Reticulated Python Care Sheet
Reticulated Python Care Sheet
By Reptitrader
Scroll down for video footage of the largest snake in captivity (fluffy)
(Care Sheets are a quick glance at keeping the various snakes, for a more complete guide you will find the relevant book at our book store)
General: The Reticulated Python grows to be an extremely large snake up to 25ft, coupled with a strong feeding response they have the reputation of being nasty. Captive bred reticulated pythons are often relatively tame though. These snakes originate from Thailand, Indonesia and the Phillipine islands. They are unfortunately used for the skin and meat trade in their countries of origin.
Enclosure: Due to the enormous size of these snakes, custom built enclosures or a room are the only enclosures that will suffice. Provide large hides in the cool and hot sides as well as a bath big enough for the reticulated python to soak in.
Substrate: As with most snakes Newspaper and Astroturf provide suitable substrates. If other substrates are used it is best to feed the snake off the substrate to avoid ingestion of foreign substances that can lead to problems like intestinal blockages.
Temperature and Humidity: An ambient temperature of no less than 80 degrees F with a basking spot of between 88 and 92 degrees is ideal for a reticulated python. A nighttime drop to no lower than 73 degrees is acceptable. A humidity of around 65% should be maintained.
Feeding: Juvenile Reticulated Pythons can be started on weaner mice every 4 days which should result in quick growth, but as the snake grows the prey should grow accordingly to rats, guinea pigs, rabbits and even piglets at least once every 10 days as the prey gets larger the less frequent the feeding. It is always a good idea to feed them frozen thawed prey items and never to leave live prey alone with the snake in its enclosure.
Cleaning: Your Reticulated Pythons enclosure should be cleaned thoroughly at least once a month, remove fecal matter as it appears and always ensure there is fresh water for your snake to drink. NEVER HANDLE A LARGE SNAKE ALONE!!
