Burmese Python?

Question

I was thinking of getting a male burmese python, Anyone who got one or knows about them, can you give me some tips and also a short care sheet, would be great.

I have done my research and am ready for the size and looking after it.

Also if you have any stories about your burmese, please let me know - Points for the best answer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

Size: Burmese pythons can easily reach 17 to 18 feet in length and reach weights of 200 pounds or more. It is possible for these snakes to reach 10 feet in length in their first 18 months. The largest recorded length was 26 feet.

Life span: Burmese pythons routinely live 25 years or more in captivity.

Special Note: 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.

General appearance: 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.

Housing requirements:

Enclosure: 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.

Temperature: 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.

Heat/Light: At this time UV light has not been proven to be required for snakes. A 10 to 12 hour photo period can be produced using a standard incandescent bulb. Using incandescent heat bulbs or ceramic emitters 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.

Substrate: 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.

Environment: Burmese pythons come from the tropical rain forests and need a fair amount of humidity. Too much humidity can lead to bacterial infections while too low of humidity may cause problems when shedding. A water container large enough for the snake to soak in should be provided, but you may find it necessary to remove it at night in order to control humidity levels. Hide areas should also be provided. As the snake grows larger the keeper often has to become more creative. Cutting a hole on one side large enough for the snake to enter through can modify large plastic bins or garbage cans to become excellent hide boxes.

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.

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.

Other references or recommended reading:

Burmese Pythons, Coburn, John, 1994, TFH Publications, Inc

The General Care and Maintenance of Burmese Pythons, De Vosjoli, Philippe, 1991, Advanced Vivarium Systems

The Completely Illustrated Atlas of Reptiles and Amphibians, Obst, Richter and Jacob, 1998, TFH Publications, Inc.



Remember that in many places it is illegal to take wildlife out of the wild without the proper permits from local, state, or federal authorities. Please do not release any captive reptiles or amphibians into the wild as this will disrupt the natural order of our environment. See our amphibian and reptile adoptions page for more information on what to do with unwanted herps.

Answer 2

TIP1- HAVE A ROOM FOR THE SNAKE ALONE

TIP 2- RAISE RABBITS FOR IT'S MEALS

TIP 3-KEEP IT'S ROOM WARM

CHECK [e-mail] FOR MORE.

Answer 3

i kept a burmese python from hatchling to 12feet long, i put it in the bath one day because it was getting ready to slough and when i went in twenty mins later it had got itself behind the sink on the window sill basking in the sun, it went into typical s when i tried to get him and struck, but missed as i moved too quick for him, twenty mins later tried again, still in a bad mood, it went for me again, as i was alone i wasn,t risking it again, so called another reptile keeper to help, me. in the end it took the two of us another hour to get him out armed with a towel and soft broom to cover its head and hold it down so we could pick him up, he defecated as we took him down the stairs to his viv and once inside and safely locked up, he struck at me as i looked in at him, the front was perspex and he left a fang embedded in it, needless to say, he went to drayton manor zoo. the moral of this story is they get too big eventually for private keepers, unless u are prepared for it and have the room and the knowledge, go for something smaller, and never handle alone once it becomes a decent size.

Answer 4

Burms are one of my favorites, beautiful, usually docile snakes.

If you have done your research and are TRULY ready for the size then all i have to say is have fun and good luck,

My funny story about one of my burms is,

He pushed his way out of his enclosure..he was super strong and 14 ft long...he slid his way over my tv and my fire place and got his head wedged in the bird cage....

thats what woke me up the bird was flipping his wig, about to have a heart attack! I had to cut the bird cage to get him out!

Make sure you have strong locks!And if you have birds keep them in another room!

Answer 5

males can also get really big so dont expect it to stay small, make sure it is legal to have where you live and if your not sure you can email me and i will help ya find out.