Carpet Python

CARE GUIDE

Size: Adults can reach up to 300 cm

Origin: Australia, New Guinea and Indonesia

Lifespan: Up to 20 years in captivity

Natural Habitat: The Carpet Python inhabits a wide variety of environments, including tropical forests, savannahs, semi-arid areas and urban areas.

The Carpet Python is an elegant, robust snake, famous for its varied colours and patterns. It is semi-arboreal, meaning it spends part of its time in trees but also on the ground. Due to its size, strength and curious behaviour, it is recommended for keepers with some previous experience handling snakes.

Although this is a relatively easy species to keep, you should pay attention to a few aspects and ensure certain conditions, which you will find in the following paragraphs.

Terrarium

Size: Minimum 120x60x90cm for 1 adult

Material: Glass

 - Heating and Lighting

Create a thermal gradient in the terrarium, with temperatures of 26ºC on the cool side and up to 33ºC on the warm side. At night, temperatures can drop to 22-24ºC. Heating can be provided with halogen lamps or ceramic heat emitters controlled by thermostats.

Although Morelia spilota does not require UVB, low levels (UVI 0-3) are recommended to benefit the animal's overall health. Use Ferguson Zone 1-2 UVB lamps, such as the Arcadia ShadeDweller.

- Humidity

The Carpet Python adapts to moderate humidity levels, usually between 50-70%. Lightly mist the terrarium once or twice a week, especially during shedding.

Make sure there is always a large container of fresh water that allows the animal to submerge itself.

- Decor

Use moisture-retaining substrates, such as coco fibre, sphagnum moss or natural soil mixes. As it is semi-arboreal, it is essential to add sturdy branches, logs and climbing platforms. Make sure these items are firmly secured to avoid accidents.

Provide hides in different areas of the terrarium, including the cool and warm sides, so the animal can regulate its temperature. Live or artificial plants can enrich the environment.

Diet and Supplementation

Feeding habits: Carnivorous

 Juvenile Diet: You can feed prey of up to 15% of the animal's body mass every 5-7 days.

 Adult Diet (from 2 years old): You can feed prey of up to 10% of the animal's body mass every 10-14 days.

- Foods

Dead Mice and/or Rats.

Under Portuguese Law No. 95/2017 of 23 August, the sale and/or advertising of wild/exotic animals through websites or online platforms is not permitted. To find out which animals we currently have available and their conditions of sale, please get in touch with us.