Posted by:
babysnake
at Wed Apr 14 04:53:46 2004 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by babysnake ]
The most extensive care sheet I have found for ringed pythons is an article from the old "The Vivarium" Magazine that was swallowed up by "Reptiles". I have a copy of it, but unfortunately, I don't have the info on what issue it came from.
I can tell you about how I keep my ringed python. I have an almost 4-year-old male. They are burrowers, so I keep him in several inches deep layer of moist (not sopping wet) coconut pith fiber (like bed-a-beast). He loves to burrow in this and it eliminates the need for a hide box, since he just makes his own tunnels and holes to sleep and hide in. You can also allow the substrate to dry out completely for short intervals if you are worried about mold, though, I have never had a problem with it. Allowing him to burrow in the moist substrate also seems to eliminate skin problems often reported with ringed pythons and he usually has no problem with his sheds. This substrate is also easy to spot clean.
They like to soak, so a large water bowl is good. They are usually great feeders and are rarely a problem. Mine has a weird habit of striking and letting go with his mouth after coiling his prey, keeping hold if it only with the coils.
Be aware that ringed pythons "cast". That is, they regurgitate fur pellets a day or two after a meal, because for some reason, their digestive systems cannot handle fur. They are one of only 2 python species known to do that, so don't get upset and think he is regurgitating his food if you see (or hear) your ring do this. It is normal for them.
Good temps for them are mid 80's with a warmer basking spot and a 10-15 degree night drop.
I keep mine in a 40 gallon screen top reptile tank. I know, some people say snakes don't need that much space, but it allows him at least a little exercise and good space for a real temperature gradient, so he can adjust as needed. He does use all of the space.
Hope this helps. I don't claim to be any kind of expert, but this seems to work for me. Dave and Tracy Barker at VPI pythons are a great resource. They ARE experts, and they have a mailbag feature on their web site www.VPI.com where you can submit questions. I have always gotten good advice and information from them.
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RE: Looking for good caresheets for ringed and childrens pythons... - babysnake, Wed Apr 14 04:53:46 2004