Burmese Python

Burmese Python

Python molurus bivitattus

Natural History

These large and beautiful pythons are indigenous to the tropical rainforests and grasslands of Indonesia, Malaysia, and the regions formerly known as Burma. While a small number of specimens are still imported from the wild, the vast majority are captive bred by breeders all over the world.

Much of this specie’s popularity has stemmed from it’s attractive appearance coupled with it’s large size and gentle demeanor. It should be mentioned that as a "giant" snake, casual hobbyists should resist the urge to own these snakes. While babies and juveniles are quite easy to maintain, adults can be difficult to house and feed for all but the most dedicated of keepers.

Size and Longevity

Burmese pythons are considered one of the world’s largest python species. Females are generally larger than males, and can easily attain lengths in excess of 15 feet. Males are somewhat smaller and more slightly built. Some Burmese pythons in captivity have approached 20 feet in length and well over 200 pounds in weight. These snakes, when properly cared for, can live well over 20 years. There have been a number of reports of specimens living nearly 40 years in captivity.

Housing

The housing of small Burmese pythons is straightforward, as it would be for any small python. All glass terrariums with secure, locking tops as well as commercially built reptile enclosures are all acceptable. Babies can live in a 10 or 20 gallon enclosure for the first few months of life, but they grow quickly, and should upgraded to larger quarters as their size dictates.

A single adult should be provided with a habitat no less than 4 feet by 8 feet and at least 3 feet tall. Larger is always better, and cages this size can be hard to find, not to mention costly. While some manufacturers produce enclosures this large, most keepers will find that well designed custom enclosures are ideal for housing this species.

Regardless of the type of enclosure you choose, security is vital. Losing a beloved pet due to a faulty lock or loose lid is a shame, but the negative effect of an escaped giant snake on the hobby is far worse. Be responsible, and help ensure that we will not have our snake-owning privileges revoked.

Heating and Lighting

As a tropical species, it is of utmost importance that Burmese pythons are kept properly warmed. Ambient cage temperatures should be in the mid 80's during the day and no less than 80 at night. Localized basking spots within the enclosure should reach or slightly exceed 95 degrees during the day. Be sure to provide a thermal gradient in the enclosure, having one end of the cage warmer than the other, allowing the snake a range of temperatures to choose from based on its needs at any given time.

Heat can be provided in smaller enclosures through the use of standard reptile basking lights, infrared bulbs, ceramic heat emitters, and heating pads. Keeping larger enclosures properly warm may require the use of heavy-duty pig blankets or space heaters.

As with most snakes, intense lighting is not required. However, providing a regular photo period (day/night cycle) is recommended to avoid psychological stress on the animal. Simple fluorescent bulbs may be used during the day, as can any heat bulb that provides visible light in addition to heat. Unless you are cycling your snakes for breeding, a straightforward photo period of 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness will suffice.

Substrate and Furnishings

The bedding used for Burms should be one that is easy to clean, inexpensive, and able to aid in healthy levels of humidity. Reptile (orchid) bark is ideal. Other reptile beddings designed for use with tropical species are also acceptable. Avoid substrates that are excessively drying such as sand and paper-based products.

Young Burmese pythons kept in smaller enclosures can be provided with naturalistic terrariums including logs, rocks, plants, and other accessories. However, maintenance of lager specimens usually focuses on a more simplistic approach. Elaborately decorated habitats will be quickly destroyed and/or rearranged by these powerful and curious animals as they grow.

Water and Humidity

A large and sturdy water bowl should always be present in the Burmese python enclosure. Ideally, the water receptacle should be large enough to allow the animal to completely submerge itself. Avoid filling dishes to the brim, as large Burms will displace a large volume of water, and spilled or overflowed water can create an unhealthy living environment.

Humidity should be maintained at a moderate to high level. Burmese pythons that are kept too dry may suffer from chronic dehydration or shedding problems. A once daily misting of the entire enclosure with room temperature water should be sufficient to keep humidity at an acceptable level. If you are using a well ventilated cage, or if you snake is entering or in a shed cycle, consider increasing the frequency of misting to 2 or 3 times a day.

If the substrate becomes soggy, or if your snake begins to show signs of skin ailments, then you are misting too often and should cut back. Nutrition

Burmese pythons are carnivores that will eat a wide variety of warm-blooded vertebrate prey. Young animals will be happy feeding of appropriately sized mice or rats every 7 to 10 days. Larger animals will require larger prey such as rabbits. An appropriately sized prey item should leave a noticeable lump in your snake, and should hold it over for at least a week.

Very large specimens that have completed their rapid growth phase may be fed less frequently. A 12 or 14 foot animal will likely be content with a sizable rabbit every 10 to 14 days. Every animal is different, so learn to identify signs of hunger in your pet, and be prepared to fluctuate the feeding schedule as needed based on the animal’s behavior and the time of year.

The feeding of pre-killed prey is highly recommended, as large rats or rabbits can inflict a lot of harm on a snake during the feeding process. In addition to being safer for the snake, frozen feeder rodents are cheaper and more convenient for the keeper.

Handling

Burmese pythons, especially those used to human contact, can be among the most docile of snakes. Smaller pythons can be handled freely, but animals over 6 feet should never be handled alone. Once a snake reaches 8 feet in length, at least 2 people should be present when the animal is out. These animals, while typically friendly, are still somewhat unpredictable and very strong. Large animals (over 10 feet) should never be handled with less than 3 people (preferably ones trained in snake handling) present.

There is no reason to not have a pet-owner relationship with a Burmese python, but keep in mind that irresponsible handling of such a large and powerful creature can result in disaster. Always use common sense, and provide these animals with the respect that they deserve.

© LLLReptile & Supply, Inc 2007