Timor python — Care Sheet & Morphs

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.

Is the Timor python dangerous?▾

No, it is a completely non-venomous snake that kills by constriction. It is a nervous animal that readily thrashes and musks when restrained, but it rarely bites, far less often than its cousin the reticulated python; regular, calm and brief handling is usually enough to settle it down.

How big does it get as an adult?▾

It measures between 150 and 240 cm long once adult, making it a medium-sized species, distinctly smaller than the related reticulated python. Females are generally larger and heavier-bodied than males.

What terrarium does it need?▾

Provide at least 180 x 90 x 120 cm, with a fairly tall, semi-arboreal-type enclosure that is sturdy and well ventilated, fitted with solid branches, platforms and several hides on both the warm and cool sides. It is a powerful, agile species and a good escape artist: lock the lid and all openings.

What temperatures and what basking spot should be offered?▾

Aim for a gradient with 24 to 26 °C on the cool side and 30 to 32 °C on the warm side, plus a secured basking spot of 32 to 34 °C (a guard or sufficient distance from the animal). A moderate nighttime drop to 22 °C is tolerated, but any heating element must be controlled by a thermostat.

Does it need UVB?▾

This is not essential for this nocturnal species, but low-intensity UVB (Ferguson zone 1, UV index of about 0.7 to 1.5) benefits its metabolism and wellbeing. Always provide a fully shaded area in the enclosure.

What humidity and substrate suit it?▾

Maintain humidity of 60 to 75%, with occasional peaks during sheds, while absolutely avoiding stagnant moisture combined with poor ventilation, which promotes skin and respiratory infections. For substrate, coco chips, orchid bark or resin-free pine bark, cypress mulch or a soil/coco-fibre mix all work well; remove soiled areas without delay and replace everything if mould appears.

What does the Timor python eat, and how often?▾

It is a carnivorous constrictor fed appropriately sized rodents and chicks, whose diameter should not exceed the widest part of the snake's body. Its faster metabolism compared with other large pythons calls for a slightly more frequent feeding schedule: roughly every 5 to 7 days for young animals, then every 1 to 2 weeks for subadults and adults, preferably with thawed prey.

Should it be given a large water container?▾

Yes, a large container of clean water should be available at all times, wide and stable enough to let the snake fully submerge itself, particularly before each shed. Clean it and refresh the water regularly.

How long does a Timor python live?▾

Generally count on 20 to 25 years in captivity with good care, with some individuals occasionally exceeding this range. This is therefore a very long-term commitment to plan for before acquiring one.

Should a captive-bred specimen be preferred?▾

Absolutely: many Timor pythons found in the trade are wild-caught in Indonesia under export quotas, and often arrive stressed and heavily parasitised. An animal born and raised in captivity acclimatises much better and avoids putting pressure on wild populations.

How does it reproduce?▾

It is an egg-laying species whose clutches contain 5 to 15 eggs, triggered by a seasonal cycle marked by a slight drop in temperature and photoperiod. Incubation lasts about 80 to 90 days at around 31 °C, and as with many pythons, the female coils around her clutch to brood it.

Which health problems are most common?▾

Respiratory infections and dysecdysis (incomplete shedding) occur mainly when temperature, ventilation or humidity are poorly set. Wild-caught specimens often arrive carrying internal and external parasites, including mites, which is why rigorous quarantine is essential upon acquisition.

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