Caring For Your Burmese Python

The Burmese python is listed amongst the largest snakes in the world, and can grow to about 15-20 in length and weighs more than 150 pounds. Its skin is light colored, and represents unique brown patches outlined by black color. Besides interesting skin color pattern, this giant snake is remarkable for fast growth rate and gentle temperament. Thus, irrespective of the huge size, some reptile owners are passionate to keep it at home. Here, we shall take a look about Burmese python care in detail.

Burmese Python Care Sheet

The Burmese python is represented by the scientific name Python molurus bivittatus. It is related to the Indian python, and indigenous to some of the tropic and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia. Seeing a Burmese python is nothing more than a scary moment for a layman. But for some reptile lovers, caring for this giant snake is a part of their hobby. In fact, many people who are keen to keep reptiles consider rearing this python as pets. The following info highlights on Burmese python care.

Safe Handling
One of the amazing Burmese python facts that adds to its popularity as pets is docile disposition. Even though it has a reputation of being a gentler snake as compared to other giant snakes, careful handling is a must while rearing Burmese python as pets. Many a time, it turns aggressive at the time of feeding. There have been reports about fatalities caused by this massive snake.

Enclosure
Another aspect of Burmese python care is constructing a large cage. For keeping a young Burmese python, a moderate sized, strong enclosure (about 55 gallon size) is ideal. As the python grows bigger, the tank should be replaced with a larger and stronger one, so as to provide enough room for movement. Specially constructed wood cages with a dimension of 8 feet long, 6 feet width and 4-5 feet height are considered perfect for keeping Burmese python.

Substrate
For younger snakes, absorbent paper towels serve best as substrates. They can be removed, whenever needed. Nevertheless, for adult snakes, lay rubber mats, and clean them on regular basis. Purchase extra mats and replace the previous one at the time of cleaning and disinfecting. Other excellent substrate options include linoleum flooring and carpets. Do not use wood chips or shredding that hold moisture.

Rearing Conditions
Care for a Burmese python involves maintaining the right conditions, that mimic their natural habitat. The preferred temperature range is 85-88 °F at daytime and slightly cooler than this in nighttime. For basking purposes, the ideal temperature is 90 °F. To maintain the same, heat pad or other heat sources should be installed in safe places, where the snake will not get accidental burns.

Diet
Feeding correct diet in sufficient amounts is a part of the python care guideline. This snake species is truly carnivorous, and prefers to feed on birds, rodents and other small mammals. Feed a correct portion of diet in a separate feeding box, once in 10-14 days, or give 2 rodents in 4 days. This helps in reducing digestion related problems. The Burmese python has a tendency to eat in large amounts. But do not feed excess, or it will vomit. Provide fresh water in ceramic bowls inside the cage.

Behavior
Burmese python care is not complete, if it is not handled frequently, right from the young ages. This is crucial to train this big snake, and make it used to human handling. When fed correctly, it grows to about 6-8 feet within 2 years. By this time, handling and lifting it will be difficult. Also, make sure that another person is present while feeding a mature python. It can become aggressive, sometimes, thereby posing dangers for the feeder.

Lifespan
Last but not the least, owners of this giant reptile should be prepared to provide Burmese python care for several years. Yes, this massive snake survives for about 25 years, if cared and fed properly. Despite long lifespan, this snake is a species of threatened animals. Loss of habitat, use in pet trade and mass hunting for skin are the causal reasons for its decline in population.

So, this was all about how to care for a Burmese python. Indeed, keeping this snake as pets is associated with many responsibilities, that every prospective owner should be aware of. Do not overlook the size and feeding ability of this snake. Even if you already know what reptile rearing is about, then also go through the Burmese python care guideline and make a serious decision, so that you will not regret later.

By Ningthoujam Sandhyarani
Published: 1/12/2011