Spotted Python Care Sheet

Spotted Python Care Sheet

Antaresia-maculosa
Category
Snake
Average Size
2 - 3 feet long
Average Lifespan
20 - 30 years
Diet Type
Carnivore

Diet & Nutrition

Spotted 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 adult mice to weaned rats. When feeding frozen prey, be sure the prey is thawed thoroughly. When

Feeding Schedule

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

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 equal the largest part of the snake's body in girth.

Housing & Habitat

Spotted Pythons come from Northern Australia. In the wild they are found hiding under logs, rocks, and in holes. Keep the cage warm and humid.

Spotted 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 Spotted Pythons in separate enclosures until breeding time. At that point, the breeder will house the snakes together.

Enclosure Size

Spotted Pythons are a ground dwelling snake, and their cage should reflect a ground dwelling environment. An adult must have a minimum cage size of 30"

Long x 12" Deep x 12" High, although many keepers prefer a larger cage. Babies can start in 10-gallon tanks.

Substrate

Shredded aspen is a perfect substrate. Sotted Pythons love to burrow. Shredded aspen provides a fluffy substrate easy for burrowing and cleaning. Provide 3-6 inches of substrate.

Temperature & Lighting

Temperature

Spotted 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 Spotted Python becomes too cool for an extended period, 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 45% - 55%.

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 Spotted Pythons eat?

Spotted 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 adult mice to weaned rats. When feeding frozen prey, be sure the prey is thawed thoroughly. When

What size enclosure does a Spotted Python need?

Spotted Pythons come from Northern Australia. In the wild they are found hiding under logs, rocks, and in holes. Keep the cage warm and humid. Spotted 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 Spotted Pythons in separate enclosures until breeding time. At that point, the breeder will house the snakes together. Spotted Pythons are a ground dwelling snake, and their cage sho...

What temperature and lighting does a Spotted Python need?

Spotted 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 Spotted Python becomes too cool for an extended period, 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 prefer to provide UVB....