Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have been a spotted python owner for a week now. After leaving him/her alone for a week, i successfully fed him last night. To my surprise he left me a perfect shed this morning. My temps are between 90, hot side basking and 77 cool side. Humidity about between 48-58%. I have a 10 gal tank with a UTH mat and a CHE. He ate a F/t pinkie. He probably could have eaten two but since it was my first feeding i was happy wih that one. He is between 12 and 15 inches long. Anyone with spotteds please offer any tips or help. thx

Hello--
Congratulations--you've chosen a great species for a pet snake! Mine was out playing earlier tonight--she is simply a joy.

Watch your temps in a ten gallon--that's a small space to create a real gradient. My herp room has an ambient temp of 78, and I only provide belly heat after eating. My experience with antaresia is that they like to be warm, but not hot.

Don't be daunted if yours is a bit nippy. They tend to be that way as youngsters, then mature into serene adults. The bites aren't painful, and calm, consistent handling will guarantee a well adjusted adult.

Spotteds love to eat! As adults they can become overweight, since they seldome skip a meal, and always want more than what they need. I've had my girl for six years and put her on a diet twice. Now she eats one f/t large rat pup/sm. weanling every 7 days or so.

I keep both spotteds and childrens. Feel free to email me with questions. Best to the both of you!

rgds,
althea

thx for ur reply.
How big is the cage for ur adult?
So far my guy hasn't been nippy, knock on wood.
Why don't these guys get more press? they seem like a great 1st snake.

The only tip I can give you over and above what you're doing is to make sure they have some secure hides. They like to cram in and be snug.

They are smart too. Mine was fed in the cage by the previous owner. At first he would lunge at my hand. But I would put him in a feeding container and he quickly learned to associate that with food instead.

I feed my 5.5-year-old one small rat every 14 days and he has been gaining weight steadily.

My 4-month-old will definitly bite you if she's hungry. Otherwise she's very calm. I'd advise not handling youngsters too much when it's anywhere near feeding time.

Check out the newest issue of Reptiles magazine for more info. The one with a children's python on the cover!