The rarer morphs can get expensive if you’re looking to buy one from a retic breeder. Some of the hybrid morphs — two different species of reticulated python that have been breeded together — can be the priciest. These include morphs like the bateater, which is a combination of a reticulated python and a burmese python. One step further, for example, is the jungle burmese, which is a combination of a burmese python and a bateater, so there are three different morphs being combined into one.

With so many combinations, there are many different types of reticulated pythons out there. It’s truly a beautiful snake. I think the albinos are my favorite, as they exhibit a really cool shade of off-white on their skin. That, coupled with a diamond pattern, makes for a very cool-looking snake.

Some morphs are categorized as double or triple allele, referring to the different genetic versions being carried in a single cell. What is your favorite type of python?

Are you sure you want to buy one of the world’s largest snakes? They can be easy to take care of when they’re young. You don’t even have to feed them that much. But as they grow older, they’ll get MUCH bigger. You’ll likely have to keep upgrading your heating equipment, cages and what not. Also, you’ll have to seek out food like large rabbits and small pigs to feed an adult.

On that note, you should feed prey to your reticulated python that is approximately 150% larger than the largest portion of your snake’s body. That can get expensive!

Be prepared to justify your purchase to retic breeders, as many of them qualify their buyers before handing over the snakes.

One great way to give a python a customized enclosure that they will be able to enjoy is by using a large habitat cage. These are metal structures with strong mesh caging that keep the area enclosed. It should be noted that these are not as easy to use when trying to maintain a set temperature. They may be better used in most situations as a place for a snake to get a change of scenery from its regular cage.

Most of these habitat cages are large and stand tall vertically. They require a bit of time to install, but the process is not difficult and anyone can handle it.

One of the reasons why these are loved so much is because of the way that they allow fresh air to circulate in and out of the enclosure. The snakes like to get this air and it provides them with the feel of a realistic outdoor habitat.

But how has the reticulated python spread so far throughout Southeast Asia? How did they reach many of the remote islands that are many miles off the coast of the mainland?

The answer is that they swam there. Reticulated pythons are very strong swimmers. They have been observed swimming in not only fresh water lakes and rivers, but also in open ocean environments. Large pythons are easily spotted in the water by boaters and fisherman because of their massive size.

The climate in Southeast Asia is perfect for reticulated pythons, and it is assumed that they will only continue to spread further and further because of this. They move for the same reasons that any animals move. Food is a common reason, as they are always looking for new food sources. Overcrowding from people and new development projects could also entice them to less populated areas. And this is often done by swimming to new locations.

The reticulated python is part of the Boidae family, non-venemous but large and powerful snakes that rely on their size to take down larger prey. Anacondas and Burmese pythons are also popular species within the Boidae family.

The Elipidae family includes some of the most venemous snakes in the world, like the Black Mamba, cobras, the North American coral snake and kraits. Snakes in this family bear a set of hollow fangs that are used to bite and transport neurotoxic venom into its prey. The most poisonous land snake in the world, the inland taipan which is native to Australia, belongs to this family.

The Viperidae family includes copperheads, rattlesnakes, bushmater, water moccasins, and many more.

Another popular family is the Colubrida, which includes snakes that are mostly non-venemous–or, relatively less venemous than elapids or viperids–like the corn snake, bull snake, king snake and garter snake. Colubrids may be less venemous, but some of their bites still require immediate medical attention.

So, as you can see, the reticulated python is one of many different types of snakes.

Meet, Selene, a reticulated python whose owner is cool enough to share video footage. Selene is almost a two-person snake, and even though she is a dwarf reticulated python, she is still growing and is quite large. The owner gives us a tip for those brave enough to hold a big snake around their neck. You can grab the tail in a certain way to prevent being choked.

Selene’s owner says that many people complain about the behavior of their Jampea dwarf reticulated pythons. He doesn’t, as Selene sas always been a well-behaved snake. The owner says this with a particular caveat, however, as Selene only has a good attitude as long as she isn’t about to eat, or think it’s feeding time.

There needs to be a warmer and a cooler area of the enclosure.

The warmer area needs to be in the range of 88-92 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a place where they python can get the heat that it needs, which is similar to if it were out laying in the sun in the wild.

The cooler area needs to be somewhere between 77-80 degrees, and will take up most of the space in the enclosure. The only area to be very warm should be in the place specifically made for the higher temperature.

It is important that you keep a thorough eye on the temperatures and that you have a plan should the power go out. You don’t want the temperature to dip too far down before you take action.

So how do you heat the enclosure? There are several ways. Most people use special heating bulbs that can control temperatures well. You can find these at any pet store. Heating pads are also used by quite a lot of people, and they are placed underneath the enclosure.

In this post I want to go over a few main tips for how you can make the enclosure that your python lives in as comfortable as possible.

First, you what size if your python?

Smaller sized pythons usually prefer a smaller sized enclosure. You would think that they would appreciate as much space as possible, but this is not often true. Believe it or not, they appreciate the feeling of being enclosed, so the smaller the snake, the smaller the enclosure should be.

For a large python, the cage should be large. But how large? Your aim in terms of width should be a little more than half of the length of the snake. Many enclosures will advertise that they have additional height, but this usually takes away a bit of width. You should always be more concerned with the width, after all, your snake is very close to the ground.

Your enclosure should have a very warm area, as well as a cooler area, preferably as far apart from one another as possible.

It seems obvious, but it’s worth warning that the enclosure you choose should be very durable and have a lock on it that is of great strength. Reticulated pythons are extremely strong and need to be enclosed with that fact in mind.

So, where do you buy reticulated pythons? Fortunately, there are many breeders you can find online, both regional and international. Reticulated pythons tend to be expensive, so it’s important to do as much research and due diligence as you can before making the purchase. Aside from a number of different breeds, each snake can have its own personality and each breeder might have better specimens.

It’s important to ask the right questions. A good reticulated python breeder will be highly educated about the breed, health and temperament of his or her snakes. Also, a responsible breeder will vet you just as much as you’ll be vetting him or her. Be prepared to be put through a screening process, as reticulated pythons are high-valued specimens of nature and only deserve the very best owners.

Finally, a responsible reticulated python breeder should offer some kind of post-sale support to answer any questions as you adjust to your new life with your snake. Should circumstances prevent you from fulfilling your responsibility as a breeder, the reticulated python breeder should be willing to assist you in finding your snake a new home. Make sure to ask about this.

The Guinness Book of World Records lists the longest snake ever found at 32.75 feet (10 meters), a reticulated python found in Celebes, Indonesia in 1912. The British newspaper, The Guardian, sent a reporter to Indonesia to measure the snake and to verify its reported measurements. Unsurprisingly, the reporter found the numbers to be exaggerated. The snake, known as Fragrant Flower, measured between 21 and 23 feet in length and had an estimated weight of a little over 200 pounds.

Snake handler Imam Darmanto offered a handful of reasons for the discrepancies in measurement. Things like weather, how recently the snake had eaten and when it has last shed its skin. Regardless of whether or not these variables affect a snake’s length, they certainly wouldn’t have accounted for such a large discrepancy.

Would have been cool, but not real!