Children's Python Snake
Quick Start Care Guide

- Habitat

Environmental Conditions

Creating an optimal habitat for Children's Pythons involves maintaining a suitable temperature gradient and humidity level. The enclosure should have a basking spot maintained between 32-38°C (90-100°F) and a cooler end around 24-27°C (75-80°F). Nighttime temperatures must not drop below 21°C (70°F). It's also crucial to maintain humidity levels between 20-80%. Providing a water bowl large enough for the snake to soak in, along with a humid hide filled with moist sphagnum moss, allows the snake to regulate its humidity needs. Install a UVB light to keep a clear day/night cycle, aiding in the regulation of their circadian rhythm, even though Children's Pythons are primarily nocturnal. Regular monitoring of temperatures is essential, using digital probe thermometers or infrared temperature guns, and employing a thermostat, dimmer switch, or rheostat can help maintain proper heat output.

Space and Layout

The enclosure size is important to the well-being of Children's Pythons. A minimum size of 90cm L x 45cm W x 40cm H is recommended for juveniles, while adult snakes should have an enclosure that measures at least 36" L x 18" W x 18" H. To provide ample room for movement and exploration, many keepers opt for larger enclosures, such as 40 or 75-gallon tanks. Furnish the enclosure with multiple hides—one on the warm side, one on the cool side, and a humid hide. Including branches for climbing, as Children's Pythons relish arboreal activities, as well as fake plants or cork bark, will create a stimulating environment.

Resting and Sleeping Area

To ensure a comfortable resting and sleeping area for Children's Pythons, it is essential to include multiple hides within the enclosure, strategically located on both the warm and cool sides. This provides the snakes with secure places to retreat to, contributing to their sense of safety and comfort. Additionally, a humid hide filled with moist sphagnum moss can help maintain the necessary humidity for the snake's health.

Bathroom or Defecation Zone

Children's pythons typically defecate in a specific area of their enclosure, often choosing a corner or hiding spot as their designated bathroom zone. In captivity, these snakes tend to be quite tidy and will usually pick one spot to consistently use for elimination. Providing multiple hide boxes or cave-like structures in the enclosure allows the snake to select a private area for defecation away from its basking and feeding zones. Regular spot-cleaning of this area helps maintain hygiene and prevent odors. The snake's feces should be firm and well-formed - loose or runny stools can indicate health issues. Monitoring the snake's bathroom habits and cleaning schedule is an important part of proper husbandry for children's pythons.

Safety and Enrichment

Safety and enrichment are key components of a Children's Python's habitat. Substrates such as aspen bedding, bark, or reptile carpet are recommended, along with a layer of clean, chemical-free leaf litter on top to assist in humidity maintenance and to mimic a more natural environment. It’s important to avoid substrates that could cause impaction if ingested. The enclosure should be furnished with enriching items like branches, fake plants, or cork bark while avoiding sharp-edged objects, ensuring the safety and comfort of the snake.

- Diet

Nutritional Requirements

Children's Pythons are strict carnivores, primarily consuming small mammals and reptiles in the wild. In captivity, their diet should include appropriately sized rodents such as mice or rats, ensuring that the size of the prey is about 10% to 15% of the snake's body weight or roughly equal to the largest part of the snake's girth. Specifically, adult Children's Pythons can be fed adult mice to weaned rats, while juveniles should start with newborn pinky mice, gradually increasing the size as they grow.

Feeding Schedule and Portions

For juvenile Children's Pythons, feed them one prey item every 5 to 7 days to support their growth, while adult snakes typically eat every 7 to 14 days; some keepers opt for a biweekly schedule. It's essential to maintain a consistent feeding schedule, though adjustments may be necessary based on individual needs, body condition, and appetite. Many snake keepers also recommend feeding in a separate enclosure to minimize substrate ingestion and help the snake dissociate its habitat from feeding times. Additionally, if a Children's Python refuses food, it’s important not to panic. These snakes can go extended periods without eating; however, if the refusal lasts too long or if accompanied by changes in behavior or condition, consulting a veterinarian is advised.

Water and Hydration

Providing fresh, clean water is crucial for Children's Pythons. It's recommended to offer water daily in a bowl that is large enough for the snake to fully submerge its body, as they sometimes enjoy soaking.

Dietary Variety and Supplements

Children's pythons have fairly simple dietary needs and typically do not require supplements when fed a proper diet. A varied diet of appropriately-sized whole prey items like mice and rats provides all the nutrition these snakes need. Offering different prey species occasionally, such as small birds or lizards, can add beneficial variety. However, supplementation is generally unnecessary for healthy children's pythons on a diet of whole rodents. The key is to provide prey items that are the right size - about 1-1.5 times the width of the snake's body at its thickest point. As the snake grows, gradually increase prey size rather than frequency. Adult children's pythons usually eat every 1-2 weeks, while juveniles may eat weekly. Always feed pre-killed prey to avoid injury to the snake. With a proper feeding schedule of whole prey items, additional supplements are not needed for this hardy species.

