Borneo Short-Tail Python, Python
curtus breitensteini
There are many variations of feeding,
husbandry and breeding protocols, These
are the protocols practiced here at
Roussis Reptiles that have helped us
successfully maintain and reproduce
these pythons.
Feeding: We start out neonates
on live or frozen (thawed) fuzzy mice
or rats. Usually feeding begins around
3 to 4 weeks after birth, typically
before the first ecdydis (shed), which
is usually 8 to 12 weeks after birth.
Hide boxes are recommended. Food items
are offered weekly. Fresh water is always
available and replaced twice a week.
Temp/Humidity Requirements: Ambient
cage temperature in the spring and summer
seasons are mid to high 80's during
the day, mid to high 70's at night.
A hot spot of 88 to 95 degrees is provided
underneath 1/3 of the enclosure. We
lower the ambient temperatures in the
fall and winter seasons to low 80's
during the day and low 70's at night
while maintaining the hot spots at 85
to 90. These temperatures can be attained
with the use of Flexwatt heat tape or
overhead lighting along with any reliable
thermostat. We use helix and Ranco thermostats.
Under floor heating is preferred, although
we have maintained these animals with
overhead heating in the past without
ill effects. Humidity should be maintained
at approximately 65% or higher with
adequate ventilation. This can be attained
through bi-weekly spraying of the cage
substrate and the use of large water
bowls. Spraying is increased nearing
ecdysis. These animals are susceptible
to respiratory infection and may encounter
shedding problems if kept too dry!
Cage Setup: We individually house
and breed our Short-Tails in Freedom
Breeder Racks, although we have successfully
maintained and bred these animals in
Vision Cages and Rubbermaid tubs in
the past. Adults enclosures are 8"
deep, 33" long, and 24 " wide.
Our preferred substrate is 1 ½
to 2 inches of damp cypress mulch, which
can be sprayed twice weekly, this helps
keep humidity at appropriate levels,
the open screen tops aid in proper evaporation
and ventilation. We use 11" ceramic
bowls which hold an ample amount of
water, as short-Tails can drink large
quantity of water in one sitting, the
large dimensions and heavy construction
keep the bowls being overturned by these
heavy bodied pythons.
Neonates are housed in Freedom Breeder
9" x 18" enclosures with a
hide box and can easily out grow this
space in as little as 6 months if fed
heavily. The hide box offers a secure
hiding spot, which aids in feeding and
provides an area of increased humidity,
which aids in shedding. We keep them
on a thin layer of damp Cyrpress Mulch
and use disposable deli cups. The cups
are disposed of weekly and replaced
as this cuts down on the possibility
of disease transmission and allows for
quick and efficient maintenance. |
