Buying and Owning a Reticulated Python

The reticulated python is a type of boid, or non-venomous snake species, that is found mostly in Southeast Asia. Most people are familiar with the reticulated python being the longest snake in the world – the longest ever found was about 33 feet in length! Most of these snakes, in captivity, will grow to be longer than 12 feet.

The Latin, or scientific, name is “Python reticulatus.” There are other common names as well, namely the Asiatic reticulated python and the regal python.

The word “reticulated” is used in reference to the snake’s skin pattern. While there are many different breeds within the species, reticulated pythons tend to have large splotches of one color, with comparatively thin lines of other colors that surround the splotches. There are other animals that exhibit these color properties, like the reticulated giraffe.

Reticulated pythons can live up to 30 years in captivity. They are slender creatures, highly muscular with a round girth, and while most of them have a rope or net-like pattern on a tan or silver background, different breeds can be extremely variable in design. Like other snakes, the skin of the reticulated python can actually change colors over time!

Reticulated Python Habitat and Geography

Native to coastal Southeast Asia, the reticulated python has the largest range of any other type of python species. From Bangladesh and the Nicobar Islands to Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore, east to Indonesia and the Indo-Australian Archipelago and the many islands of the Philippines. Reticulated pythons can also be found in parts of Madagascar and Australia.

Despite so many habits around the world, the reticulated python is rarely seen in the wild. Heavily reliant on water, reticulated pythons congregate near swamps, small rivers or ponds in steamy and tropical forests. That said, these snakes can also be found in other habitats like savannah, rocky areas or open woodlands. A tropical environment with a temperature range of 80 to 92 degrees Fahrenheit is required.

Living close to water, reticulated pythons are superb swimmers and have been seen relatively far out in the ocean. It is because of this long swimming range that reticulated pythons have habituated so many of Southeast Asia’s small islands.

[image via benrenick.com]

The Feeding and Diet of the Reticulated Python

The natural diet includes warm-blooded animals, mostly mammals but sometimes small birds. Small pythons will eat small rodents like rats, while larger pythons (15+ feet) will eat larger prey, like civets, binturongs and sometimes pigs and small primates.

Over time, reticulated pythons have adapted to live in many type of environments; not only the wild, but also in cities and towns. There, they feed on ducks, rats, chickens, cats, pigs and dogs. Larger pythons can eat larger animals like wild boar, deer and monkeys.

In cities like Singapore and Bangkok, reticulated pythons have been found eating stray chickens and domesticated animals like dogs and cats. Watch out for children, folks.

A fun fact – reticulated pythons can swallow and digest prey up to its own weight, and up to a quarter of its own length. Known as ambush hunters, where they wait for their prey to come within striking distance, reticulated pythons can seek out their prey with special heat-sensitive areas in labial scales that surround the python’s lips. Even in a dark, dense jungle at night, the reticulated python can hunt.

Different Types of Reticulated Pythons

Similar to many other reptiles, the reticulated python has many different variations. Different breeds are born with different complex patterns and unique colors, and due to hybridization among reticulated python breeders, there is wide variation in type.

This site covers many of the more popular types of reticulated pythons. Some of the more common breeds you can find are: tiger, genetic stripe, golden child, albino, calico and sunfire. Like chameleons and some other reptiles, reticulated pythons have the ability to chance colors, transforming their shades and intensity as they move from habitat to habitat, or as they simply age.

One type mentioned above, the Calico breed, possesses a pure and white scalation which yields a stunning appearance compared to other breeds. The color of the eyes will vary among silver, orange or grey, and this type of reticulated python takes about three years to mature, which is how long it takes to exhibit the full manifestation of color.

Another breed of reticulated python, the Borneo Bateater – surely one of the coolest animal breed names out there – has vibrant orange eyes and black and olive patterns that some might describe as camouflage. The name Borneo Bateater comes from the jungles of Indonesia. This particular breed, which is the result of a hybrid between Burmese and reticulated pythons, is very expensive among breeders, as it is difficult to produce. In the wild, this snake is incredibly rare.

Buying a Reticulated Python: Expectations and Equipment

Interestingly enough, the reticulated python is quite common as a domestic pet. If you are serious about owning one of these snakes, it’s not only important to understand what you’re getting yourself into and how to properly take care of your pet, but it’s also imperative that you purchase the right equipment. Imagine owning a snake that grows more than 30 feet long. Many breeds are tame in behavior, but some are more aggressive, especially around feeding time.

A smaller snake should be fed every few days, with small rodents like rats and mice that can be purchased at the right store. Larger, adult reticulated pythons can be fed every 10 days or so with rabbits, small pigs and guinea pigs. Invite your friends over for feeding time!

Aside from the right food, there is some other equipment that you will need. A water dish, for example, as reticulated pythons get very thirsty. A large, shallow dish works best—make sure it’s constantly filled with fresh water.

Enclosure, as you might imagine, is extremely important. It needs to be safe and well-spaced, so that even if you buy a juvenile as a pet, you have room for a snake that can grow over 30 feet in length. The last thing you want is to come home one day and not be able to find a 30 foot snake—trust me, it’s happened.

Your cage needs to be free of sharp edges, ventilated but able to hold heat and easy to disinfect. A breeder can help walk you through the process of purchasing the right reptile cage. Keep in mind, you’ll also have to line the cage with a special substrate like specialty bark, but newspapers and paper towels can also be used.

To mimic the reticulated python’s natural tropical environment, you’ll need a basking bulb and heating pad.

As you can see, many things to think about when purchasing a reticulated python! Browse this site for additional information