Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,
I have researched material on behalf of this species. But I do have a few other questions. I have read that they are a fairly aggressive species. Second there enclosure requirements. Do they require a fairly damp substrate. I have owned a White-lipped Python for some time now and she is very very mean. I have come to the conclusion that she needs an exorcisim because I believe she is possesed. I named her Misery because of how difficult she makes things for me. I am not ready to deal with two of these types of personalities. If someone has experience with this species could you please e-mail me or post your encounters with them.

Thank You

Ringeds are defensive and will strike (or bluff a strike) when you enter their cage. If you remove them with a hook and transfer them to your hand you will likely not be bit. I have not been bit by an adult using this procedure in over three years of ringed keeping. They are quick and active, and don't like to be restrained. Don't clamp down on them but rather let them crawl from one hand to the other. They also have a very strong feeding response and if they think whatever entering their cage might be food they will attack aggressively. Breeding introductions have to be supervised as you will sometimes wind up with both snakes wrapping each other. I can tell you from experience getting them apart is not easy. They are very powerful constrictors for their size. I use dry newspaper for substrate and provide a plastic hide half filled with damp cypress mulch. I haven't had any problems using this set up. They rarely shed in one piece but never have incomplete sheds.

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Regards,
Bob Garby

My ring was a little nippy at first but I have always introduced his food in a dish so he now knows when my hand enters his cage it is not food and I rarely get bit. I just have a container filled with damp sphagnum moss for my ring.
Happy Herpin, Allan

I also keep my ringed on dry newspaper with a plastic box 1/2 full of cypress mulch, and have no shedding problems at all. As far as temperment, its on of the most non agressive snakes I keep, Far from my white lipped pythons. Maybe its just me but my female WLP's seem to be far more defensive then my male.

DaveM