Reptile · Venomous snake
Puff adder care guide
Bitis arietans
The puff adder is a expert-level venomous snake from Sub-Saharan Africa, SW Arabia. Adults reach 90–150 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. Responsible for many bites in Africa; never work it without a hook and tube.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 60 cm
- Temp Warm 30–32°C, cool 22–24°C
- Humidity 30–50%
How much does a puff adder cost in Canada?
Puff adder quick facts
- Skill level
- Expert
- Adult size
- 90–150 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Sub-Saharan Africa, SW Arabia
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 60 cm (47 × 24 × 24 in, ≈ 114 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 30–32°C, cool 22–24°C
- Humidity
- 30–50%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Puff adder enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 120 × 60 × 60 cm (47 × 24 × 24 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 22–24°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 puff adder eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats. Feed one appropriately sized thawed rodent every 10–14 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Fast-striking ambush predator; tools only.
Health watch: Watch for obesity 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 puff adder bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (120 × 60 × 60 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
Puff adder FAQ
Is the puff adder good for beginners?
No – the puff adder is a specialist animal for expert keepers only. Fast-striking ambush predator; tools only.
What size enclosure does a puff adder need?
At least 120 × 60 × 60 cm (about 47 × 24 × 24 inches, roughly 114 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a puff adder cost in Canada?
Typically $300–800 CAD to buy, about $880–1600 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $300–600 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a puff adder need?
Temperature: Warm 30–32°C, cool 22–24°C. Humidity: 30–50%.
What does a puff adder eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats. Feed one appropriately sized thawed rodent 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.