Burmese python data sheet
Latin name:
Python molurus (light burmese python); Python bivittatus (dark burmese python)
Origin:
Southeast Asia (Light Burmese Python: India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka; Dusky Burmese Python: Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Indonesia)
Size:
light Burmese python average 3-4 meters ; dark burmese python up to 8 meters
Behave
Lining:
mainly birds and mammals such as mice, rats and rabbits
Groups vs. individual housing:
it can be kept alone without hesitation; it is also possible to keep two to three of these snakes together in one terrarium, but they should be fed separately
Behave:
in nature a loner; rather calm and rarely aggressive; may bite when threatened
Life expectancy:
over 15 years
Difficulty level:
for advanced users, not suitable for beginners Holger Krisp, Heller Burmese Python Python molurus molurus, CC BY 3.0
The burmese python belongs to the boas and anacondas family of boa constrictors. Like all pythons, it is not poisonous, especially since it chokes its prey.
More specifically, its hunting technique consists of biting the target, then wrapping itself around the individual before smashing it through constriction chokes by gradually tightening the embrace.
It hunts on guard, recognizing its prey by scent and body heat. At up to 8 meters long, this species is one of the longest snakes in the world and the largest of the pythons.
Their diet mainly includes birds and mammals such as mice, rats and rabbits. However, it has also been observed killing and eating animals up to the size of a ram. They are nocturnal reptiles and like to keep close to one water source on.
The tropical rain forests, swamps, grasslands as well as the rocky areas in Southeast Asia make up the habitat of this species. This individual has one of the characteristic ones saddle patches embossed pattern.
There are different color phases, including brown to beige, but also albinos and yellow Burmese pythons. Many of these are genetic mutations that have been achieved by breeders in recent years.
acquisition and maintenance
When buying a burmese python in the EU, Guarantees of Origin always mandatory. Furthermore, the keeping of this species in Germany must be with the responsible authorities reported become.
Without a doubt, it is imperative to find out whether owning this reptile is legal in your state before purchasing one.
The decision to adopt a python into your home needs to be well thought out: these animals are never domesticated and remain unpredictable and unpredictable throughout their lives potentially dangerous.
requirements for the terrarium
Dimensions
Burmese pythons are housed in terrariums (made of wood, glass or polyethylene). The minimum dimensions are the length of the animal for the length and 2/3 for the width and height (so for example 3 x 2 x 2 m for a 3 meter male Light Burmese Python).
Needless to say, the terrarium in which this species is kept extremely stable have to be. An aerator must be installed for air exchange and a tight shutter, especially if the walls are sliding (the snake will manage to slide them).
Too large a terrarium leads to stress and thus to aggression in these reptiles.
temperature and lighting
Heating is provided by a heating plate or cord (fitted under the terrarium) or by heating lamps. A thermostat will regulate the temperature automatically.
This should be adapted to the natural habitat, that is, on the day between 27 and 30 degrees Celsius be. During the night the temperature drops by 3 degrees Celsius.
Even if the snake gets natural light, one should neon tubewhich produces light and UV light, at a distance of less than 40cm attached to the quiet zones. The cycles should 12 hours night and 12 hours day be.
Furnishings
Newspaper, kitchen paper, linoleum or dusted rodent shavings should be placed on the floor of the terrarium.
Sand, peat and potting soil look better, but can lead to blockages or parasitosis: In this case, the snake must not be fed in the terrarium (so that it does not swallow sand or peat with its prey) and the entire substrate must be replaced if parasites occur.
The owner should always ensure a large water bowl set up, which is used for bathing and maintaining humidity. Also is essential enough climbing opportunities and hiding places to install.
If necessary, decorations can be added (branches, artificial plants, …). These should be distributed over the two temperature zones and securely fastened. For reasons of hygiene, it is not recommended to import anything that has been taken directly from nature.
gender differences
Females are larger and heavier than males at the same age. In nature, she provides incubation by wrapping herself around her clutch; in captivity incubators are more likely to be used.
Aside from the reproductive season, males and females must kept separate become. Burmese pythons reach sexual maturity at the age of about 3 years.
Feed & Nutrition
Hatchlings are fed a rat once a week. In adults, a larger prey, for example a rabbit, is sufficient every two weeks.
The size of the prey (quail, rat, rabbit,…) should be adjusted to the size of the snake. It is more beneficial to accustom the python to dead food (frozen or freshly killed) as it is much easier to manage.
If frozen food is used, it must be completely thawed before consumption. It should never have a patch still frozen when the snake ingests it. This can too digestive problems lead, sometimes to belching.
If a prey is not eaten, it is advisable to dispose of it for hygienic reasons. If the reptile only accepts live prey, feedings should be closely monitored.
In fact, a live rat or mouse locked in a terrarium and feeling threatened could be aggressive toward the snake.
Once caught, it might continue to fight back, might even scratch or scratch the reptile seriously hurt. Basically, the Burmese python is voracious and has no problems with food intake.
acclimatization and handling
A Burmese python of reasonable size and social behavior can be grabbed by hand and held loosely. If he is more difficult or even aggressive, a Hook used to distract his head.
Due to its strength and size, an adult Burmese python is very difficult to handle. If they are rarely spontaneously aggressive, handling snakes should only experienced people remain reserved.
Especially during feeding, it is recommended to use long pincers and be extremely careful. One should never handle snakes that digest (48 to 72 hours after feeding) as well as molt (the skin becomes dull and the eyes become cloudy) or feed pregnant females.