Jungle Carpet Python Care Sheet

Jungle Carpet Python Care Sheet

Morelia spilota cheyneib
Category
Snake
Average Size
6 - 8 feet long
Average Lifespan
20 - 30 years
Diet Type
Carnivore

Diet & Nutrition

Jungle Carpet Pythons are strict carnivores. They can eat either frozen or live prey items. Babies will start with new born pinky mice. An adult will eat large rats to jumbo rats. When feeding frozen prey, be sure the prey is thawed thoroughly.

When feeding live prey, be sure to monitor the feeding to prevent the prey from attacking the snake.

Feeding Schedule

Feed babies 1 - 2 times a week. At 2 - 3 months of age you can reduce to once weekly. Adults can eat weekly, although some keepers feed every other week.

The prey size should be equal to the largest part of the snake's body in girth.

Housing & Habitat

Jungle Carpet Pythons come from Queensland, Australia. In the wild they are found perched in trees. Keep the cage warm and humid and provide plenty of branches for climbing. Jungle Carpet Pythons are best kept alone, although some people keep them in groups. If housed together snakes should be of similar size to avoid injury. Breeders generally keep Jungle Carpet Pythons in separate enclosures until breeding time. At that point, the breeder will house the snakes together.

Enclosure Size

Jungle Carpet Pythons are a tree dwelling snake, and their cage should reflect a tree dwelling environment. An adult must have a minimum cage size of 48" Long x 18" Deep x 21" High, although many keepers prefer a larger cage.

Babies can start in 10 gallon tanks.

Substrate

Due to humidity requirements, coconut fiber and peat moss are perfect substrates. These substrates hold humidity and are easy to clean. Since this species does not generally burrow, a thinner substrate of 2 - 4 inches is acceptable.

Temperature & Lighting

Temperature

Jungle Carpet Pythons require a basking spot of 80°- 85°F. The cool end of the tank can be as cool as 65°- 70°F. Proper temperature is extremely important with this species. If a Jungle Carpet Python becomes to cool for an extended period of time, they will quickly develop respiratory infections.

Lighting

Since this is a nocturnal species, it requires only one light bulb. This is the heat lamp which also emits UVA. There is no current proof that the animal requires

UVB light, although some keepers prefer to provide UVB.

Plant and Fish bulbs are not UVB bulbs.

Humidity & Watering

Humidity

Humidity levels should be between 40% - 60%.

Watering

Provide fresh drinking water daily. This species will sometimes soak their body in water. Provide a bowl of water large enough so that the snake can fully submerge its body.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What do Jungle Carpet Pythons eat?

Jungle Carpet Pythons are strict carnivores. They can eat either frozen or live prey items. Babies will start with new born pinky mice. An adult will eat large rats to jumbo rats. When feeding frozen prey, be sure the prey is thawed thoroughly. When feeding live prey, be sure to monitor the feeding to prevent the prey from attacking the snake.

What size enclosure does a Jungle Carpet Python need?

Jungle Carpet Pythons come from Queensland, Australia. In the wild they are found perched in trees. Keep the cage warm and humid and provide plenty of branches for climbing. Jungle Carpet Pythons are best kept alone, although some people keep them in groups. If housed together snakes should be of similar size to avoid injury. Breeders generally keep Jungle Carpet Pythons in separate enclosures until breeding time. At that point, the breeder will house the snakes together. Jungle Carpet Python...

What temperature and lighting does a Jungle Carpet Python need?

Jungle Carpet Pythons require a basking spot of 80°- 85°F. The cool end of the tank can be as cool as 65°- 70°F. Proper temperature is extremely important with this species. If a Jungle Carpet Python becomes to cool for an extended period of time, they will quickly develop respiratory infections. Since this is a nocturnal species, it requires only one light bulb. This is the heat lamp which also emits UVA. There is no current proof that the animal requires UVB light, although some keepers pre...