Timor python — Care Sheet & Morphs

Q: How big does an adult Timor python get?

An adult Timor python typically measures 1.5–2.4 m.

Husbandry requirements

Timor python — origin: Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia (Flores, Lembata, Wetar, Timor and neighbouring islands). Note: the name 'Timor python' sometimes covers several island populations following taxonomic revisions..

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min22 °C

Cool side24–26 °C

Warm side30–32 °C

Basking spot32–34 °C

Provide a clear thermal gradient with a secured warm zone/hot spot (a guard or sufficient distance to prevent burns). A moderate night-time drop is tolerated but avoid prolonged cold. Use a thermostat on any heating element.

Enclosure (adult)

180 × 90 × 120 cm

A tall semi-arboreal-type terrarium, sturdy and well ventilated, fitted with solid branches, platforms and several hides (warm and cool).

Minimum dimensions for an adult; bigger is always preferable. A powerful, agile species and a good escape artist: the lid/openings must be lockable. Not listed under CITES, but frequently imported as wild-caught under Indonesian quotas — favour a captive-bred subject.

Humidity

60–75 %

Of island origin with a monsoon climate drier than that of the reticulated python: aim for 60-75%, with occasional peaks during sheds. Avoid stagnant humidity and insufficient ventilation, which promote skin and respiratory infections.

Substrate

Coco chipsOrchid bark or resin-free pine barkCypress mulchSoil/coco-fibre mix

Choose a substrate that retains moisture well while remaining breathable. Remove soiled areas immediately, replace entirely in case of mould, and avoid dusty or resinous substrates (raw cedar/pine banned).

UVB

Optional

Not essential (a nocturnal species), but low-intensity UVB (Ferguson zone 1, UVI ~0.7-1.5) is beneficial for wellbeing and metabolism. Always provide a shaded area. Replace the UVB lamp according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Water source

Always available

A large container of clean water at all times, wide and stable enough to let the snake immerse itself, particularly before shedding. Clean and renew the water regularly.

Origin

Pythonidae

Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia (Flores, Lembata, Wetar, Timor and neighbouring islands). Note: the name 'Timor python' sometimes covers several island populations following taxonomic revisions.

Feeding & health

Diet

Carnivore (constrictor) — Rodents (appropriately sized rats), birds/chicks

A fast metabolism: a slightly more sustained feeding pace than other large pythons. Juveniles roughly every 5-7 days, subadults/adults every 7-14 days with prey whose diameter does not exceed the widest part of the body. Thawed prey preferably; watch the body condition.

Breeding

Oviparous

Clutch 5–15 eggs/young. Breeding triggered by a seasonal cycle (a slight drop in temperature/photoperiod). Incubation of about 80-90 days around 31 °C. Like many pythons, the female coils around and broods her clutch. Breeding is less documented than in the common species.

Health watch points

Respiratory infections (unsuitable temperature/ventilation or humidity)
Dysecdysis (incomplete shedding) linked to humidity that is too low
Stomatitis ('mouth rot') and oral lesions
Internal and external parasites (Ophionyssus mites, worms), common in wild-caught subjects
Dermatitis/scale rot due to a damp, soiled substrate

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 2 documented genes for Timor python.

Axanthic (Hypothetical) aneryRec
Albino (Hypothetical) amelRec

Pairing calculator

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

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Timor python × Timor 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 timor python.

How big does an adult Timor python get?▾

An adult Timor python typically measures 1.5–2.4 m (adult total length. a medium-sized species, distinctly smaller than its cousin the reticulated python. females are generally larger and more heavily built than males.).

What temperature and humidity does a Timor python need?▾

A gradient of roughly 24–26 °C on the cool side to 30–32 °C on the warm side, with a basking spot of 32–34 °C. Humidity 60–75 %.

What does a Timor python eat?▾

Carnivore (constrictor): Rodents (appropriately sized rats), birds/chicks.

Is the Timor python a good reptile for beginners?▾

Intermediate level. A NON-venomous snake (a constrictor). A nervous, lively and skittish temperament, but one that rarely bites (far less than the reticulated python). It tends to musk and to thrash energetically when restrained. It generally settles down with regular, calm and brief handling. Many specimens in the trade are wild-caught (imported from Indonesia): they are often stressed and parasitised, so a captive-bred animal is strongly recommended. Plan ahead: a lifespan of 20–25 yrs.

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