KeysReptiles.com Florida Keys Reptile Store,live reptiles,enclosures

Jungle Carpet Python Care Sheet
(Morelia Spilota Cheyneib)

Compliments of KeysReptiles.com

Common Name: Jungle Carpet Python
Scientific Name: Morelia spilota cheyneib

Origins: Rain forests of Atherton Tablelands of northeastern Queensland,
Australia. These pythons have the smallest geographic
distribution of any carpet python species.

Size: Adults can reach sizes of 4½ to 7 feet in length in captivity.

Life Span: 20 to 30 years in captivity.

General Description: The carpet python is a medium-sized slender python with
a long neck and a large head with pits on the lips that is broader than the neck.
These pythons are most noted for their incredible yellow and black markings.
The markings can vary greatly and consist of bands, stripes, blotches, freckles,
or any combination of these. Colors can vary from a vibrant lemon yellow to
deep gold, to a pale yellow wash or even ivory.

Housing Requirements

Enclosure: A large arboreal cage is often best for carpet pythons. Adults can be
kept in a 40-gallon enclosure or larger. It is important to make sure that the
cage is secure, as this species, like most snakes, are known as escape artists.
We recommend a 175gal or 260gal Reptarium by Apogee, depending on the age
and size of your python. Always inspect your cages on a consistent basis for
any tears or compromises in the fabric. Reptariums can be repaired with
needle and thread for lasting usability.

Temperature: A 75° - 85° F daytime temperature gradient should be offered.
Nighttime temperatures should be 5° F - 10° F cooler. Check out our
assortment of bulbs and fixtures for your exact needs.

Heat & Light: As with most snakes, it has not been proven that any UV light
needs to be provided for jungle carpet pythons. A 10 to 12 hour photo period
should be provided and can be achieved with timers. Light can be provided
with a standard fluorescent bulb and fixture. Heat can be provided with spot
bulbs, ceramic emitters, or heating pads. Heat rocks should be avoided as they
can often cause burns. Care should also be taken to not place heating
elements in the enclosure where the snake can possibly come in contact with
the bulb and suffer burns. Our Brooder Clamp Lamp and up to a 150watt day or
night bulb can be set right on top of our Reptariums without any burning or
scorching of the fabric. We use them in this fashion 24 hours a day with no
problems. If you want to use a glass or acrylic enclosure, you can offer your
python heat by attaching our ReptiTherm Undertank Heater Pads on the bottom
and outside or the side and outside of your tank. It has an adhesive backing to
make this easy and cannot harm your reptile when mounted outside of the tank.

Substrates: A variety of substrates can be used. Simple substrates such as
newspaper can be used and are easy to maintain. Naturalistic enclosure
substrates such as shredded coconut (Eco-Earth) or specialized reptile bark
bedding (ReptiBark) can be used as well and are more attractive. Not only does
this provide an aesthetic look but it will also maintain humidity levels better
that newspaper. Care should be used if using wood shavings and other cheap
beddings to avoid accidental ingestion of the shavings while feeding.

Environment: The jungle carpet python is an arboreal species from the rain
forests of Australia. Cage furniture such as branches should be provided to
allow this species to climb. Humidity levels should be maintained at 60% to 70%
in order to ensure proper shedding. We sell six packs of spray bottles on our
Health webpage for this purpose. Elevated hide boxes can also be offered to
provide an even greater sense of security for your carpet python.

Feeding: As with any snake you want to avoid feeding too large of a prey item
to your snake. A good rule is to not feed your snake prey that is any larger than
125% that of the largest part of the body of the snake. Hatchlings and juveniles
can be offered pinky, fuzzy or hopper mice or rats once a week. Adults can be
fed larger prey items such as adult mice or rats every 10 days. Our largest rats
are perfect for your large pythons. We offer an array of live and frozen rats and
mice here at KeysReptiles.

Maintenance: Fresh water should be offered daily. If using newsprint then
clean as needed. Other substrates should be spot cleaned as needed. If you
are using ReptiBark you can even soak and wash it for up to six months of use.
Periodically, the enclosure should be completely cleaned and disinfected.
Hydrogen Peroxide makes an excellent disinfectant. Be sure to rinse the
enclosure thoroughly after disinfecting. As always, be sure to wash your hands
thoroughly after handling your python or any cage accessories.