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I was looking around at the arizona reptile show this last weekend and saw a white lipped python. I wanted it so bad, but already went their with the intention of getting a ornate nile monitor, and didnt have any info on it so I decided to hold back. Just a few questions, how large do they get? What is the temps, humidity on them? and I have heard some negative things about their temprament, one guy told me they are as notorious as a nile for bad attitudes.
Any info is greatly appreciated

thanks
tony butler

Hi Tony,

well, have a look at www.leiopython.de. I guess most of your questions will be answered there. If not send me an email at wulf@leiopython.de

size: 6-7 ft (golden), 8-9 ft (black)
humitidy: about 75% contantly
temp: lower to mid 90F over the day, 68F at night.

Cheers,
Wulf
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http://www.leiopython.de ,
http://www.herpers-digest.com

White lipped pythons (Leiopython albertisii) are very intertesting snakes. I haven't owned one yet but I plan to in the future and have done some research. White lipped pythons get 6-8ft depending on the phase. The normal examples that are golden brown with a dark dorsal stripe that blends with the sides smoothly going from head to tail stay towards the lesser end of that range. The "black" white lipped pythons which aren't actually black but darker in color usually approach the greater end of the size range. White lipped pythons need lots of humidity and high temperatures without which, respiritory infections are likely to occurr. In captivity, they eat rodents like most other snakes, but they have been known to be cannibalistic so be carefull to not let snakes that you don't haven't prepared to breed meat eachother. It is true that they are known for nasty temperments and are rarely tamed. However, I have seen and held quite a few individuals at reptile shows that were as tame as a snake can be. I imagine that this could only have been accomplished through a combination of the snakes individual personality and the keeper's careful handling. Baby white lipped pythons are incapable of drawing blood so starting when they're young is a good choice.

quote : Baby white lipped pythons are incapable of drawing so starting when they're young is a good choice / quote

incapable of drawing blood? That´s a rumour ! *rofl*

s.Archer

Hi,

well it is a rumor
Even my neonates can make my fingers bleed and my one year olds even hurt a bit...

Cheers,
Wulf
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http://www.leiopython.de - the white-lipped python site -
http://www.herpers-digest.com - herp related eBooks search -

quote: my one year olds even hurt a bit...

One year old? Time is running fast, have a closer look ! your animals are two years old *lol*

S.Archer

The key word was baby. Have you ever been bit by a baby white lipped python? I have and there is no way they could draw blood. I'm not talking about just a young white lipped python. It doesnt take long for them to be able to draw blood because although snakes have fragile jaws compared to most creatures, they have sharp teeth. The bite of a baby white lipped python, in my opinion is not as bad as a bite from a green anole.

Hi,

well I had 10 offsprings this year and let me tell you, if they bite you it doesn't hurt at all, but anyway, you will see small bleeding spots on your hand

Cheers,
Wulf
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http://www.leiopython.de - the white-lipped python site -
http://www.herpers-digest.com - herp related eBooks search -

Hi,
i have been bitten by baby Leiopythons severals times and there has been blood. Maybe your skin is more resistant?
I would rather take a yearling, because they have a much better behavior

S.Archer

Hi, I don't own one, but talked to the owner of one and had the privilege of handling that beautiful animal. Apparently when he got it, it was ill tempered enough that he named it "Vicious" but he managed to tame it down a remarkable amount. It still hisses and mock strikes in it's cage but when taken out is docile enough to be handled by me, (a novice) and was quite calm in a room full of people.
Gorgeous inquisitive creature and the bluish purple iridescence on the back is stunning.

OK, you're getting (or have) a Nile and you're worried about a White Lip's temperament? I've had 5 so far, and they are great snakes BUT very high-strung and nervous. It is true that you will run into respiratory troubles if you can't keep up the humidity and the temps. They need frequent misting and temps in the upper 80s. I trick I used to keep the humidity up was to use cypress mulch as bedding, mist the cage heavily each day, and cover the top except for a small corner with a wet towel. The whole room was heated to an even temperature by a centrally located space heater. Final word on this vein, have the name of a good exotic vet in advance because you will be doing business with them.
Regarding temperament, males are more easily manageable than females. Maybe it's just my experience, but I have been bitten only once by a male while I was open season to my 3 females. Their teeth aren't terribly long but wounds from their bites bleed freely so be prepared. Watch your face! Neither sex of this species reacts well to sudden or 'jerky' movements and you will get bitten or they will bash their nose against the aquarium - neither of which is a good thing obviously. In conclusion, please allow me to stress that this is not a good starter snake if you are new to keeping snakes.
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Who is like Set...

1.1 Vietnamese Blue Beauties
2.2 Taiwan Beauties
2.3 Cave Beauties
0.1 Bull Snake
1.0.0 Argentine Blk & Wht Tegu
2.5 Box Turtles

No i am not new to keeping snakes, I was asking to see if i can manage one, for the time being my burms, tegu, frilleds, and ball pythons won't allow me, I hope that one day i will get one, but I am going to be resposible and wait until I have enough space. I use the towel trick as well for my tegus.

thanks

tony butler

Whitelipped pythons are known for having attitude problems. They can be extremely nippy when young, and when they are 7 feet long, it's not really nipping anymore. I have also had some that jump, kind of coil up, as if to strike, and then hurl their bodies forward into a jump. They can also be extremely territorial. With handeling, they won't bite once out of the tank, just watchout when you enter their territory! They are very fast and have good aim! They are exellent feeders. I like them alot, because of their size, and coloration. Plus, not everyone has them. I would definately recommend getting a hatchling. If you think that you are up to it, go and get one...just don't be scared to get bittena few times!!