How to Clean Up After a Pet Python

Ball pythons (Python regius) and Burmese pythons (Python molurus biuittatus) are relatively inactive snakes that don't require much attention to keep them happy. Still, a clean, well-maintained environment is of the utmost importance. Regular cleaning will prevent disease, encourage healthy behavior, and prevent unwanted smells. Luckily, even a thorough cleaning of your python's home is simple and easy.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Substrate (newspaper, Astroturf, carpet, linoleum or pine shavings)
• Clean, dry paper towels

Cleaning the Python's Cage

1. Unplug any electrical appliances in the cage, including heat lamps, and remove the hood or top to the cage.

2. Carefully remove your python and place it in a well-secured temporary container. Make sure your snake has a clean container of fresh water and some newspaper or a "hide box" to feel secure.

3. Remove all items in the python's cage, including plants or wooden decorations, and food/water dish. These will be cleaned separately.

4. Scoop out all soiled substrate and dispose of it in a plastic bag. If you are using Astroturf or carpet to line the python's cage, it's best to have another clean piece ready to alternate between cleanings.

5. Spray down the entire cage with disinfectant (5 percent bleach solution and/or warm soapy water). Wipe all surfaces with paper towels.

6. Clean the food and water dishes with warm soapy water. Make sure to clean any decorations or other items your python comes in contact with.

7. Thoroughly rinse all disinfectant or soapy residue from the cage, decorations and food/water dishes. These can be harmful to the python if not rinsed properly.

Preparing the Clean Cage for Your Python

8. Wipe the cage and decorations thoroughly dry with clean paper towels, then line cage bottom with clean flooring material or 2 to 3 inches of fresh substrate.

9. Replace food/water dishes and decorations. Fill water dish with clean, fresh tap water. Be sure to add proper amount of chlorine-remover to water dish, as chlorine can be harmful to your python.

10. Spray down the substrate with clean water that has also been treated with chlorine remover. Stir the substrate and spray another fine mist again. Spray enough so that the cage is of the proper humidity. Too much or too little can cause health problems; check with your vet or a python care book if you're unsure.

11. Wipe down the outside of the cage with clean water. Thoroughly dry with clean paper towels.

12. Replace heat lamp and any other electrical appliances. Plug them in.

13. Gently transfer your python back into its cage. Make sure to properly secure the lid.

14. Clean the python's temporary container and store it. This way, it is ready for next time.

Tips & Warnings

• Spot clean your python's cage daily to reduce any smell and lengthen the time between full cleanings. Spot cleaning can be done easily by scooping out any soiled substrate and disposing of it in a plastic bag.
• Pythons don't need to eat daily. Feeding your python too often will cause it to leave more waste and could hinder its health.
• Do not use cedar shavings, as these can be harmful to your python.
• Do not feed your python right before or after its cage has been cleaned. Moving the snake can be traumatic and may cause it to regurgitate its food.

Resources

• Visit the Western New York Herpetological Society website.