How to Own Pythons

Pythons are beautiful and fascinating creatures that can make good pets but can also be challenging to care for. The decision to own a python should not be made lightly. These snakes can grow to 20 feet or more and live up to 25 years! Some species are small and docile, and some are huge and aggressive. Know what it takes to own and care for a python.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Food source
• Shelter and substrate, such as pine shavings
• Temperature and humidity control
• Resources for general care and health maintenance

Shelter Your Pet Python

1. Start with a 10-gallon aquarium for a baby or small snake. Include a smaller "hide box" inside plus substrate, or bedding, of your choice.
2. Include a smaller "hide box" inside plus substrate, or bedding, of your choice.
3. Choose a heat source, such as a screened heat lamp or an under-floor heating pad, and consult a reference for the correct temperature for your particular snake. You may also need to adjust humidity.

Feed Your Pet Python

4. Learn about feeding pet snakes from a reliable source. Find out about live versus pre-killed food, precautions for keeping your snake safe and how often to feed your species of python.
5. Use caution whether feeding live or dead food. Drop in live animals quickly and replace the shelter lid. Dangle pre-killed or thawed and warmed food using tongs or hemostats.
6. Offer fresh water at all times.

Care for Your Pet Python

7. Join a local herpetologists (reptile handlers) society. Use their message board or other resources when you have a specific question or issue with your snake.
8. Watch your snake's health. Learn about mites and common diseases in a complete care manual such as "Pythons" (see Resources below). For persistent or chronic problems, see a small animal veterinarian who is experienced with reptiles.

Tips & Warnings

• People who are interested in herpetology, or the study of snakes, are called herpers.
• Choose a domestically bred snake for the most predictable and docile temperament.
• Ball and carpet pythons usually remain smaller than Burmese or reticulated pythons.
• Consider the future. You will need help to care for a python larger than 8 feet long.
• Some pythons, especially the reticulated python, can grow very large and require bigger and bigger prey. Research the species of python you wish to own before purchasing.
• Never leave a feeding snake unattended.
• Keep children and pets away from your pet snake.

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