Common name: Burmese Python
Taxonomic name: Python Molurus Bivittatus
General Information: Burmese Pythons are some of the largest constrictors in existance. These are a very thick bodied python that is generally for the most part pretty lazy, except that they have a MASSIVE feed response. Because of their size and power they do not make a good first snake, but are an awesome pet for a keeper that is well versed and has previous experience with large constrictors.
Distribution: Found in Southeast Asia and Indonesia.
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: Burmese pythons are very large heavy bodied snakes. Average size for a male is usually about 9-14 feet, and for a female 12-16 feet. The largest one ever recorded in captivity was 27 foot, and 440 pounds.
Temperament: Burmese python babies are generally nervous and nippy for the first few months, but with consistant handling usually settle way down. They're a large lazy snake who's main concerns are eat and sleep. You'll find when they're in the cage the slightest movement they spot and they're at the glass begging for food.
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 to 3 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: 50-60%
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: Burmese pythons reach sexual maturity anywhere from 18 months to 4 years of age. Breeding size occurs at lengths of 6' - 9' (males) and 9'+ (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 14-20+ days after ovulation; eggs are typically laid 30 days after post-ovulation shed. Clutch size for Burmese pythons ranges from 20 - 80+ eggs. At an Incubation temperature of 88 - 90F (optimal), these eggs take between 55 - 70 days to hatch.
