Jungle Carpet Python, Morelia spilota cheynei

Enclosures must be long enough for the snake to stretch out fully and exercise, and tall enough for the snake to climb. Jungle carpet pythons are genuinely arboreal rather than merely tolerant of branches, so height is not optional. An adult needs 6 feet by 2 feet by 3 feet. Provide sturdy horizontal branches and perches at several levels. Hatchlings are more arboreal than adults and should be given branches even in a small tub, and small opaque enclosures reduce stress in young animals. Jungle carpet pythons should always be kept in a sturdy, escape-proof enclosure with an operable lock.

We recommend cypress or coco chip for jungle carpet pythons. Both hold humidity well and look good in a planted or naturalistic enclosure.

Provide a basking spot at one end regulated to no more than 86 degrees, with a cool end of 78-80. We prefer heat panels as a heat source. 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. Jungle carpet pythons do not generally require a UV light, but may benefit from one.

Humidity should be maintained at 50-70% for adults. Juveniles sit at or below that, between 40-60%, raised during shed, which is the reverse of the usual pattern. Place a good quality hygrostat in your python’s enclosure to monitor humidity.

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.

Jungle carpet pythons typically tame well, 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. Support your python’s body when handling and expect them to reach for branches, your arm, or anything else within reach, as these are climbing animals. Pythons should not be allowed to wrap around a handler’s neck as they can restrict airways in the process of supporting themselves. Instead, support the animal over one shoulder and under the other arm.

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. Jungle carpet pythons enjoy poultry in addition to rodents. Feed appropriately sized prey at appropriate intervals, but never deprive them of food. Obesity is common in jungle carpet 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 2-3 weeks.

The correct body shape for a jungle carpet python is round with visible muscle tone. They are not a heavy-bodied python and should not be kept like one.

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.