Burmese Python — Care Sheet & Morphs

Q: How big does an adult Burmese Python get?

An adult Burmese Python typically measures 3–5.5 m.

Husbandry requirements

Burmese Python — origin: South and Southeast Asia (eastern India, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, southern China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and some Indonesian islands). Humid forests, grasslands, marshes and areas near water..

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min22 °C

Cool side24–27 °C

Warm side29–32 °C

Basking spot32–34 °C

A thermal gradient is essential. Hot spot/basking area at 32-34 °C, preferably provided by a heat panel or a guarded spot bulb (never a heat rock, risk of burns). A night-time drop down to ~22 °C is tolerated. Every heating element must be controlled by a thermostat.

Enclosure (adult)

300 × 120 × 90 cm

A very large, robust and fully secured custom-built terrarium/enclosure (lockable closure). A purpose-built enclosure or a dedicated room is almost always necessary in adulthood.

Minimum dimensions for an adult; ideally the length should be at least equal to that of the snake and the width about half. Provide sturdy hides at both ends of the thermal gradient and a large water container. Juveniles can be kept in a smaller, secure space, enlarged gradually.

Humidity

50–70 %

Maintain 50-70%; raise toward 70-80% during shedding periods to avoid incomplete sheds (dysecdysis). Good ventilation remains essential to prevent respiratory infections.

Substrate

Cypress mulchCoconut fibreAspen shavingsNewspaper / paper towel (hygienic)Reptile mat

Choose a substrate that moderately retains humidity and is easy to clean. Avoid cedar/pine shavings (toxic oils) and fine, dusty substrates. Remove droppings immediately; disinfect regularly for this snake, which produces a lot of waste.

UVB

Optional

Not strictly mandatory, but low-intensity UVB lighting (UV index ~2-3, forest/temperate type) and a regular day/night cycle are beneficial for well-being and metabolism. Provide a shaded area to allow avoidance.

Water source

Always available

A large clean water container, wide enough to let the snake partially submerge (bathing and aid to shedding). Change the water frequently; disinfect regularly as the animal often defecates in it.

Origin

Pythonidae

South and Southeast Asia (eastern India, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, southern China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and some Indonesian islands). Humid forests, grasslands, marshes and areas near water.

Feeding & health

Diet

Carnivore (whole-prey eater) — Rodents and lagomorphs of appropriate size: mice and rats for juveniles, then large rats, guinea pigs and rabbits for adults. Thawed prey recommended.

Feed a juvenile every 7-10 days, an adult every 2-3 weeks or even less often. Obesity is common: do not overfeed. Prey should not exceed about 1.5 times the widest part of the body. Take care when feeding a large specimen (powerful feeding response).

Breeding

Oviparous

Clutch 12–40 eggs/young. Clutch usually of 12 to 40 eggs, with exceptional clutches exceeding 50-100 eggs in large females. The female coils her body around the clutch and actively incubates it (thermogenesis through muscular contractions). Incubation of about 55-70 days at around 30-31 °C. Reproduction is usually preceded by a winter temperature drop.

Health watch points

Respiratory infections (often linked to an environment that is too cold or too humid/poorly ventilated)
Obesity and hepatic steatosis linked to overfeeding
Incomplete sheds (dysecdysis) due to lack of humidity
External parasites (mites) and internal parasites, common in wild-caught animals
Stomatitis (mouth rot) and dermatitis/scale rot; susceptibility to Inclusion Body Disease (IBD)

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 9 documented genes for Burmese Python.

Albino (T−) t- albinoRec
Patternless (green) greenRec
GraniteRec
Labyrinth labyRec
Hypomelanistic hypoInc.d
Caramel (Ultramel T+) ultramel caramelRec
Caramel (Gulf Coast T+) gulf coast caramelRec
Caramel (Waterview/WEI T+) waterview caramelRec
Piebald piedRec

Pairing calculator

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

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Burmese Python × Burmese 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 burmese python.

How big does an adult Burmese Python get?▾

An adult Burmese Python typically measures 3–5.5 m (total adult length. females are notably larger than males and can exceed 5 m; exceptional specimens approach or exceed 5.7 m. growth is very rapid in the first years. the range is broadened because final size depends heavily on diet and bloodline.).

What temperature and humidity does a Burmese Python need?▾

A gradient of roughly 24–27 °C on the cool side to 29–32 °C on the warm side, with a basking spot of 32–34 °C. Humidity 50–70 %.

What does a Burmese Python eat?▾

Carnivore (whole-prey eater): Rodents and lagomorphs of appropriate size: mice and rats for juveniles, then large rats, guinea pigs and rabbits for adults. Thawed prey recommended..

Is the Burmese Python a good reptile for beginners?▾

Advanced level. Generally calm and curious, often described as docile in captivity, but this is a very large, powerful constrictor. Non-venomous, but potentially dangerous or even lethal through constriction: handling an adult requires the presence of at least two experienced people. Wild-caught animals are more stressed and prone to parasites. Plan ahead: a lifespan of 20–25 yrs.

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