Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,
I have kept big boids and pythons in the past. Recently,
I acquired a C.B. 03'0.1 Python reticulatus. She is about 5'-6' in length and with a girth ofabout that of a golf ball. My question is about advice on husbandry. Everything that I have read recently contradicts another supposedly reliable source.For example one says house said snake in large sweater boxes because large caging could stress a juvie sized snake. On the other hand another source says the larger the cage the better. Same goes for humidity one says 50% to no more than 60% to prevent too damp conditions that promote mold and bacteria; while the other states 70% to 80% to promote healthy sheds and prime skin colorations. Also there seems to be arguements on feeding/schedules/prey size. Most say in the case of my size snake to feed one large to jumbo rat once every 7-10 days;yetanother states to feed two adult rats every 10 days.
Currently, I have the following caging available for my snake:
1 sterilite sweaterbox 18"x14"x18"
1 wooden cage w/tempered glass front(top-opening) 4'x2'x2'
2 " " (sliding front glass) 6'x2.5'x2'

I have hide boxes for all cages.

Thanks In Advance,

Todd

I'm on a posting roll tonight,so here goes...In my humble experience(6 years keeping Retics)a smaller cage is better for young snakes,they like to feel secure.I would go with the 4' cage,newspaper for substrate,and a spill proof water dish(you'll need it,trust me!).To help with shedding,I either spray them down alot when I see them going through a shed,or provide a lg plastic litter box to soak in.If you keep them wet all the time,they'll end up with skin problems.I don't use hide boxes,they seem to get real defensive in them...I like to build a level of trust with my Retics.They are very intelligent snakes,in my experience and opinion,once you earn thier trust...you'll have a great pet snake!Enjoy your new Retic!