{"product_id":"viper-boa","title":"Viper Boa","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Viper Boa\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eCandoia aspera\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSource:\u003c\/strong\u003e WC\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 60–90cm (2–3ft), stocky and heavy-bodied for their length\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNative Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago, and surrounding Pacific island groups\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnclosure:\u003c\/strong\u003e A minimum \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/viperia.co.uk\/products\/90x45x45cm-3ft-pvc-vivarium\" style=\"color:#1a73e8;text-decoration:underline;\"\u003e90×45×45cm Viperia PVC vivarium\u003c\/a\u003e for an adult, furnished with deep moisture-retaining substrate (coconut fibre or a soil\/bark mix), multiple secure hides at both the warm and cool ends, and sturdy low branches or cork bark for light climbing and enrichment\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeating:\u003c\/strong\u003e Warm end surface temperature of around 30–32°C, ambient air temperature of 26–28°C across the enclosure, with a natural night-time drop to 22–24°C — achieved via a thermostat-controlled heat mat or low-wattage heat cable under one side of the enclosure\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHumidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 70–80%; maintain by misting the enclosure once or twice daily and using a deep moisture-retaining substrate — good ventilation is essential to prevent stagnant damp conditions\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUVB:\u003c\/strong\u003e A 6% UVB tube run along most of the vivarium's width, positioned so the animal can bask 20–30cm from it if it chooses — while viper boas are largely crepuscular (most active around dawn and dusk) and do not bask conspicuously, low-level UVB provision supports long-term health and reflects the dappled light conditions of their forest floor habitat\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Primarily rodents in captivity — offer appropriately sized defrosted mice or rat pups every 10–14 days for adults; juveniles can be fed every 7–10 days. Some individuals may initially prefer lizard or frog-scented prey; patience and scent-transfer are often all that's needed to convert stubborn feeders\u003cbr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eABOUT THIS SPECIES\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe viper boa is a beautifully primitive-looking snake from the rainforests of New Guinea and the surrounding Pacific islands, named for its striking resemblance to a viper — complete with a broad, triangular head, keeled scales, and a thick, powerful body. Despite the fierce appearance, \u003cem\u003eCandoia aspera\u003c\/em\u003e is a non-venomous boa and a genuinely fascinating display animal that brings a real sense of the exotic into any collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese are calm, slow-moving snakes that tend to sit tight and observe the world rather than dash about, making them well suited to keepers who enjoy watching a species rather than handling one constantly. They are best regarded as an intermediate-level species — straightforward in terms of diet and heating, but requiring consistent attention to humidity and a keeper who appreciates a more sedentary, hands-off character.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Viperia","offers":[{"title":"Unsexed","offer_id":54783673041233,"sku":"viper-boa - 001","price":125.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1077\/6952\/8657\/files\/e5cb4b39-2c40-4b08-a661-c820bfb3b467.jpg?v=1788428080","url":"https:\/\/viperiareptiles.co.uk\/products\/viper-boa","provider":"Viperia Reptiles","version":"1.0","type":"link"}