Info on White lips?

moshirimon · 07-25-12, 09:52 AM

It's always been a dream of mine to own a white-lipped pyton (Leiopython). I have recently been seriousley considering it. Could anyone throw me some info on them and why i see so few of them? also how much do they usually go for?

Norm66 · 07-25-12, 10:03 AM

There was one at the expo I was at last weekend, but I didn't inquire. I've been tempted a couple times on auctions but never won. Good thing actually as I have no idea what their requirements are. Very neat looking critters.

MoreliAddict · 07-25-12, 10:14 AM

Pretty sure White Lips are cage-defensive so a bit of aggression when you're pulling them out should be something you can deal with. I've heard that once out, they're fine though.

marvelfreak · 07-25-12, 10:18 AM

My buddy Shawn got one about 3 months ago and keeps it just like his Carpets. They do require high humidity. They can be picky eaters but are fast growing. Their speed is insane. Can be cage aggressive but mellow once out. It very curious like Carpets. that about all i know. As for price he got his for a $100.00, but they usually run closer to $200.00

UwabamiReptiles · 07-25-12, 10:21 AM

I've looked into them as well. Here is a pretty good site to check out if you haven't already. http://http://leiopython.de/en/main.html

From what I've read on them is that they can be handfuls at times, but there are people who say the complete opposite. Just like every other snake, some are defensive more than others. Either way, an adult white lip is a beautiful snake no doubt.

snake man12 · 07-25-12, 12:51 PM

There was a thread a couple months ago darn I wish I could find it.

Necrias · 07-26-12, 11:16 AM

I have been contemplating getting a group of WLPs, so I have been doing a ton of research on them, here's a quick summary:

-There are very few CB white lips, mainly because they are so hard to breed. CB will cost significantly more than WC, but will likely be less "aggressive"

-They are semi-arboreal and will top out around 6-7 ft, so a 3x2 cage would be fine, especially if there are perches available.

-They are very much like carpets, except that they require high(ish) humidity and have a much stronger feeding response. Some can be very calm once out of the enclosure, but I would be prepared for a snake that needs welding gloves and a snake hook to handle. I believe that this isn't necessarily due to "aggression" but rather a lack of quality/reliable CB breeding stock and their high feeding response. I think they assume anything with a heat signature is either food or a predator, so that contributes to their reputation of being "heat seeking missiles with teeth" lol.

-Reports of humidity requirements seem to vary, but 60% would likely be fine.

-The only US breeder I know of is Tom Koegan. Last year his Northerns were going for $300, and Southerns were $700. WC animals typically go for 20-50% less than that.

If you are looking for a challenging yet rewarding snake, I say go for it! If it doesn't work out, you can always send it to me

RobsCornField · 07-26-12, 05:02 PM

I've got one, and he's all kinds of fun! The cage aggressiveness can be a bit interesting to deal with at first, but I have yet to get bit. I have some better pictures on my home computer that I can post once I get home for the day.

moshirimon · 07-28-12, 12:51 AM

Beautiful white lip Rob!! I love you're rare, and unusual snake collection.

thanks alot for all the info guys. alots exactly what i expected but alot is not. Think i'm going to wait a while but this is definitely near the top of my "to get" list lol.

**millertime89** · 07-28-12, 01:56 AM

Gorgeous pythons. Their temper sounds a lot like dwarf and SD retics, cage defensive, fast, crazy food response, you've got your Jamp so you'll be more than ready for a snake half the size with the same attitude when you decide to get one.

RobsCornField · 07-28-12, 03:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moshirimon

Beautiful white lip Rob!! I love you're rare, and unusual snake collection.

thanks alot for all the info guys. alots exactly what i expected but alot is not. Think i'm going to wait a while but this is definitely near the top of my "to get" list lol.

Haha! Thank you! There's really only two species I have that are "unusual". The other being my O. moellendorffi. Most of the rest of my collection is fairly run of the mill stuff, although I am looking to start selling off some of my corns in favor of some more Old World colubrids, SD retics, and dwarf burms once I get my license.