Olive Python — Care Sheet & Morphs

Q: How big does an adult Olive Python get?

An adult Olive Python typically measures 2–4 m.

Husbandry requirements

Olive Python — origin: Australia (north and west). L. o. olivaceus: northern Australia; L. o. barroni (Pilbara olive python): the Pilbara region of Western Australia, in rocky gorges near permanent water sources. A protected species in Australia (export of wild animals prohibited); the barroni subspecies is listed as threatened/vulnerable under Australian federal law (EPBC Act). Favour captive-bred, traceable animals. Species NOT listed on CITES..

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min22 °C

Cool side24–27 °C

Warm side30–32 °C

Basking spot32–34 °C

A thermal gradient is essential: hot spot 32-34 °C, cool side 24-27 °C. A nighttime drop to ~22 °C is tolerated. Always protect heat sources (guard/cage) to prevent burns and control every element with a thermostat.

Enclosure (adult)

240 × 120 × 120 cm

A spacious and very robust terrestrial terrarium, with a stable rocky area and a large water body

Minimum dimensions for a medium-sized adult. Large individuals (barroni) require considerably larger (>= 300 cm long). A solid, perfectly locked enclosure (a powerful snake capable of forcing its way out). Provide sturdy hides on each side of the thermal gradient and stable climbing points/rocks.

Humidity

50–70 %

50-70%. Increase transiently during sheds and for incubation. Avoid stagnant humidity and insufficient ventilation (risk of respiratory infection and dermatitis).

Substrate

Aspen shavingsCoco fibre / topsoilCypress mulchNewspaper or paper towel (quarantine)

Absorbent, easy-to-clean substrate; avoid dusty or resinous substrates (pine, cedar).

UVB

Optional

Not strictly necessary (nocturnal species), but low UVB (Ferguson zone 1-2, ~2-5% UVB) is beneficial. Provide a regular photoperiod and shaded hides.

Water source

Always available

A large, clean water container allowing full immersion: a semi-aquatic species that bathes readily. Change the water regularly and clean the container.

Origin

Pythonidae

Australia (north and west). L. o. olivaceus: northern Australia; L. o. barroni (Pilbara olive python): the Pilbara region of Western Australia, in rocky gorges near permanent water sources. A protected species in Australia (export of wild animals prohibited); the barroni subspecies is listed as threatened/vulnerable under Australian federal law (EPBC Act). Favour captive-bred, traceable animals. Species NOT listed on CITES.

Feeding & health

Diet

Strict carnivore (mammals and birds) — Rodents, rabbits and appropriately sized poultry/chicks (prey about 1 to 1.5 times the width of the body).

Very strong feeding response: feed with a hook/tongs, at a distance, to avoid accidental bites. Adults fed every 2 to 4 weeks. Thawed prey only (no live prey). Avoid overfeeding (obesity, hepatic lipidosis).

Breeding

Oviparous

Clutch 10–25 eggs/young. Clutch of large eggs. The female coils around the clutch and incubates it (maternal brooding), about 60-70 days at ~31-32 °C. Breeding triggered by a winter cooling; sexual maturity around 3-5 years.

Health watch points

Respiratory infections (environment too cold/damp, insufficient ventilation)
Mites (Ophionyssus natricis)
Thermal burns (unprotected heating equipment or without a thermostat)
Stomatitis / mouth rot (infectious stomatitis)
Obesity and hepatic lipidosis (overfeeding)

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 3 documented genes and 2 named combos for Olive Python.

Albino (T-) amelanisticRec
Hypomelanistic hypoDom
Axanthic (Hypothetical)Rec

Named combos — 2 documented combined morphs

SnowSunglow

Pairing calculator

Pick each parent's genotype — clutch probabilities update live. Free, no sign-up.

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Olive Python × Olive Python

Probabilities per gene (independent loci).

Expected clutchSelect at least one gene on a parent.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about keeping the olive python.

How big does an adult Olive Python get?▾

An adult Olive Python typically measures 2–4 m (l. o. olivaceus: 2-3 m. l. o. barroni (pilbara): commonly 3-4 m, exceptionally up to ~4.5 m. a massive, very muscular snake. smooth, high-count scales give a 'creamy', matte and slightly slippery appearance, often uniform in the adult.).

What temperature and humidity does a Olive Python need?▾

A gradient of roughly 24–27 °C on the cool side to 30–32 °C on the warm side, with a basking spot of 32–34 °C. Humidity 50–70 %.

What does a Olive Python eat?▾

Strict carnivore (mammals and birds): Rodents, rabbits and appropriately sized poultry/chicks (prey about 1 to 1.5 times the width of the body)..

Is the Olive Python a good reptile for beginners?▾

Advanced level. NON-venomous constrictor. Captive-bred adults are generally calm and even-tempered ("gentle giants"), but the feeding response is very strong and demands great caution at feeding time. The size, mass and power of this snake call for experience; for large specimens, two-person handling is recommended. Plan ahead: a lifespan of 20–30 yrs.

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