New Savu Python!!! ...questions

[SoPhilly]

So, I have the opportunity to pick up a 4yr old female Savu Python in a couple weeks, and could use some advice on her enclosure. She's about 3 1/2 feet long. What size setup do I need? I've always used the rule of thumb of at least 1 sq ft of floor space per 1 ft of snake - I'm thinking 36"x18" - but are they climbers who would appreciate some height as well? And what temps/humidity/substrate do you recommend? I know this is not that common of a snake - but I know there are at least a few people on here who keep them :). I love Savu's and Macklott's and am super excited :bouncy: to get one, but thought I'd check with people who've actually owned one.

[marvelfreak]

They will burrow and climb. 36"x18" will work just fine. They also love to soak.They tend to be very curious and love to explore. Temp wise i give them a hot spot of 98 and cool end around 75 F. Mine seem to go from begin on the heat to soaking to back on the heat. Humidity i keep around 40 to 50%. Mine soak so much that i don't worry about it to much accept when in shed.

[IW17]

Do you really give them a hot spot of 98? Just curious if that was real or meant to be 88. I'm interested in these myself so I just wanna clarify.

[SoPhilly]

Thanks Marvelfreak! I've been searching online for caresheets, there are more for the white-lipped Macklot's than the Savus, from what I've found... and the ones I can find seem to differ widely in recommendations. I've seen "no special humidity requirements" to "needs moderately high humidity". One sheet said 75% hum., another said the species is prone to scale rot and to never let it get too humid. Grr. Right now I'm thinking aspen bedding (to give her somthing to burrow in) that I'll mist every so often, more when she's in shed. I'm also curious about that hot spot temp - everything I've read seems to say 90 for the basking spot, but if yours hang out in the heat at that temp, I'm going with you.

[marvelfreak]

Do you really give them a hot spot of 98? Just curious if that was real or meant to be 88. I'm interested in these myself so I just wanna clarify.
My bad i meant 89. (had the numbers backwards) Both my Savu have moved all the Reptile bark directly over the heat pad so with the bark it's 89 with it moved it's 92. Guess it wasn't hot enough for them.

[marvelfreak]

Thanks Marvelfreak! I've been searching online for caresheets, there are more for the white-lipped Macklot's than the Savus, from what I've found... and the ones I can find seem to differ widely in recommendations. I've seen "no special humidity requirements" to "needs moderately high humidity". One sheet said 75% hum., another said the species is prone to scale rot and to never let it get too humid. Grr. Right now I'm thinking aspen bedding (to give her somthing to burrow in) that I'll mist every so often, more when she's in shed. I'm also curious about that hot spot temp - everything I've read seems to say 90 for the basking spot, but if yours hang out in the heat at that temp, I'm going with you.
The information on them is almost zilch. On the Island Savu that they come from they can be found all over the island. From the highest peaks all the way down to along the sea shore. So from coming from the smallest range of any python they have one of the large range habitat wise.

I have my two together right now trying to breed them. She a proven breeder had 11 eggs her first clutch. Then had last year off so hopefully i'll have some babies by summers end. I just love this guys they have some much personalty. They remind me of Scrub pythons only mini version.

[IW17]

My bad i meant 89. (had the numbers backwards) Both my Savu have moved all the Reptile bark directly over the heat pad so with the bark it's 89 with it moved it's 92. Guess it wasn't hot enough for them.

Lol I was gonna say, dang them snakes like it warm! They really are sweet animals. One of these days I'll get one.

[SoPhilly]

89 degrees. Got it. Important difference lol. I love them too - I agree they have really cool personalities. Was just looking at pics/video of your savus, Marvel - awesome animals. That dark male is really cool- you usually only see males that are speckled. Definitely keep me posted if they breed, I'd love a male with the potential to be that color!

[marvelfreak]

89 degrees. Got it. Important difference lol. I love them too - I agree they have really cool personalities. Was just looking at pics/video of your savus, Marvel - awesome animals. That dark male is really cool- you usually only see males that are speckled. Definitely keep me posted if they breed, I'd love a male with the potential to be that color!
Will do! I need to get some new pictures of them but don't want to mess with them to much. Not a 100% sure but i think they might have locked a couple times in the water bowl. Look like but hard to tail because they have such long tails. I need to get pictures of the males spurts. I never seen then even close to as long as his are.

[marvelfreak]

Hey Philly don't forget to post some pictures when you get her.

[Sublimeballs]

I'd also love to see pics, I really like macklots and savus.

[SoPhilly]

Oh, I will, haha - you guys are going to be sick of seeing her :). It'll still be a couple weeks, though. My birthday's in February and this is a present.