Common name: Reticulated Python
Taxonomic name: Python Reticulatus
General Information: Reticulated Pythons are the longest and most powerful of all pythons. Truly the King Of Constrictors. Definitely one of the most fulfilling animals I've ever kept. However because of their size these snakes have even been said to be capable of killing and eating a human being, and there has been instances though few and far between of a Reticulated Python killing it's owner. Therefore it is not recommended as a good beginner reptile for anyone, and should only be kept by someone who is well versed with and has experience with handling large constrictors.
Distribution: Found in Southeast Asia from the Nicobar Islands, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore, east through Indonesia and the Indo-Australian Archipelago (Sumatra, the Mentawai Islands, the Natuna Islands, Borneo, Sulawesi, Java, Lombok, Sumbawa, Sumba, Flores, Timor, Maluku, Tanimbar Islands) and the Philippines (Basilan, Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, Luzon, Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros, Palawan, Panay, Polillo, Samar, Tawi-Tawi).
Habitat: Occurs in rain forests, woodland and nearby grassland. It is also associated with rivers and is found in areas with nearby streams and lakes. An excellent swimmer, it has even been reported far out at sea and has consequently colonized many small islands within its range. During the early years of the twentieth century it is said to have been common even in busy parts of Bangkok, sometimes eating domestic animals.
Size: These snakes can potentially get upwards of 30 foot, though the longest snake in captivity at this time (December 2008) is a 24 ft 308 pound female named fluffy. While some of the dwarf species stay smaller, the average size for a mainland Reticulated Python is about 16-18 feet for females, and 12-14 feet for males.
Temperament: These snakes are very alert, and intelligent animals. Babies tend to be very nervous and defensive but adults can grow to be extremely handleable if raised properly. Retics do have an AMAZING feeding response and proper procedures should be practiced at all times. Generally a Reticulated python is whatever you raise it to be. It's always best to start with a baby.
Longevity: 20-30 years or more.
Captive Care
Diet: Baby's can start on rat pups or pinks fresh out of the egg once every 3-5 days, and will eventually need large rabbits, sometimes up to 20 pounds depending on the size of the animal once every 2 weeks.
Temperature: 90 degrees on the hot side, cool side should never drop below 75 with an ambient temp in the high 70's to low 80's.
Humidity: Retics require alot more humidity than most other constrictors and will tip their water bowl every chance they get. I've found they do best with a humidity of 70-80% or more.
Minimum Required Space: Babies can be started in Sterilite totes, where as most adults will do extremely well in a 6 ft by 3 ft by 18 inch enclosure giving them about 18 Sq ft of floor space.
Breeding: Reticulated pythons reach sexual maturity anywhere from 18 months to 4 years of age. Breeding size occurs at lengths of 7 - 9' (males) & 11'+ (females). Breeding season in captivity typically ranges from November to March. Stop all feeding at this time. Animals should be well established and in excellent condition before any breeding is attempted. Breeding may be induced by reducing daytime photoperiod to 8 - 10 hours and dropping nighttime temperatures into the mid 70's. Introduce the male into the female's cage. Misting the animals with water may induce breeding activity. Females typically shed 14+ days after ovulation; eggs are typically laid within 34 - 49 (average 38) days of post-ovulation shed. Clutch size for retics ranges from 10 - 80 + eggs. At an Incubation temperature of 88 - 90F (optimal), these eggs take an average of 88 days to hatch.
