Burmese Python

Burmese python (© RVC)

Introduction

The Burmese python (Python molurus) is a python (family Boidea). Their life span may be 10-15 years.

Morphology

Burmese pythons have an intricate pattern of markings of irregular brown blotches on a yellow background. The Burmese python is widely bred in captivity and comes in a number of mutant forms including albino. They can grow rapidly, attaining 2 metres in length in their first year and perhaps reaching 8 metres.

Free-Living

• Distribution – Burmese pythons are native to India, Ceylon and southeast Asia.
• Habitat – They are often found near water, and are both terrestrial and arboreal.
• Diet – Burmese pythons constrict mammals and birds.

Captivity

• Cage – Terrestrial and arboreal requirements are necessary and the size of cage should be related to the size of snake.
• Temperature - Optimum air temperature during the day is 29°C to 35°C (85°F to 95°F) and at night is 24°C to 27°C (75°F to 80°F). A temperature gradient should be provided so that the snake can move to slightly cooler or warmer temperatures.
• Humidity – A humidity of approximately 60% is preferred.
• Diet – A variety of prey can be fed and includes mice, rats, rabbits, chickens, and guinea pigs. Feed once to twice every 10 days.
• Reproduction – Burmese pythons are relatively easy to breed in captivity. They are oviparous and

usually lay between 30-50 eggs (up to 100 recorded). The female incubates the eggs by curling around them and "twitching" her muscles. The young are 45 to 60 cm at birth.

• Veterinary considerations - Common medical problems include diseases associated with low cage

temperatures such as respiratory infections and necrotic stomatitis, anorexia and obesity.