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| Reticulated Python |
The largest pet snakes are reticulated pythons. Some experienced herpetologists choose to keep snakes as pets, despite the fact that they are not suitable for beginners or children. Reticulated pythons, which are native to Southeast Asia, can grow to enormous lengths and weights, and they can live for up to three decades. To help your pet live as long as possible and keep you and your family safe, it's important to know what kind of care they require as pets.
Behavior and Temperament of Reticulated Pythons
Reticulated pythons aren't the most cuddly of pets; they can suffocate their owners if they get too close, but with the right precautions, they can be handled by several people at once.
These enormous snakes, which can grow to more than 200 pounds, spend most of their time resting or waiting for prey. This species of python is usually found on the ground, but it may also enjoy swimming in nearby waterways. Because it is difficult to handle them on a regular basis, they are viewed as an aggressive species of snake.
The Reticulated Python's Safe Haven
Reticulated pythons are so large that a standard snake terrarium is not big enough. It is necessary to have a large, custom enclosure for reticulated pythons, which measures about two feet wide by three feet high by eight feet long. At all times, there should be a hide box or log in the enclosure.
Because of their size and strength, these large snakes can easily escape a cage made of flimsy materials. To prevent your reticulated python from escaping, be sure to use latches or locks on all of the enclosure's lids and doors.
In order to maintain the cleanliness of your snake enclosure, monthly full cleanings should be performed in addition to spot-cleaning. This complete dismantling of the enclosure will help prevent the buildup of debris and bacteria.
Reticulated pythons can be kept in one half of a cage while the other half is cleaned. If you're inside the enclosure, it's a good idea to have someone else look after your snake. In order to avoid any accidental injuries or escaping of your snake while you are near it, it is best to have someone else monitor the area while you are near the snake.
Heat
They're native to tropical rainforests, but reticulated pythons don't require extreme temperatures. During the day, you should keep the basking area between 90 and 92 degrees Fahrenheit, with a temperature gradient that drops to 75 degrees Fahrenheit in the cooler portion of the enclosure. To maintain these temperatures, a heat lamp or ceramic heat bulb works well, but make sure your snake cannot touch the bulb or fixture, as this could result in thermal burns. Thermometers should be placed around the enclosure to ensure there are no areas that are either too hot or cold.
Light
There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to providing light and heat for your reptile: a white heat lamp provides both, while a different type of bulb will still need to provide white light. To reduce stress and imitate a natural environment, a 12-hour day and night cycle is required. Make sure your snake can't get to the white light, or it could get hurt, like with the heat light.
Humidity
Reticulated pythons require humidity levels between 50 and 70 percent in their enclosures. Unless you have a humidity hide box, your hygrometer in your enclosure should be closer to 70% during shedding. Mold and bacteria will grow more quickly if the humidity is too high, putting your snake at greater risk of skin infections and mouth rots.
Substrate
Bioactive soil, newspaper, aspen wood shavings, cypress mulch, and cardboard are all suitable bedding options for your reticulated python.
It will be more difficult to clean natural environments. Newspaper can be a cost-effective and easy-to-replace option for the enclosure's bottom, depending on your level of commitment, financial investment, and time availability for monthly enclosure cleaning.
Water and Food
In captivity, reticulated pythons are fed a diet of chickens, rabbits, and rats. Every one to two weeks, provide your snake with prey that is about the same size as the widest part of its body. Overfeeding can be harmful to your health, but you also shouldn't underfeed. Your snake should not have a visible spine sticking out of its skin. If you lightly press on the snake's back, you should be able to feel the spine, but otherwise, the snake should appear round.
At all times, a water container with a large enough capacity to hold your snake's entire body or even allow it to swim should be available. An area for your snake to soak, swim, and defecate will help keep the enclosure more humid.
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| Reticulated Python behavior |
The most common health issues
When it comes to snakes in general, the most common health issues are mouth rot and parasites; wounding from live prey; respiratory issues due to cold enclosures; bacterial and fungal infections; retained shed; impaction. These and other health issues can be avoided if your snake is kept in a warm and humid environment.
Choosing a Python with Reticulation
You should always buy a pet reptile that has been bred in captivity, rather than one that was brought in from the wild. Look for signs of illness around the vent, eyes, and mouth, as well as remnants of an old shed's skin. This snake may not be healthy if it has any kind of nasal or oral discharge or abnormalities on its face, eyes, or skin.
Before purchasing a snake, inquire about its current diet and the last time it was fed by the breeder or pet store. The best thing to do if they don't know is to find a new seller who can. According to its size and pattern, the reticulated python can cost anywhere between $175 and $14,500. Larger snakes, as well as those with more unusual patterns and colors, typically command a higher price.