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Reticulated Pythons (Python reticulatus)

     Reticulated pythons are found throughout Southeast Asia, Indonesia, New Guinea, and the Philippines.  Reticulated pythons vary in size and coloration throughout their range.  Reticulated pythons are the longest snake in the world and have reached 33 feet in length and weighed 400 pounds.  Baby reticulated pythons are usually 20-24 inches in length when they hatch and grow very quickly.  With adequate food, you can expect these snakes to grow over 10 feet in a year.  Reticulated pythons are fairly easy to breed and adults are usually sexually mature within 2 years for males and 5-6 years for females.  Gravid females can lay 25-50 eggs in a clutch and when incubated at 87-89 degrees they will hatch within 80-90 days.  With proper care reticulated pythons are long lived snakes and you can expect them to live 20-40 years.  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

     Reticulated pythons should be maintained at 85-90 degrees during the day, with a hot spot under the heat light reaching 95 degrees.  Nighttime temperatures need to range between 75-80 degrees.  Daily misting should be used to maintain humidity between 75-90 %.  Snakes shed in one complete piece, if yours is shedding in pieces the humidity is too low.  Another option to increase humidity is to provide a box with a small entrance, for the snake to enter, filled with damp potting soil and moss.

Housing

     Baby reticulated pythons can be kept in 29 gallon or larger terrariums.  Reticulated pythons grow quickly and we recommend that you provide the largest cage possible.  One can expect an adult reticulated python to need a room sized enclosure. 

Bedding

     Our recommendation for bedding is bark or coconut bark, this bedding holds moisture very well and duplicates their natural environment. 

Food

     Reticulated pythons feed on fuzzy or small adult mice as babies and juveniles.  As your snake grows it will soon move up to rats, rabbits, or even small pigs.  We recommend that you feed baby and juvenile reticulated pythons 1-2 times per week.  Adult reticulated pythons can be fed once every 7-10 days to maintain proper body weight.  Like most snakes, reticulated 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.  Reticulated pythons can be handled on a daily basis and always wash your hands before and after handling them.