Spotted python?

Wtfalcons111 · 05-19-10, 07:55 PM

Does anyone own a spotted python? I'm just looking for someone who has some experiance with them to let me know how they like them...Any info would be great!

Thanks

marvelfreak · 05-19-10, 11:27 PM

Willow783 does she be the one to ask.

Will0W783 · 05-20-10, 09:30 AM

I actually own Stimson's pythons, which are from the same genus, Antaresia, but are not exactly the same thing. Care for all the Antaresia species is basically the same. Stimson's pythons are more rigidly dry climate snakes, but spotteds can live in a wide variety of habitats, from rainforests to coasts to desert-like areas. They are very hardy snakes and usually are very easily kept in captivity. They don't get huge: 3-4 feet is the norm and are usually docile. They can be nippy if not handled though. I have a female Stim who occasionally tries to taste my hand but once she is out and knows no food is coming she's a sweetie.
You can keep them in plastic sweaterbox Sterilite containers or a 20-gallon long tank or a 3-foot enclosure (Vision, Boa Master, Boaphile). I personally keep my gals in a 2.5'x2' melamine cage and I put the male and his mate of the year into a sweaterbox tub for breeding. My one female laid a clutch on Mother's day and the other female is currently in with my male.
They are awesome snakes and I couldn't be happier with the little guys. They are very pretty and very much pythons, but small and unassuming. They also seem to be quite curious and exploratory.

You will want rather high temperatures though. A basking area of 100-103 is not too hot with an ambient cool end of 85. The only problem I've had with mine was not realizing just how hot they like it and my first female had a mild RI for a few weeks until I got the temps up and did a course of Amikacin.

Wtfalcons111 · 05-20-10, 09:49 PM

Alright thank you very much for all the information!! On average how much would you say a baby spotted python would cost? Their is one at my local reptile shop but since i don't know the usual prices im not sure what to expect.

Will0W783 · 05-21-10, 09:29 AM

Depends on who you buy them from. Babies are usually $75-150. Adults run around $150-300, depending on bloodline, proven breeder or not, person you're buying from's reputation and history. I would be leery of buying a snake from a pet store- often they do not know what they are doing and do not provide proper conditions or treat for parasites.