Burmese Python, Python bivittatus

Enclosures must be long enough for the snake to stretch out fully and exercise. Burmese pythons are terrestrial, so floor space matters far more than height, and an adult needs 10 feet by 4 feet by 3 feet or larger. At that size the enclosure will have to be built rather than bought. Provide a hide large enough for the snake to feel covered in and a water bowl it can drink from. Burmese pythons should always be kept in a sturdy, escape-proof enclosure with an operable lock. Their enclosure as well as any container they are transported in should be labelled with species, common name, owner, and contact information. A written safety protocol and escape recovery plan should be kept within sight of the enclosure and accompany the animal when being transported. NC residents should refer to NC General Statutes, Chapter 14, Article 55.

We recommend cypress for juveniles. Paper works well for a large adult and is far easier to service at that size. A tightly built enclosure with minimal venting is what actually holds humidity on an animal this large.

Provide a basking spot at one end regulated to no more than 86 degrees, with a cool end of 78-80. There is no reason to run a Burmese python hotter than this. We prefer radiant heat panels at this size. Use a thermostat to regulate the temperature with the probe secured directly in the basking spot. Do not guess! Do not use only a thermometer. Overheating can be quickly fatal for your new pet. Burmese pythons do not generally require a UV light, but may benefit from one.

Humidity should be maintained at 60-80%. Place a good quality hygrostat in your python’s enclosure to monitor humidity. Hatchlings want it higher, at 65-75%, which is the reverse of what most people assume.

Provide your python with a non-porous, tip-resistant water bowl and change it frequently. Snakes frequently defecate in their water bowl, so frequent disinfection is essential. We recommend F10 Veterinary Disinfectant, diluted according to the directions on the bottle.

Burmese pythons typically tame well and are docile for their size, but they have strong feeding responses. You should study and practice tap training with your python. There are numerous resources available online to show you how to do this, and you should be consistent in practice. Never handle a Burmese python over about eight feet alone. Two adults are the minimum, and three once the animal passes twelve feet. Pythons should not be allowed to wrap around a handler’s neck as they can restrict airways in the process of supporting themselves. Please study safe handling practices for these animals. Children should always be supervised when handling snakes. Do not handle them while they are in shed or right after meals.

Allow your new snake at least a week to adjust to its new habitat before feeding. Mortal Coil Serpentry supports feeding frozen feeders. Your new pet is already feeding on frozen thawed. Live feeding is not recommended. Warm frozen prey to a natural body temperature (~90 degrees). Present prey with tongs, holding it by the base of the tail if possible, and wiggle gently in front of the snake. Do not handle for at least 24 hours after feeding. Burmese pythons enjoy poultry in addition to rodents. Larger adults will eat rabbits, small pigs, and whole chickens (feet and beak removed). Feed appropriately sized prey at appropriate intervals, but never deprive them of food. Obesity is common in Burmese pythons, and leads to serious health concerns which may drastically shorten the life expectancy of the animal.

Hatchlings to 1 year: 1 prey item the approximate girth of the snake once per week. Mice and African Soft Furs are superior to rats of equivalent size for nutritional value.

1-2 years: 1 prey item the approximate girth of the snake once every 2 weeks.

2 years and up: 1 prey item the approximate girth of the snake once every 3-4 weeks.

The correct body shape for a Burmese python is essentially round, but muscle definition should be slightly visible.

Any new animal should be kept separate from the snakes you already own. A different room is best, but the opposite end of the house will do. Feed and clean your quarantined animal last, and wash your hands thoroughly before you handle anything else.

Ninety days is a reasonable minimum, and your new snake should be feeding consistently before you consider it out of quarantine. Watch for mites, wheezing, regurgitation, and abnormal stool during this period, and consult your veterinarian if you see any of them.