. Humidity: 30–50%.
What does a nose-horned 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.