Special Dietary Considerations

When feeding frozen prey, ensure it is thoroughly thawed and warmed to mimic the body temperature of live prey before offering it. If using live prey, always supervise the feeding process to prevent any potential injuries to the snake. After feeding, it is best to avoid handling your Children's Python for at least 24 to 48 hours to prevent stress and potential regurgitation. Additionally, be cautious of overfeeding, as obesity can lead to serious health issues. Regularly monitor your snake's body condition and adjust feeding accordingly.

- Hygiene

Grooming and Cleaning

Children's pythons are adept at self-cleaning and typically do not require regular bathing. However, providing a large water bowl that allows for soaking is essential, as it aids in shedding and overall hygiene. It is crucial to clean the water bowl daily and disinfect it weekly with a reptile-safe disinfectant. Ensure the bowl is sufficiently large for the snake to submerge its body completely, yet shallow enough to prevent drowning. Daily spot cleaning of the enclosure by removing feces, urates, or shed skin is necessary. A thorough cleaning, including substrate replacement and disinfection of all surfaces and decorations, should be carried out every 4-6 weeks. Additionally, during shedding, offering a humid hide filled with damp sphagnum moss can facilitate a smooth shedding process. If your snake struggles to shed, gently assist it by placing it in a warm water container (25-29°C) for up to an hour to help with any retained skin.

Living Area Sanitation

To maintain ideal hygiene, regularly inspect your Children's python's enclosure, ensuring it is away from other reptiles to limit the risk of disease spread. Use separate cleaning equipment for each enclosure, especially if housing different reptiles, to prevent cross-contamination. Furthermore, be diligent in monitoring the enclosure's humidity levels, which should remain between 20-80% to support healthy skin and optimal shedding conditions. Using a hygrometer will help ensure accurate readings.

Dental and Skin Care

While Children's pythons do not require dental care or regular nail trimming, it is vital to create an environment that allows them to naturally maintain their scales and skin health. Providing appropriate substrates and climbing branches will aid in the natural wearing down of scales and promote overall skin hygiene.

Parasite and Pest Prevention

Regular inspections for signs of parasites such as mites or ticks are essential for maintaining your Children's python's health. If any issues are detected, consult a reptile veterinarian for the best treatment options. Additionally, consistent health monitoring will help identify any abnormalities in your snake's skin, eyes, or mouth, including signs of retained shed or respiratory issues, warranting immediate veterinary attention.

- Exercise

Physical Activity Needs

Children's pythons, while generally sedentary, still have notable physical activity needs to ensure their health and well-being. In the wild, they can travel up to 300 meters in a single night. To cater to their exercise needs in captivity, it is essential to provide a spacious enclosure, ideally measuring at least 3 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 2 feet tall for an adult snake. This ample space enables them to stretch out, climb, and explore their surroundings, mimicking their natural behaviors. Incorporating climbing opportunities with branches, logs, or sturdy artificial plants is vital, as these semi-arboreal snakes enjoy climbing and require physical activity to stay healthy.

Play and Enrichment

To enrich the environment of your Children's python, create multiple hiding spots using items like cork bark, hollow logs, or commercial reptile hides, strategically placed on both the warm and cool sides of the enclosure for thermoregulation and security. Adding a thick layer of substrate, such as coconut fiber or cypress mulch, will encourage burrowing behavior and mimic their natural habitat. Regularly rearranging the enclosure items, roughly once a month, is helpful to provide new exploration opportunities and keep your snake engaged. Furthermore, using puzzle feeders or hiding food in various locations stimulates natural hunting behaviors, enhancing their play experience.

Safe Exercise Spaces

Providing a safe space for supervised exploration outside of the enclosure can significantly benefit your Children's python's exercise regimen. Before allowing your snake to explore in a secure room, ensure that all potential hazards are removed. Additionally, introducing novel objects or textures, like different types of bark or safe, wash-friendly items, can encourage your snake to investigate and engage in play during these sessions.

Mental Stimulation

Mental stimulation is important for a Children's python's psychological well-being. Consider varying the feeding methods by offering smaller prey items or placing food in different locations, simulating natural foraging behavior. Handling your snake in a way that allows it to move freely will not only provide exercise but also help in building trust between you and your pet. Always monitor your snake's behavior, as individual activity levels can vary, allowing you to adjust enrichment activities to suit their preferences and comfort levels.

- Vet

Preventative Care

Preventive care for Children's pythons is vital for their long-term health. Ensure that you maintain proper enclosure conditions, offer a balanced diet, and provide fresh water at least twice weekly, cleaning the water bowl daily. It's also essential to implement a rigorous maintenance and cleanliness regime; spot-check for feces daily and conduct a thorough cleaning of the enclosure monthly with a reptile-safe disinfectant. Although UVB lighting isn't strictly necessary, providing it can enhance your python's immune system and aid in digestion.

Signs of Illness

Being aware of the signs of illness in Children's pythons can make a significant difference in their health outcomes. Common symptoms include noisy breathing, mucus discharge from the mouth or nose, unexplained weight loss, and large patches of missing scales. Other indicators are discolored belly scales, swelling or bumps on the body, and sudden, unusually aggressive behavior. If you observe any of these signs, it is crucial to schedule an appointment with an experienced reptile vet promptly, as conditions like pneumonia require immediate and aggressive treatment.

- Training