Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm new with pythons and snakes in general. I've have had many different lizards but I would like to try something new. I'd like to get a Spotted Python but since they live in many different climates I’m not sure how hot or cold to make my cage or what to put in it. (Though it’s a CB, I figure it would prefer a climate more like home) I have one large cage that my dad and I built it to hold an Iguana(Juvinile). Its measurements are: 34"long x 16" wide x 37" Tall and IT IS MADE OF WOOD I’m wondering if heat mats and wood get along? So my questions to the experts (or anyone who knows a thing or two about Australian type pythons) are:

1. What type of heating should I use for my cage?
2. How high should the humidity be?
3. I can build another cage if the snake gets cramped, is this cage large enough to hold a adult Spotted python?
4. What type of humidifier works best? (I live in the depressing cold city of Chicago and the air gets pretty dry.)
5. Is fine grain aquarium gravel suitable for a Spotted Python?

Please state your recommendations.

Thanks for reading.
Flyhigh

I have a 4 month old Cape York spotted python and I was new to this a few months ago as well. Here is what I have figured out so far. For the heat source, I like the UTH heat pad on the bottom of the tank, coupled with a thermostat to avoid overheating your cage. I keep the cold side 78 -80 and the hot side around 90. You may want to get one of the digital temp guns, they are awesome and the cheapest one is around $25 and that should be all you need to check your temps. Stay away fromt the stick-on thermometers. I was told to stay away from aquarium gravel. I am using aspen shavings myself. As for the humidity, you shouldn't have to worry about it unless you live in an incredibly dry climate. This was a concern of mine as well but I was told that the spotted python didn't need any added humidity here in Central Texas. About the cage size, are you planning to start with a baby or an adult snake? Your cage sounds a little big for a baby, too much open space tends to stress them out a lot. It was recommended to me to start with something the size of a 10 gallon aquarium and then work your way up as the snake grows. If you start out with a baby spotted, this size should last you 1 - 2 years and then you will want something a little larger but still not huge.

Hope this helps, maybe some of the experts on the forum can enlighten us more....I am by no means a pro yet but am learning as I go.

Welcome to the wonderful world of pet snakes!!!

I would have to agree here. What is the size of the spotted you're looking to get? I had a spotted python that was two years old and I had it in a 10 gal for the first year and a half of it's life. I used a small under tank pad and a 60watt ceramic heat bulb for heat. That kept the tank near 80 on the hot side and it cooled to room temp on the other. That was usually mid 70's in summer and upper 60's in the winter. I also misted the tank once a day in the winter and in the summer when she was shedding. I had her in a 29 gal tank when I had to get rid of her. An important thing ( I think) is for them to have something to climb on. mide spent a lot of time on or in bushy plant decorations and branches. That's what I did for her and what I'll do with the one I'll be getting soon. Hope that helps some.

Idiotshot

Thanks Much, I got a Cape York and placed it in a 20gal tank.

Nick

They do like to climb...mine climbs on anything....they are real nice snakes....