CHILDRENS PYTHONS
CHILDRENS PYTHON “Antaresia Childeni”
HOUSING & ENVIRONMENT
The Antaresia genus which includes children’s, spotted, stimsons and pygmy pythons are amongst the smallest python species in the world, only reaching an adult length of 1-1.5m. Being mainly terrestrial (ground dwelling), adult children’s pythons require an enclosure with adequate floor space, however they will climb if given the opportunity. For one adult children’s python an enclosure of 90 x 45 x 60cm is recommended. Hatchling pythons should be kept in a smaller enclosure for their first 10-12 months. It is important that the enclosure has sufficient ventilation and a secure, lockable door. The enclosure can be furnished to re-create the snake’s natural environment including the use of a background, artificial plants, rock ornaments and timber branches for climbing and basking. An absorbent substrate is also important such as coco fibre or aspen bedding.
HEATING, LIGHTING & MAINTANECE
Pythons have a very specific set of requirements regarding general care, however if all of these elements are provided, they are relatively low maintenance to keep. Providing adequate temperature gradients within a python’s enclosure is essential for their health and wellbeing. Children’s pythons require a basking spot maintained between 30-34˚C and a cool end of 22-26˚C during the day. Nighttime temperatures should not drop below 21˚C. Temperatures should be checked daily and must be regulated with the use of a good quality thermostat. Recommended sources of heat include the use of incandescent, halogen or ceramic globes as well as heat mats and heat cords. Being primarily nocturnal species, ultraviolet light (UV) is not as essential to children’s pythons as it is to other species of reptile. There are several positive benefits to a python’s health by providing them with UV lighting. A 5.0 UVB tube or compact globe is an ideal source of artificial UV light. Pythons require a ‘day and night’ cycle with lights running for approximately 10-12 hours each day, set on a timer. Python’s also benefit from short periods of access to unfiltered, natural light outdoors. It is important to maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene within the python’s enclosure. Daily ‘spot checks’ should be carried out and any faeces, shed skin or uneaten food removed immediately. A full substrate change should be carried out every 6-8 weeks (depending on what substrate is used) and the enclosure thoroughly cleaned with a reptile-safe disinfectant.
DIET
In the wild, children’s pythons will prey upon a variety of different animals including rodents, birds and even bats. They are opportunistic, ambush predators and will eat whenever food is available. In captivity, children’s pythons can be fed on a range of different foods depending on their age and size. Readily available python foods at Pets warehouse include commercially bred frozen mice, rats and quail. A juvenile python should be fed an appropriately sized rat or mouse once a week. Adult children’s pythons can be fed a large mouse or small rat every two to three weeks. Food items must be completely thawed and warmed up (place in zip lock bag in hot water) before being offered to the snake. It is recommended to feed captive pythons in a designated ‘feeding’ tub, separate to their normal enclosure. Live rodents should never be offered to a python as this poses many potential risks to the snake. It is also good practice to keep a record book of when a python eats, what sized food item it takes as well as when it sheds its skin. Fresh water should also always be available to the python and changed regularly.
COMMON HEALTH ISSUES:
MITES- Reptile mites cause significant irritation to a python’s skin; a python may lay in its water bowl if it has an infestation as water can drown the mites.
DYSECDYSIS- (Abnormal shedding) due to low humidity can sometimes result in a python having an incomplete shed. Giving your python a warm bath in a small container will help lift any stuck shed.
RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS- A bacterial or viral infection that may be caused by incorrect temperature, inadequate ventilation or too high humidity.
LICENSING NSW
Pythons in New South Wales are required to be kept under a reptile keeper’s licence. The licence is easily obtainable by phoning National Parks and Wildlife on (02) 9585 6406 or Service NSW (02) 13 77 88. It is presently law in New South Wales to have a licence. Without it, it is impossible to gain a reptile legally.