Care Sheet for Burmese PythonsAverage Rating Given To This Care Sheet Is 3.33 (1=lowest, 5=highest) Last Updated: 09/05/2006 |
Main Category: | Snakes |
Sub Category: | Burmese Pythons |
Care Sheet Submitted By: | Shirin |
Years Experience: | 3 to 5 Years |
Species: | Python molurus biuittatus |
Other Species or Phases this Care Sheet May Cover: | Burmese Python |
Sexing and Characteristics: | Because of the abundance of specimens in captivity there are now many different color and pattern morphs available. Some of the more popular morphs that are commonly found are the albino, green, labyrinth, granite, and tiger. females are larger than males. |
Mostly Active During: | Both |
Substrate and Water Needs: | Indoor/outdoor carpeting such as Astroturf™ can often provide an excellent substrate that is easy to clean and disinfect. Linoleum is also another excellent alternative. Other substrates such as newspaper, and aspen can also be used. Cedar is not to be used, as it is toxic. If the Burmese python is kept on wood shavings it is recommended to not feed it on that substrate as accidental ingestion of shavings can lead to intestinal blockages. |
Lighting and UVB: | At this time UV light has not been proven to be required for snakes. A 10 to 12 hour photoperiod can be produced using a standard incandescent bulb. Using incandescent heat bulbs or ceramic emmiters can produce basking spots. Using under the tank heating pads can raise ambient temperature of the enclosure if necessary. Hot rocks should never be used under any circumstance since they can result in burns to animal. It is recommended if lighting is inside the enclosure in enclose the fixture in wire mesh to protect the snake from accidental burns.
|
Temperatures and Humidity: | Daytime temperatures should be maintained at 85° to 90° F with a basking temperature of 90° to 93° F. Nighttime temperatures should be maintained at 75° to 80° F.
|
Heating and Equipment: | See above (lighting and uvb) |
Caging Provided: | Young Burmese pythons can temporarily live in a 20-gallon or larger aquarium until larger housing is constructed. Due to the massive size of this snake custom housing is usually the only option. Enclosures should be at least six to eight feet in length by two to four feet in width by three to four feet tall though larger enclosures are always encouraged to give the snake more room. It is not recommended to use unfinished wood, as it is hard to disinfect.
|
Diet: | Carnivorous |
Description of Diet: | Hatchling Burmese pythons can eat a small adult mouse as their first meal. As the snake becomes larger, larger prey items should be offered. Adults will require adult rabbits. Young snakes can be fed one to two times per week. Adults should be fed less often in order to prevent obesity. It is recommended to use thawed previously killed frozen prey. The freezing process kills most parasites and eliminates the risk of injury to the snake by the prey. Wild prey is not recommended as it may contain unknown parasites or toxins that may illness in the snake |
Supplements, Nutrition and Usage: | Calcium supplements can be used if desired |
Maintenance: | The enclosure should be spot cleaned daily. If using indoor/outdoor carpeting it is recommended that you have at least a second piece available to swap with the soiled for ease of cleaning. A 5% bleach solution can be used to disinfect the enclosure as needed. Be sure to rinse and dry everything thoroughly before using. Water should be changed daily. It is recommended to wash your hands thoroughly after handling your animal or cleaning the cage or cage accessories |
Some Words on this Species: | Due to the large size and longevity of this species special care needs to be given to Burmese Pythons and is not recommended for all hobbyists. Taking care of a snake this large is a long-term and often expensive commitment. This species has been known to cause death to people due to ignorance and improper handling. These snakes, like all snakes, should NOT be handled around your neck. |
How Members Rated
This Care Sheet | Rate This Care Sheet
Please keep all comments constructive to Python molurus biuittatus husbandry methods and care. Any degrading, sarcastic, or disrespectful comments will be removed. |
Total Members Rating: 12
| 1 |  ( 2 ) |
| 2 |  ( 1 ) |
| 3 | ( 1 ) |
| 4 | ( 7 ) |
| 5 | ( 1 ) |
|
|
