Small Pythons

Introduction

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There are a number of individual species within this group. They include the Children’s Python, Stimson’s Python, Spotted Python and Pygmy Python.

Physical and behavioural characteristics

• grow to a length of 100 – 150 cm

• long-lived (15 – 20 years)

• non-venomous, rely on constriction to immobilise prey

• nocturnal and mainly active at night.

Environmental requirements for keeping in captivity

• require a reasonably large enclosure

• require a temperature range from 24⁰C to 30⁰C within the enclosure and a small basking or heated area reaching 35⁰C

• require a sheltered area in which to hide

• benefit from branches in which to climb and rest and rock or logs in which to live and hide.

Natural distribution

Feeding and nutrition

• all captive snakes are fed frozen rats or mice (thawed before feeding)

• the size of the rats/mice is determined by the size of the snake

• food should be offered every 1 – 2 weeks if the enclosure is continually heated

• feeding should occur outside of the living enclosure to avoid the snake expecting food every time the enclosure door is opened

• fresh water must always be available.

Considerations when keeping Pythons in schools

• placid and amenable to handling once conditioned

• some children are likely to be afraid of snakes and less likely to engage with them

• must be fed in a container separate from their living quarters.

References

Fact sheets¹

Weigel, J. (2000) Care of Australian Reptiles in Captivity. Reptile Keepers Association, Gosford. Australian Reptile Keeper Publications²

Green, D. and Fyfe, G(2000) Keeping children’s pythons. Australian Reptile Keeper Publications²