Jungle Carpet Python

Jungle Carpet Python Latin name: Morelia spilota cheyneib

Rainforests of Atherton Tablelands of northeastern Queensland, Australia. These pythons have

the smallest geographic distribution of any carpet python species.

Adults can reach sizes of 4.5 to 7 feet in length in captivity.

20 to 30 years in captivity.

This species 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.

A large arboreal cage is often best for this species. Adults can be kept in a 40-gallon

breeder tank or larger. It is important to make sure that the cage lid is secure, as this

species, like most snakes, are known as escape artists.

A 75° – 85° F daytime temperature gradient should be offered. Nighttime

temperatures should be 5

As with most snakes, it has not been proven that any UV light needs to be provided.

A 10 to 12 hour photoperiod 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

basking bulbs, ceramic emitters, or thermal panels. 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.

A variety of substrates can be used. Simple substrates such as newspaper or

indoor/outdoor carpeting can be used and are easy to maintain. For naturalistic enclosures

substrates such as crushed coconut shell or soil can be used. Not only does this provide a

aesthetic enclosure it will also maintain humidity levels better that newspaper or

carpeting. Care should be used if using wood shavings to avoid accidental ingestion of

the shavings while feeding.

The jungle carpet python is an arboreal species from the rainforests 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.

Elevated hide boxes can also be offered to provide an even greater sense of security for

your python.

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 that 100% to 125% that 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. Some larger

specimens can be offered larger prey items such as small rabbits. Previously killed frozen prey is

recommended to eliminate the risk of injury to the snake as well as to help eliminate parasites that

the prey item may be carrying.

Fresh water should be offered daily. If using newsprint or carpeting then clean as needed.

Other substrates should be spot cleaned as needed. Periodically, the enclosure should be

completely cleaned and disinfected. A 5% bleach solution 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.