The Cold Blooded News The Newsletter of the Colorado Herpetological Society Volume 28, Number 3;   March, 2001

Tidbits of Information - Reticulated Python

by Eileen Underwood

Common Name:

Reticulated Python

Scientific Name:

Python reticulatus

Origin:

Indochina: Malaysia and Indonesia north to Philippines

Size:

Up to 34 feet; Weight: up to 300 pounds

Lifespan:

Wild: up to 20 years; Captive: 20+ years

Active:

Nocturnal; solitary

Habitat:

Rainforest, woodlands, and areas with nearby water resources. These animals have adapted to survival in large cities within its range, eating cats, dogs -- whatever it can.

Temperament:

Captive-bred animals tend to have better temperaments than the notoriously aggressive wild-caught animals historically available. This is not a proper snake for beginners!!! Because of its large size and potentially aggressive nature, it may become dangerous even if handled properly. It will respond to the smell of prey on the handler's hands and will even anticipate being fed, striking when the cage is opened. Serious accidents often happen with this animal.

Captive Care:

Large, long cage. Aquariums are not practical because of rapid growth of this animal. Good substrates include pine shavings, newspaper, dry leaves, dry cypress mulch. Need very large hide box. Include large pieces of wood in cage. Do not completely enclose cage; good ventilation is essential. Provide shallow water dish, bowl, or pan large enough for the snake to bathe in. Be sure it is heavy enough (or somehow fastened down) to prevent snake from tipping it over. Do not allow the water dish to be empty.

Temperature:

75°F at night: 85°F during day, with basking site somewhat higher. Temperature must be maintained for snake to digest food properly. Snake can dehydrate if kept too warm; death can result.

Lighting:

Fluorescent. Do not keep cage lighted at night.

Foods:

Rats, rabbits, chickens and various small animals, depending on the size of the snake It is preferable to feed pre-killed feeder animals to prevent injury or even death, to the snake. Use forceps or tongs to give food to the snake. Make sure the snake cannot ingest substrate with the food.

Suggested Reading:

Pythons and Boas, by Peter J. Stafford.
Reproductive Husbandry of Pythons and Boas, by Ross and Marzec.

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