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The Reticulated Python | Slithering Legends of the Forests
Author and a large Reticulated Python Malayopython reticulatus
The Reticulated Python (Malayopython reticulatus ssp.) are the longest snake species in the world, reaching thirty-three feet long (according to the books), but in reality, twelve-twenty-four feet would be more normal, which is still a very long snake. When not breeding at a facility, they tend to be thinner than most other large snake species, in the wild, they spend a lot of time climbing in the trees, so being heavy does not make for easy climbing. Reticulated pythons are named for the net-like repeating patterns on their bodies. They are being bred with multiple color schemes (called morphs), although the beauty of a normal, their scales shimmering in the sunlight like oil on water, is a sight to see.
In captivity, a normally fed reticulated python will range between ten to eighteen feet long, and weigh between forty and eighty pounds. A snake never stops growing, this is true, just like it said in the movie Anaconda, but while true, the first 3-4 years mean the most in length, and then they start putting on girth, just like we do. Reticulated pythons home range are the jungles, marshes, and grasslands in Bangladesh, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. These areas provide plenty of cover to hide and camouflage in. They are also excellent swimmers, and may have populations on some Indonesian islands.
As with all reptiles, Reticulated pythons (M. reticulatus ssp.) require quite specific temperature, humidity, and have other specialized needs as well.
Enclosure, decor, and substrate
Reticulated python in enclosure
Most people with a single reptile pet have a glass tank for them. Simple, easy to clean, and readily available for a baby retic this will work, but not for long, within a year they will be six feet long, and be ready for a large enclosure. There are many ready-made enclosures available both online and in your local pet store. Critter Condos, Boaphile Plastics, and even homemade cages work. An enclosure long enough the snake can stretch out in (for a retic I recommend a minimum six-foot long, four-foot wide, and two to four feet tall), the height unlike with most snakes, will be used. For more information on choosing the right size enclosure check out Reptile Enclosure Size | Selection Tips by Eric Roscoe.
Heavy branches, and plant cover simulating a jungle, will be appreciated by your snake. You want a large water soaking area (for large snakes, I use the concrete mixing tubs
Temperatures, Humidity, and Water
Temperatures are moderate, a 75F-85F temperature gradient is best. This means you want the basking site to remain at 85F on the warm side of the enclosure and 75F on the cool side. The best way to maintain the required basking temperature is with a ceramic heating element
Feeding
Like most snakes, regular interaction eliminates fear, so interact with them, at least as often as you are feeding. Feeding can get a little tricky though, but here are a few tips. DO NOT OVERFEED THEM. Most people overfeed their pets, and a fat snake, while slower, is not healthy. Read more about reptile obesity. A moderately sized meal twice a month is perfect for an adult snake; babies of course should eat 3-4 times a month, but adults 1-2 times depending on the size of the meal.
Reticulated Python and Adult Hand for reference
I tend to feed smaller meals, a little more often. While an eighty pound reticulated python, can easily eat one five-pound rabbit a month, feeding two, two-pound rabbits every other week is more my style, or a large/jumbo rat weekly. A stuffed snake is vulnerable, they can’t move fast to get away, so they become irritable in defense of the meal, and if they have to they will regurgitate it, which is no good for the keeper or the kept. A smaller meal, is easier/faster to digest, letting the snake be comfortable for the most part, which keeps their attitude in check as well.
Babies start around twelve to sixteen inches long, and most can eat a medium mouse or fuzzy rat from the start. Soon they will graduate to large rats, and small rabbits. Be sure you have a steady supplier of feeder prey items. You might also consider breeding your own rodents. Leyla Billman has all the information in her article How to Build Your own rattery. I use long salad tongs when I feed, to keep the risk of a mistake bite to a minimum. Reticulated pythons can be wonderful pets, and with proper care/handling, are as safe as any large dog. Remember, snakes typically bite for two reasons, food or fear, so if you can eliminate those two factors, you can have years of fun with your pet snake.
Hook Training
Albino Reticulated python
GET A HOOK or rather a Python spoon! No matter what, you need to respect this animal, reticulated pythons, are not ball pythons (Python regius), (who some refer to as “pet rocks
Man Eating Snakes
Do not slack off and disrespect the snake, all it takes is one major bite and you will never forget again. But no, unlike the movies, they are not man-eaters, we are not normal prey for them, bites are typically either mistakes while feeding, or startle reflex. There are suspicions of wild reticulated pythons eating small humans who enter into their territory, but to my knowledge, there have been no confirmed, documented human deaths from reticulated pythons. For more on this subject please see the following Cornell University Study
Study of man-eating snakes: Snakes are predators on, prey of, and competitors with primates