Reps N Pets

Coastal Carpet Python
Morelia Spilota McDowelli

Habitat

Coastal carpet pythons inhabit the eastern coast of Australia; they live mainly in heavily forested areas over a large area of eastern coastal and central Queensland, They are the largest of the carpet pythons and can reach 9-12ft for an adult female and 8ft for an adult male. The head is noticeably wider than the neck. They are relatively quiet snakes as adults but can be snappy as hatchlings but will calm with handling.

Housing

Adult carpet pythons are best housed in a vivarium that is 4’x2’x2’. There should be a few branches, enough to support the weight of the snake. A hide should also be provided.

Temperature

The temperatures should be between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day with a basking spot temperature of 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit and drop the temperature by 5 to 10 degrees for night time. Temperatures should be controlled with use of a dimming thermostat and a 100w spotlight for day temperatures and a normal or pulse type thermostat and a ceramic heater for night time temperatures. A protective bulb cage must be used with any light bulb or ceramic heater to prevent serious burns or death to the snake.

Substrate

Coastal carpets are best kept on a bark substrate like aspen, mulch or coconut bark to a depth of about 2 inches. Coconut bark is highly recommended because it holds moisture and resists mould better than other substrates do and is more like the snakes natural habitat. . Cedar is not to be used because it is toxic to animals. Any faeces should be cleaned out immediately. . A light misting with water every day keeps up humidity and helps with shedding.


Feeding

Coastal carpet pythons do very well on a diet of appropriately sized rats. Hatchling coastal carpet pythons can be started off with rat pups/pinkies. They will take pre-killed and thawed rodents very easily. It is best too feed the snake out of the vivarium in a separate container or tank to prevent a “feeding response” when you go into the vivarium for cleaning, handling and water changing duties. Some people mistake a feeding response as aggression, it is not. Also by feeding in a separate area it stops the snake swallowing substrate and causing impaction and possible death. Ensure that there is always fresh water available. A large bowl of water big enough to allow the snake to bath in is recommended.

Maintenance

Whilst young, snakes shed their skin quite often. You will notice that they will be due to shed by the blue cast over their eyes, once this has cleared they will shed within a few days. You may also find that they will go off their food before a shed as well. Once they have completed their shedding they will return to eating properly. Cleanliness of the enclosure is essential. Waste products should be moved daily. Bowls must be clean with fresh water. Handlers are advised to wash their hands after holding any animals or animal related products.