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Centralian Python (Morelia
bredli )
Centralian pythons are
indigenous to the arid and
semi-arid areas of central
Australia. These pythons
are usually found near dry
rivers or rocky
outcroppings. These pythons
are also adept at climbing
and can also be found in
trees or bushes. Centralian
pythons are medium sized
snakes and can reach 5-8
feet in length. Mature
females will lay 13-40 eggs
in a clutch and incubation
time varies between 65-70
days. Hatchling Centralian
pythons are usually darker
and the reddish color
becomes more pronounced as
the snake matures.
Prehistoric Pets promotes
responsible snake ownership
and we recommend locking
cages that prevent
accidental escape. Large
constrictors and other
escaped snakes can have a
negative impact on the
general public which can
lead to a ban of snake
ownership.
Temperature
Centralian pythons should be
maintained between 88-95
degrees during the day.
Nighttime temperatures need
to range between 68-75
degrees. These snakes come
from a dry environment and
captive environments should
be setup in a similar
fashion. Misting the cage
is only necessary when the
snake is shedding. Snakes
shed in one complete piece,
if yours is shedding in
pieces the humidity is too
low.
Housing
Baby Centralian pythons can
be kept in 10-29 gallon or
larger terrariums. Ideally,
the larger the snake, the
more room you want to
provide. Wood cages are an
excellent choice to house
Centralian pythons and one
adult can be housed
comfortably in a 4 x 2 x 2
cage. The cage needs to be
setup so there are multiple
branches and hiding spots
for the snake to feel
secure.
Bedding
Our recommendation for
bedding is bark or reptile
cage carpet. These beddings
are easy to clean and are
more appealing to the eye
than other beddings.
Food
Centralian pythons feed on
pinkie or fuzzy mice as
babies and juveniles. As
your snake grows it will
soon move up to adult mice
and small rats. We
recommend that you feed baby
and juvenile Centralian
pythons 1-2 times per week.
Adult pythons can be fed
once every 7-10 days to
maintain proper body weight.
Like most snakes,
Centralian pythons typically
will not eat when they are
preparing to shed. After
your snake has shed you can
return to your normal
feeding regiment. If your
snake doesn’t eat make sure
you remove the rodent from
the cage. Rodents can bite
snakes when they are hungry
and can injure or kill your
snake.
Cleaning and Handling
The terrarium should be
cleaned as necessary. Any
fecal matter should be
cleaned out several times a
week. The bedding should be
completely changed once a
month and fresh clean water
should be provided at all
times. The inside of the
terrarium can be cleaned out
with an appropriate reptile
cage cleaner, we recommend
Natural Chemistry’s Healthy
Habitat. Centralian pythons
are usually very docile and
can be handled on a daily
basis. Always wash your
hands before and after
handling them.