Geographical Region

Found mainly in Australia but also neighbouring islands such as Papua New Guinea and Irian Jaya.

Habitat

Warm rainforest, dry forest, savannah, semi desert depending on spp.

Colour

Variable, light to dark brown base colour, numerous lighter brown/yellow blotches, bands or striped.

Size

Coastal carpet python up to  - 10 – feet (usually smaller)

Irian Jaya up to                  - 5 ½ - feet maximum

Captive Environment

Coastal        – 48l x 24d x 24h for a single snake

- 60l x 24d x 24h for an adult pair

Irian Jaya   - 36l x 24d x 24h for a single snake

- 48l x 24d x 24h for an adult pair

We keep ours in a rainforest type set up with fairly high humidity, we use cypress bedding or orchid bark as this retains moisture and aids humidity. We lightly mist the substrate daily and provide a large water tray for them to soak in, as well as logs for them to hide under and branches for them to climb

Heating

88°F basking temperature with an ambient between 77 - 84°F. Use a normal household reflector bulb to create the basking spot. Use a thermometer to check both the hot and cool ends are within the temperature range.

Lighting requirements

These snakes do not require UV light, but a Repti-Glo 2% tube will make their colours a lot brighter and will also help to stimulate breeding in mature specimens.

Photoperiod

Autumn/winter – 11 hours light – 13 hours dark.

Spring/summer – 13 hours light – 11 hours dark.

Feeding

Carnivorous – hatchlings are sold feeing on fluff mice, 1 every 7 days

Adults feeding on large mice or small/medium rats depending on species.

Sexing

Easier to probe these snakes to be on the safe side, but this should only by done by an experienced keeper.

Shedding

Snakes periodically shed their skin, their colouration tends to become dull and they usually go off their food during this time, and their eyesight is poor. Keep handling to a minimum during this time.