Post by Admin - Angi on Apr 13, 2007 15:54:59 GMT
Irian Jaya carpet python Morelia spilota variegata
Distribution
These carpet pythons can be found on the western half of New Guinea, in Indonesia and in northern Australia, where they are not allowed to be imported from.
Longevity
It is estimated that they can live as long as 15 years in captivity, but little is known regarding lifespan as accordingto literature, they have only been kept in captivity since 1994.
Description and temperment
Irian Jayas can grow up to 7 ft, but generally only grow to around 5 ft, with females usually being longer/larger than the males. There heads are almost arrow shaped and their entirte bodies are covered with a lovely pattern of pale beige and very dark brown/grey/ almost black. They can have a beautiful irridescent sheen.
As hatchlings they may initially be snappy, but with regular, gentle handling, most specimens become very calm and tolerant of handling.
Captive husbandry
These carpet pythons are semi arboreal and seem to really enjoy climbing around and draping themselves on branches, so provide them with an arboreal vivarium full of branches to explore. Aim for a minimum vivarium size of 3ft long, 2ft deep and 2ft high ( higher if manageable). Vivarium material is up to the individual.
Suggested substrates range from orchid bark, rain forest bark, coco fibre or newspaper, the latter being easier to clean, but not as attractive. The other suggested substrates will help maintain a little humidity which can aid with sloughing.
Other decor would include sturdy, well fixed plants and hides, be they commercially made or cork bark etc.
The vivarium should be spot cleaned daily and replenished with fresh water. If daily spot cleaning is adhered too then the substrate should only require changing every 4 - 8 weeks.
Temperature and humidity
Aim to produce a tropical rainforest within the enclosure, similar to their native habitat. A basking area of around 85F and ambient temperature of 78-80F, allowing a drop of 5F at nights. Whichever heating device you use, please use in conjunction with a suitable thermostat and guard.
There are many differences of opinion regarding spraying, having been to Indonesia and studied its climate, I would suggest a light spray every couple of days, maybe increasing frequency once a slough is imminent.
Feeding
Feed hatchings with the appropriate sized fluff/fuzzy every 5 - 7 days, moving up to larger mice as it grows, keeping food size only slightly larger than the snakes girth, offering multiple items as appropriate to encourage normal growth. Within 3-4 years it should reach adult size and be feeding on adult mice or even small rats, frequency of feeding may reduce to avoid an overweight snake, to every 10-14 days.
Use tongs to feed with to avoid being bitten and avoid feeding within the vivarium so that your snake does not associate your hands with food. Another good reason to avoid feeding in the vivarium is to avoid accidental ingestion of substrates, which may cause internal damage or impaction.
This is a fairly basic care guideline and extra reading is encouraged.
Written by Angi Nelson
Whilst every care has been taken in the preparation of these care sheets, we acknowledge that differences of opinion do exist within the reptile world. Therefore we do encourage you do read around this topic further and discuss it with known keepers and breeders.
If you feel that we have made any errors, please feel free to contact any member of the team and we will endeavour to research the subject at hand further.
Photograph by Angi Nelson
Distribution
These carpet pythons can be found on the western half of New Guinea, in Indonesia and in northern Australia, where they are not allowed to be imported from.
Longevity
It is estimated that they can live as long as 15 years in captivity, but little is known regarding lifespan as accordingto literature, they have only been kept in captivity since 1994.
Description and temperment
Irian Jayas can grow up to 7 ft, but generally only grow to around 5 ft, with females usually being longer/larger than the males. There heads are almost arrow shaped and their entirte bodies are covered with a lovely pattern of pale beige and very dark brown/grey/ almost black. They can have a beautiful irridescent sheen.
As hatchlings they may initially be snappy, but with regular, gentle handling, most specimens become very calm and tolerant of handling.
Captive husbandry
These carpet pythons are semi arboreal and seem to really enjoy climbing around and draping themselves on branches, so provide them with an arboreal vivarium full of branches to explore. Aim for a minimum vivarium size of 3ft long, 2ft deep and 2ft high ( higher if manageable). Vivarium material is up to the individual.
Suggested substrates range from orchid bark, rain forest bark, coco fibre or newspaper, the latter being easier to clean, but not as attractive. The other suggested substrates will help maintain a little humidity which can aid with sloughing.
Other decor would include sturdy, well fixed plants and hides, be they commercially made or cork bark etc.
The vivarium should be spot cleaned daily and replenished with fresh water. If daily spot cleaning is adhered too then the substrate should only require changing every 4 - 8 weeks.
Temperature and humidity
Aim to produce a tropical rainforest within the enclosure, similar to their native habitat. A basking area of around 85F and ambient temperature of 78-80F, allowing a drop of 5F at nights. Whichever heating device you use, please use in conjunction with a suitable thermostat and guard.
There are many differences of opinion regarding spraying, having been to Indonesia and studied its climate, I would suggest a light spray every couple of days, maybe increasing frequency once a slough is imminent.
Feeding
Feed hatchings with the appropriate sized fluff/fuzzy every 5 - 7 days, moving up to larger mice as it grows, keeping food size only slightly larger than the snakes girth, offering multiple items as appropriate to encourage normal growth. Within 3-4 years it should reach adult size and be feeding on adult mice or even small rats, frequency of feeding may reduce to avoid an overweight snake, to every 10-14 days.
Use tongs to feed with to avoid being bitten and avoid feeding within the vivarium so that your snake does not associate your hands with food. Another good reason to avoid feeding in the vivarium is to avoid accidental ingestion of substrates, which may cause internal damage or impaction.
This is a fairly basic care guideline and extra reading is encouraged.
Written by Angi Nelson
Whilst every care has been taken in the preparation of these care sheets, we acknowledge that differences of opinion do exist within the reptile world. Therefore we do encourage you do read around this topic further and discuss it with known keepers and breeders.
If you feel that we have made any errors, please feel free to contact any member of the team and we will endeavour to research the subject at hand further.
Photograph by Angi Nelson