How to look after a Carpet Python Care Guide

This comprehensive care guide will show you how to look after a Carpet Python in 3 easy steps

Fast Carpet Python (Morelia spilota) Snake Facts:

How long will my Carpet Python live? They can live 25+ years

How big will my Carpet Python grow? They will grow to between 1.8 and 3.5 metres

What size of tank is recommended for my Carpet Python? They require an enclosure of at least 90 x 60 x 120cm

What does a Carpet Python eat? - Frozen mice, rats, quails and rabbits.

How easy is it to look after a snake? They are a low maintenance pet

Carpet Python Housing

Carpet pythons are large, heavy bodied, semi-arboreal snakes. As adults it's important that they are housed in an enclosure with adequate height enabling them to climb.

For one adult carpet python, an enclosure of at least 90 x 60 x 120cm is recommended, however extra length is also beneficial. Hatchling pythons should be kept in a smaller enclosure for the first 10-12 months of their life. It is important that the enclosure has sufficient ventilation as well as a secure, lockable door.
The enclosure should be furnished to re-create the animals natural environment including the use of a background, artificial plants and rock ornaments as well as timber branches for climbing and basking. An absorbent substrate is also important such as coco fibre or aspen bedding.

Carpet Python Care

Carpet Pythons have a very specific set of requirements in regards to general care, however if all of these elements are provided they are relatively low maintenance to keep.

Providing adequate temperature gradients within a python's enclosure is essential for their health and wellbeing. Most carpet pythons require a basking spot maintained between 30-34˚C and a cool end of 22-26˚C during the day. Night time temperatures should not drop below 21˚C. However, specific temperature requirements vary between carpet python subspecies.

Temperatures should be checked daily and must be regulated with the use of a good quality thermostat. Recommended sources of heat include the use of incandescent, halogen or ceramic globes as well as heat mats and heat cords.
Being primarily nocturnal species, ultraviolet light (UV) is not as essential to carpet pythons (with the exception of diamond pythons) as it is to other species of reptile. However, Kellyville Pets recommends the use of ultraviolet (UV) lighting with all python species. There are a number of positive benefits to a python's health by providing them with UV lighting. A 5.0 - 7.0 T5 UVB tube is an ideal source of artificial UV light.

Pythons require a 'day and night' cycle with lights running for approximately 10-12 hours each day, set on a timer. Python's also benefit from short periods of access to unfiltered, natural light outdoors.

It is important to maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene within the python's enclosure. Daily 'spot checks' should be carried out and any faeces, shed skin or uneaten food removed immediately. A full substrate change should be carried out every 2-3 months (depending on what substrate is used) and the enclosure thoroughly cleaned with a reptile-safe disinfectant, such as F10 SC .

Carpet Python Feeding

In the wild, carpet pythons prey upon a variety of different animals including rodents, birds, possums and even bats. They are opportunistic, ambush predators and will eat whenever food is available.

In captivity, carpet pythons can be fed on a range of different foods depending on their age and size. Readily available python foods at Kellyville Pets include commercially bred frozen mice, rats, quail and rabbits.
A juvenile python should be fed an appropriately sized rat or mouse once a week. Adult carpet pythons can be fed a large rat or rabbit every two to three weeks. Food items must be completely thawed and warmed up (place in zip lock bag in hot water) before being offered to the snake.
It is recommended to feed captive pythons in a designated 'feeding' tub, separate to their normal enclosure. Live rodents should never be offered to a python as this poses many potential risks to the snake.
It is also good practice to keep a record book of when a python eats, what sized food item it takes as well as when it sheds its skin. Fresh water should also be available to the python at all times and changed regularly.

Carpet Python Licensing

All native reptiles are protected in NSW and a Reptile Keeper's licence must be obtained from the Office of Environment and Heritage to own one as a pet.
You can apply for a licence online through the OEH website or alternatively, our specialist reptile staff would be more than happy to assist you in applying for your licence in-store.

We have created a Shopping list to show what you need to look after a Carpet Python:

Enclosure; 90 x 60 x 120cm minimum
Water bowl
Hide
Substrate
Basking log
Background
Artificial plants
Heat fitting and globe
UV fitting and globe
Thermostat
Heat mat
Thermometer
Timer
Reptile disinfectant
Frozen food
Feeding tongs
Feeding enclosure

Common health issues in Carpet Pythons

Mites: Reptile mites cause significant irritation to pythons. A python may submerge itself in it's water bowl if it is infested with mites.

Dysecdysis (Abnormal Shedding): Low humidity levels can sometimes result in a python having an 'incomplete' shed.

Respiratory Infection: A bacterial or viral infection that may be caused by incorrect temperature, inadequate ventilation or too much humidity.

Red flags

Is your Carpet Python showing any of the signs of disease or illness? If yes, please consult your reptile vet.

Loss of appetite
Consistently submerging in water bowl
Wheezing sound when breathing
Fluid or discharge from mouth or nostrils
Diarrhoea

At Kellyville Pets, we encourage responsible pet ownership.

CARE GUIDE © Copyright 2016 Kellyville Pets - All information found in this care guide is based upon our own experience. The information provided is not the only information available. In any medical situations, you should always consult your vet, including questions regarding your pet's diet.