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Stimson’s Python

Stimson’s Python

(Antaresia Stimsoni) – category 3

Stimson’s Pythons can live  up to 20 years plus and are active both day and night!

 

 

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Necessities

  • Vivarium night                   Thermostat
  • Night heat globe                Thermometer
  • Substrate                          Hide rock
  • water bowl

Housing

Stimson pythons are terrestrial meaning the are ground dwellers. so a long enclosure rather than a taller one is more ideal option for these snakes hatch lings will need some think they cannot get out of as the are great escape artists!! Have a good look at the dimensions and ventilation of commercial enclosures if you intend to build your own. Fish tanks are not recommended as glass loses heat to quickly, it has poor ventilation and heat from the lighting may crack the glass. they are also difficult to secure and escapes are a hazard.

Substrate

Desert blend, aspen bedding, and newspaper or butches paper are a good clean substrate. Marine carpet is another excellent substrate and you can have several pieces always clean and ready. whatever substrate is used must be kept clean, your python cannot escape its own excrement, when in an enclosure. PLEASE NOTE  sand is no longer considered a safe substrate to use as it can harbor parasites and other disease causing pathogens.

Humidity and Water

Provide a water bowl large enough and deep enough for individuals to completely submerge in. Bathing is essential for sloughing. Ensure water bowls are cleaned regularly  – not only are they for bathing, they are also a source of drinking water.

Temperature and Lighting

Place a nocturnal basking lamp at one end of the enclosure so there is a warm end and a cool end (thermal gradient) allowing the python to heat up and cool off, as it requires. The hot spot should be approximately 28 – 35 degrees. (but remember your enclosures should be large enough to have a thermal gradient of at least 5- 8 or more). the size of the enclosure will determine the wattage of the heat lamp used. ensure the UV lighting is approx 20 cm from the python at all times or skin and eye damage can occur, your python can get sunburnt.

Food

At place road pets we have a range of frozen rodents that are commercially available. we also offer a range of day old chickens and young quails as different option for feeding your python.The size and quantity is relevant to the size of the python. Offer food from every 3-4 days or every 5-7 days depending on the size of your python. Hatchlings should be feed every day.

Handling

Pythons do get used to handling and often seem to enjoy it. please don’t allow them onto the floor evan if your think is safe. they are quick and can easily get stuck, hurt, lost or evan escape. Don’t handle after they have eaten at least for a few days. wash your hands before and after handling your python.

Recommended Extras

Repti Hand- hand cleaner that removes bacteria and food smells from your skin. use before and after handling your python to clean your hands.

A rough edged water bowl, rock or branch is required to help with the start of shedding.

Include branches to climb for stimulation and exercise

Hygrometer – to measure humidity

Heat mat – can be used in conjunction with the heat lamp for ground basking

Heat rock –  can be used in conjunction with the heat lamp for ground basking

Feeding tongs, feeding dishes, plastic plants

you should add branches, hide logs, small pot plants and/or plastic plants for a more natural looking environment. we do not recommend logs, branches etc from the bush as it can bring unwanted parasites and pathogens into your enclosures.

 

Recommended Websites

www.parksandwildlife.gov.au