Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone!!,
I'm new to the whole snake world so I acquired a stimson's python (I heard they are good "first" snakes). I was wondering what info anyone might have about the up keep of the snake. This is my set up: snake (Kingston) ~21 inches, 10 gallon tank, 2 inches of lizard bark?? (I know it can't be cedar right?), a hiding cave, bowl of water, and an under-tank heat pad to one side for warmth.
Okay after that huge intro here are my questions: Can I put him in a tank of water to excercise him?, Is it possible to breed these guy's I heard that there are not to many in the U.S. I've tried looking for as much info on these guy's but found very limited info not very helpful. Anyway that’s all thanks for any help!!!!!

"Can I put him in a tank of water to excercise him?"
Snakes do not "need" exercise. Make sure the undertank heater is on a thermostat to prevent overheating.
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1.1 Blackheaded pythons
1.1 Woma (Juvie female)
2.1 Aussie Olives
1.1 Timors
1.0 Angolan Juvie
1.1 Savu
1.1 Juvie Bloods
1.1 Juvie Balls
1.1 IJ Carpets
1.1 Coastal Carpets
1.2 Macklotts
1.1 Papuan Olives
1.0 Jungle Carpet
2.2 Scrubs (on breeding loan)
0.1 Jungle/Diamond cross
0.1 child, CB
0.1 wife, WC

The snake will need the proper temperature gradient - a cool end and a warm end. Cool = mid 70's warm = mid to high 80's. Farenheit.

It will need a hide on the cool end and one on the warm end. So it can cool down or warm up while remaining hidden if it wants.

It needs a water bowl with clean water.

Room to crawl around (10 gallon is probably fine for now).

Proper humidity - I'm not sure on this one...

Appropriately sized food item every week or 2 weeks. Don't handle for 3 days after feeding.

And LOTS of peace and quiet until it gets settled in. Leave it alone for a week after you first get it so it can get used to it's surroundings.

While you're waiting, read all this:

http://www.aussiepythons.net/modules.php?name=Encyclopedia&op=content&tid=17

http://www.reptilerooms.com/Sections index-req-viewarticle-artid-96-page-1.html

http://www.smuggled.com/chicom1.htm

http://cc.usu.edu/~jgjulander/ChildrensCare.html

http://archives.zinester.com/89677/65041.html

http://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/2001/archives/2001_archives/roadtests/reptiles/childrens_python?mysource_site_extension=printer_friendly_pages

http://www.vhs.com.au/pages/Childrencare.html

And don't put your snake in water to swim. As said before, it's not necessary and I garauntee it will freak out your snake. A large enough cage, proper diet, and intermitant handling are all your snake needs to stay fit.

Good luck. How about some pics!?