Care Sheet for PythonsAverage Rating Given To This Care Sheet Is 3.00 (1=lowest, 5=highest) Last Updated: 09/21/2008 |
Main Category: | Snakes |
Sub Category: | Pythons |
Care Sheet Submitted By: | Nature_Boy_J |
Years Experience: | 5 to 10 Years |
Species: | Carpet python |
Other Species or Phases this Care Sheet May Cover: | All of the sub-species of Carpet python. |
Sexing and Characteristics: | An idea can be gained from physical characteristics, for example, males have generally longer tails and spores. But this method is not always 100% correct. The only Way to be sure is to use a probe. I recommend getting help from an expert to do this as it can harm your snake. |
Mostly Active During: | Night |
Substrate and Water Needs: | I use wood chippings, as it looks better and helps to maintain humidity, but many people use newspaper. It’s cheaper and easier to clean. A water bowl big enough for the snake to soak in should be provided. Carpet pythons tend not so soak often, but it should still be available to do so. Water should always be clean and fresh. |
Lighting and UVB: | No UV is needed for snakes due to their rich diet. A 40 or 60 watt light bulb is suitable. They should receive 12 hours of light and 12 hours of dark. If you are having trouble maintaining temperature, I recommend using a colored spot bulb. This can be left on over night. |
Temperatures and Humidity: | Carpet pythons should be kept at about 85 - 90 degrees F during the day, and dropping a few degrees during the night (reduce temperature by about 7 degrees). Many people recommend using a thermostat to maintain temperature. However, the method I find works well and is most cost effective is to have one end of the snakes enclosure slightly warmer than usual (around 95 degrees F) and the other end slightly cooler (around 70 degrees F). If the snake is too cold, it will simply move into the hot end, if it then gets too hot, it will move into the cold area. This is called thermo regulation. |
Heating and Equipment: | A heat-mat is a must have for all reptiles, This should cover half of the tank. Also a light source for additional heat. All reptile tanks should have at one or two thermometers to keep watch on temperatures. One in the hot end and one in the cooler end. |
Caging Provided: | Young carpet pythons should be kept in a tank about 36" by 12". As they get older they will require a larger enclosure, usually about 6ft in length. Carpet pythons should also be provided with enough room to climb as they are equally at home in trees as on the ground. The ideal sized vivarium should allow the snake to fully stretch out. |
Diet: | Carnivorous |
Description of Diet: | Young carpet pythons can be fed on pink mice and chicks heads. As they grow, they will require larger prey, such as fuzzy mice, then adult mice. Fully grown carpet pythons often require large rats. The ideal size meal for a snake should be about the same width as the fattest part of the snakes body. |
Supplements, Nutrition and Usage: | Vitamin supplements are not a must, but they are really easy to use and are obviously good for your snake. So it is a good idea to use them, especially if you are planning on breeding your snake. When shedding, it is a good idea to use a skin conditioner. This makes shedding much easier for the snake and keeps their skin and scales in good condition. This, and all other vitamin supplements can be picked up at most pet shops that deal with reptiles. |
Maintenance: | Carpet pythons are not messy snakes, they also rarely sit in their water bowl. Daily spot cleaning is the best way to keep your snake’s tank clean. Simply cleaning up whatever mess your snake leaves. A full clean-out should be done about every couple of months. Using an animal friendly disinfectant is recommended. This can also be picked up at your local pet shop. |
Some Words on this Species: | Carpet pythons have a reputation for being mean and aggressive. This however, is not always true. With constant, confident handling, they can become habituated. I don’t use the word tame as they don’t really become tame, they just don’t feel the need to defend themselves as they realize they are not under threat.
Carpet pythons are one of, if not my favorite species of snake. They are usually very active and are amazing to look at. If looked after properly, a carpet python makes a wonderful pet to own. |
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