Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was at a friends house who owns a Albino Burmese Python...and to my distress... there was no heat lamp, fresh water nor was there a UV light. I will be purchasing all the requried items for the tank. Please inform me on the items need to make this snake a "happy" home. The little girl is about 5 feet long (approx.) and I will insure that I make this snake as Healthy and Happy as possible. At the given moment..no pet store is open and all I could do is give her fresh water....which she responded to RIGHT AWAY! Please give me all the info needed....I sincerely appericate all the advice given..I am a Bearded Dragon owner...and only know what they require...THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!!!

Kerri

keep a close eye for any wheezing or bubbly substance coming from the mouth; if you do, get it to a vet asap. for now, all you really need is a proper heat source; uv lamps, though important for beardies, are not necessary for burms. you can either go with an overhead heat source such as a heat lamp, or, you can also include an undertake heat pad; i would recommend both. as long as temps range from around 80 on the cool side to the upper 80's on the warm side with a basking area that reaches 90-92 deg f. you'll be in good shape. Night temps shouldn't drop below 78-80. humidity is another very important component as you want levels in the 60-80% range...but don't sacrifice good air flow; lots of misting or a misting system will work. hope this helps.

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center

Yes...that does help me out a bit...is there any link you can provide to me that gives a care sheet for these snakes. I assumed that the heat source was very important because of my experience with my dragon. What about a UV light....is that important? I did mist the snake down last night..and will be doing it again today...since humidity is important...I will be purchasing two thermometers and a humidity reader. What about bedding...what should they be laying on...I know I have lots of questions but I am trying to do all the right things for this snake. If I was more of a snake person I would take it home with me..but I think i'll just stick with my bearded dragon

Kerri

I am sure there are some on line care sheets but i haven't found one that i like yet. But, i would be happy to provide ongoing support if you email me directly. Burms don't require uv like a beardie; they eat whole animal prey and as such, have less requirements than beardies. All of my burms have lived long lives w/out any uv. As long as you have the proper temps, it doesn't really matter (a little indirect ambient light is recommended, or, a uv lamp won't hurt but will be more for aesthetic purposes since burms hide most of the time). In terms of bedding, i would highly recommend aged newspaper; still the best stuff period. If you want more of a bedding, then i would recommend either CareFresh or Aspen. Keep a burm's set up simple....hide box, water bowl and, optional, a sturdy log/driftwood; that's all you need. To me, proper temps/humidity levels along with proper diet are the keys to success.