Reticulated Python
Reticulated Pythons A.K.A. “Retics” (Python reticulatus) Day Time Temperatures- 84* (F) cool side – 92*(F) hot spot Night Time Temperatures- 78*(F) cool side- 84*(F) hot spot Caging: Baby Retics can be kept in shoebox size cages, or 10 gallon terrariums. Adult Retics can be housed in 6’-8’ cages for, all but the very largest animals. An occasional extremely well fed animal may require a 10’ cage. There are a variety of options for substrate. We have used Newspaper (printed, or print free) with great success, other options include; Aspen, Cypress Mulch or Precut corrugated card board. Hide spots are a fundamental asset for all reptiles, particularly effective for juvenile retics. We recommend something tight fitting but with an entrance large enough for the animal to enter and exit. Plastic or other easily sanitized materials are wise choices. A good sized water dish available at all times, constructed of dishwasher safe or easily sanitized materials, heavy enough to not be easily tipped over are a good investment. A variety of options exist for heating such as; heating pads, spot lamps (always use a cage guard to prevent injury), heat tape and heat panels. A high quality thermostat is always worth the money to insure that you are providing the proper options for healthy thermoregulation. Daily Care: Check for defecation or urination and clean accordingly. Check to make sure that the temperatures are within the acceptable parameters. Replace water with fresh water. Feeding: Retics are extremely food oriented animals, and they love to eat! Most Reticulated Pythons start off taking live food, but a fair amount can be transferred over to frozen thawed prey items, or freshly killed prey items. If your Reticulated Python is not willing to take frozen thawed food, you can occasionally offer it and the animal may begin to accept it with time. Unfortunately not all will switch to dead food, and some animals will require live food as a permanent food source. A good rule of thumb is to feed one prey item of comparable girth to the thickest part of the snake’s body every 7-10 days. Reticulated Pythons: There are a number of new and established color and pattern mutations with this species, as well as combinations of these mutations; called “designer reticulated pythons”. The designer morphs do not exist in the wild, but are some of the most strikingly beautiful animals in the world. We work with a colony of various morphs and offer a great selection from the most common, to some of the most sought after reticulated python mutations and combinations available. Please keep an eye on our availability which is kept up to date.