Care Sheet for PythonsAverage Rating Given To This Care Sheet Is 3.75 (1=lowest, 5=highest) Last Updated: 07/09/2006 |
Main Category: | Snakes |
Sub Category: | Pythons |
Care Sheet Submitted By: | Darkstarsinner |
Years Experience: | 3 to 5 Years |
Species: | Burmese Python (Python molurus bivittatus) |
Other Species or Phases this Care Sheet May Cover: | N/A |
Sexing and Characteristics: | As always sexing by probing or popping should be done by a trained Herpetologist, or you local Vet. However, though not guaranteed, their are a few visual ways to tell Male, from Female. First is the stout of the tail. Males tend to have a longer more tapered tail as females are slightly shorter and thicker. Second is anal spurs. Found at either side of the animals cloaca. Males spurs tend to be a great deal longer than females but this may be hard to visualize in juvenile Burms. |
Mostly Active During: | Both |
Substrate and Water Needs: | Most any substrate is a possibility for the Burmese Python. As always the two most important to stay away from are pine and cedar. Both may cause allergic reactions or even fatalities of your pet. Though many have their own ideas of substrate, and each for his/her own reason, I will list those I see as my personal favors.
One- Newspaper; easy to clean, cheap, available in abundance. Only real fault is lack of visual appeal.
Two- Aspen Bedding; Most often cheap, and not bad to look at but can be a hassle when it comes to cleaning. Remember Burmese Pythons can defecate rather largely and cause a lot of mess. Spot cleans with this animal are not the best idea.
Three- Paper Towels; Refer to one.
Four- Indoor/Outdoor Carpeting; My personal favorite, and what I use for my animals. Cheap when purchased at a local hardware store, easy to clean, holds humidity, and very appealing to the eyes.
Some will bring up dirts, other shavings, and such, but remember your animal has a big mouth and the more loose parts their on the more chances of digestion of substrate. |
Lighting and UVB: | Many People will argue that the Burmese Python does not need any special UVB lighting. I however paid no attention, and use a 10.0 Reptile Bulb for my daytime lighting. While it doesn’t matter what daylight bulb you use, it will be beneficial for your Burmese to have a day/night cycle. 12 hours on 12 hours off.
Another idea for lighting are Red and Blue bulbs. Available at most pet shops, these bulbs serve multiple purposes. The red bulbs will generate heat for your animal and create a nice basking spot, while not disturbing the day/night cycle. The Blue bulbs though emit a very low heat, emulate the moons natural glow. Red can’t be seen my your animal and Blue is like a moons glow. Remember that because both of these bulbs work great for night time viewing and an addition heat source. |
Temperatures and Humidity: | Temperature should be maintained between 82-95 degrees at all times. The tank should be around 90-95 under the basking area on one side, and between 82-88 degrees on the cool side. Please allow enough room between both sides for you animal to choose its best comfort.
Humidity should be maintained between 70-80% during regular times, and be boosted to around 90% during shed. But be careful as the Burmese is susceptible to contracting Respiratory Infections which in turn may lead to death. Humidity should be maintained by misting the enclosure not soaking it. To much moisture can cause infections like the RI. |
Heating and Equipment: | An enclosure should most always have a U.T.H. ( Under Tank Heater) for your animal to lay on. Belly heat will help your friend to digest and maintain a healthy rate of activity.
You MUST also have a basking spot for your animal. As stated above in lighting a Red Bulb of appropriate wattage can be used.
Thermometers are a must as well as it is not wise to guess the enclosure temps as you will most likely be way wrong and cause your Burm a lot of discomfort. |
Caging Provided: | A juvenile Burmese should be started off in a 20-30 gal. tank with lots of hiding spots to allow it to feel safe.
Your Burmese will grow rather quickly so plastic tubs with secured lids (don’ forget air holes) may be used, and is wise.
As you Burmese grows it will need a larger enclosure and by the time it reaches adulthood you will want at least a 6’ long x 2’ wide x 2’ high enclosure. This is a minimum. Burmese Pythons are big animals and like lots of space as adults. |
Diet: | Carnivorous |
Description of Diet: | While you Burmese is young it is okay to feed a hopper mouse, or weaned rat every 5-7 days. But it will grow out of these feedings quickly and will soon require much larger meals less often. General rule of thumb is to feed the same girth as the snake or a tad larger. You may feed this large prey every week or every two. There are no set rules to this, but power feeding and malnourishing your animal should be kept in mind. Both can shorten you friends life span and cause many problems in the future. It will grow to its full potential in its own time so please be patient. It will also grow regardless of how little you feed, so less feedings will ultimately give you an aggressive hungry animal, and that is no fun at all. |
Supplements, Nutrition and Usage: | No supplements are truly needed, however I use liquid calcium supps. SPECIFICALLY made for reptile, for their water supply. Not only does this neutralize any potentially hazardous human added chemicals to your tap water, but it also promotes proper bone growth, and strengthening of your animal. A very good idea. |
Maintenance: | Your Burmese Python will make very big messes and they only get bigger with age. Urinates, and feces should be cleaned immediately as this can cause many infections with your animal. You wouldn’t like to sit in your own messes would you?
All in all, they are very clean animals. Usually only defecate monthly, and are pretty easy to schedule cleaning times with as they are pretty persistent time wise. But this also depends on you!! |
Some Words on this Species: | The Burmese Python in my opinion is one of the most beautiful, and docile animals. Very majestic and gentle when taught right, and a great friend to care for. But do respect your Burmese as with their great size they have great power, and accidents do happen. But if your careful, cautious, and kind (and good on extra space) you cannot go wrong with a Burm. Good luck and I hope I was some help to you!!! |
How Members Rated
This Care Sheet | Rate This Care Sheet
Please keep all comments constructive to Burmese Python (Python molurus bivittatus) husbandry methods and care. Any degrading, sarcastic, or disrespectful comments will be removed. |
Total Members Rating: 4
| 1 |  ( 0 ) |
| 2 |  ( 0 ) |
| 3 | ( 0 ) |
| 4 | ( 0 ) |
| 5 | ( 3 ) |
|
|
