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Reticulated Python Care Guide
Malayopython reticulatus
Reticulated pythons are giant-sized, nonvenomous, thick-bodied constrictor snakes that are native to the tropics of southeast Asia. They are naturally found in Bangladesh, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. There are three types of reticulated pythons, with the standard version reaching lengths up to 20 feet. The dwarf and super dwarf subtypes grow to about 15 feet and 9 feet, respectively. Females are typically larger than males. Their lifespan in captivity typically ranges from 15-20 years. These snakes require careful, specialized care due to their large size and advanced intelligence. It is important to keep in mind that as these snakes reach maturity, they may become potentially dangerous, and keepers should be aware of these risks prior to obtaining this species.
Enclosure
Reticulated pythons are giant snakes, and it can be very difficult to provide the appropriate type and size of enclosure for a mature adult. This can mean that this species is not an ideal choice for every household if adequate space to house them once they are full grown is not available. The length of the enclosure should allow for the snake to stretch out to its full length, which may exceed 15-20 feet. The enclosure’s width should be about half of the snake’s length. Keepers will often dedicate an entire room or outbuilding for their python in order to give them enough space to thrive. Reticulated pythons are incredibly active animals, so having more space to explore and engage with their environment will promote long-term wellbeing. The larger the enclosure, the better for your pet!
Reticulated pythons are semi-arboreal, and prefer to have several sturdy branches and platforms available for climbing and perching. Additionally, hollow logs, cork bark, and live or artificial plants can all help to provide security and enrichment for your pet.
Reticulated pythons are solitary animals and individual housing is recommended.
Substrate
Reticulated pythons live in tropical forest environments, and do best with tropical soil mixes. These usually comprise 40% plain topsoil, 40% coconut fiber, and 20% play sand. Other options include cypress mulch or Reptichip. The substrate layer should be at least 4-6 inches deep to provide adequate cushioning for your snake’s weight and to maintain high humidity levels within the enclosure. Adding a layer of leaf litter can also help maintain humid conditions and can act as enrichment for your snake. When choosing your snake’s substrate, keep in mind that large species can create a large mess and will require frequent scooping and replacement of their substrate and that large amounts of substrate will be required for large enclosures. Substrate should be spot cleaned daily, and fully replaced at least every 4-6 months. Choose a substrate that will be cost effective and easy to source.
Humidity
Tropical snake species like reticulated pythons require high humidity levels in their enclosure. Ideally, humidity should be maintained at 65-90%, however small fluctuations in humidity can be well-tolerated. Purchasing a few hygrometers and placing them in different locations within your enclosure can help you monitor humidity levels easily. Because their enclosures will be very humid, providing excellent ventilation will be essential. Automatic misting systems (such as MistKing or similar) are an excellent way to maintain humidity in the desired range especially in large enclosures. Enclosures should be misted 2-3 times daily. Providing a pool or pond for your snake is also recommended, as reticulated pythons are known to spend lots of time soaking and swimming in the water. Large plastic utility tubs, stock tubs, and pond liners are great options, as long as they are large enough for the snake to curl its entire body within. This pond/pool water should be changed at least once weekly. Using a disinfectant such as Rescue or F10SC to disinfect the tube whenever the pool water is drained and changed is also recommended.
Temperatures
Reptiles require specific temperature ranges to remain healthy. Reticulated pythons prefer a temperature range within their enclosures, with one side being warmer and the other being cooler. The warm side of the enclosure should be maintained at 88-92F. The cooler side should be kept at 76-80F. Nighttime temperatures should range from 74-78F. Because these pythons are so large, keepers often need to create a cluster of heat lamps (usually 4-6 in total) to create a large, warm basking area. Ensure that all heat bulbs are kept at a safe distance (ideally mounted outside of the enclosure) and that bulb cages are in place to prevent any burn injuries on your snake. Use of a thermostat is recommended. Infrared temperature gun devices are a cost-effective, accurate way to measure the temperature throughout the enclosure.
Lighting
Although reticulated pythons are not commonly observed basking in direct sunlight and do not strictly require UVB lighting for survival, UVB lighting is beneficial to the health of your snake and is recommended. The UVB lamp should be kept on during daylight hours to best replicate a natural daytime light cycle of about 12 hours per day and should be placed on the warmer side of the enclosure. Reticulated pythons can be provided with either a 5.0 or 10.0 UVB bulb, depending on the enclosure setup. When placing the bulb, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended distance guidelines to provide appropriate UVB exposure. UVB lighting should be installed over the warmer/basking side of the enclosure and placed in a reflective fixture. We recommend using Arcadia or Zoo Med products. A Solarmeter device may be used to measure the UV index within the basking area, which should ideally range from 2.0–3.0. Additional lighting is also recommended to replicate bright, natural daylight. Large, strong LED grow lights can be used for this purpose.
Diet/Feeding
Like all snakes, Reticulated pythons are strict carnivores. They consume whole prey, which provides them with complete nutrition they need to thrive and remain healthy. Prey items should be 1-1.5x the girth of the snake’s body. Snakes fed larger items will need longer intervals between their next feeding in order for them to fully digest their meal. In general, hatchlings under 1 year of age should be fed weekly, juveniles (1-4 years old) can be fed every 1-3 weeks, and adults can be fed every 4-6 weeks. Some snake keepers encourage rapid “power feeding” while the snake is young in order to encourage rapid growth. This practice is known to cause obesity, organ dysfunction, and shortened lifespans and is strongly discouraged. Providing a balanced diet with a variety of prey items is the best option for life-long health and wellness. Appropriate prey items include: African soft-furred rats, large domestic rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, quail, pheasants, chickens, ducks, piglets, or Reptilinks. Frozen-thawed prey is preferred over life prey, as this is the safer, more humane option.
Handling
Once they reach full-size, reticulated pythons can be especially dangerous to handle. If your snake is over 10 feet long, two handlers should be present at minimum. The snake should never be allowed to wrap itself around your neck or torso. Additionally, children and small pets should be kept at a safe distance and never left unsupervised near your snake’s enclosure. Always be sure to thoroughly wash your hands after handling any reptile.
Wellness / Preventive Care
An annual wellness examination and fecal screening for parasites is recommended for all reptiles. A minimum quarantine period of 3 months (with 6 months ideal) is recommended for all new snakes.
