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White-Lipped Python (Leiopython albertisii)

     White-lipped pythons are found throughout New Guinea and some of the surrounding islands.  These pythons are a medium sized snake and adults range between 6-9 feet.  The white-lipped python is usually a terrestrial snake and can be found in the thick vegetation of rain forests.  White-lipped pythons are a secretive snake and will benefit from some type of hiding place.  Breeding these snakes is somewhat difficult and adults are sexually mature within 4-5 years.  Gravid females can lay 8-15 eggs that will hatch within 70 days when incubated at 86-88 degrees.  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

     White-lipped pythons should be maintained at 85-90 degrees during the day.  A hot spot under the heat light should reach 95 degrees.  Nighttime temperatures need to range between 75-80 degrees.  If you keep your snake too cool it can regurgitate, so make sure the temperatures are maintained.  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 white-lipped pythons can be kept in 29 gallon or larger terrariums.  Ideally the larger the snake the more room you want to provide.  Never place a cage near a window where sunlight can directly shine on your cage.  Cages placed in direct sunlight can easily overheat and ultimately lead to the death of your snake.

Bedding

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

Food

     White-lipped pythons feed on pinkie, fuzzy or small adult mice as babies and juveniles.  As your snake grows it will soon move up to rats.  White-lipped pythons are one of the few snakes that will sometimes cough up hair balls from the rodents they eat, so don’t be alarmed if you see this behavior.  We recommend that you feed baby and juvenile white-lipped pythons 1-2 times per week.  Adult white-lipped pythons can be fed once every 7-10 days to maintain proper body weight.  Like most snakes, white-lipped 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.  White-lipped pythons can be handled on a daily basis and always wash your hands before and after handling them.