🐍 General Info

Burmese Pythons (Python bivittatus) are one of the world’s largest snake species, native to Southeast Asia—including Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Vietnam, and surrounding regions. They are known for their impressive size, calm temperament, and iconic patterns, coming in both wild-type coloration and a wide range of captive morphs (albino, granite, labyrinth, hypo, caramel, and more).

Despite their gentle nature, Burmese pythons are giant constrictors, commonly reaching 12–18 feet, with exceptional individuals growing 20+ feet. They are powerful, heavy-bodied snakes that require extremely large enclosures, strong safety practices, and experienced handling.

With proper care, Burmese pythons can live 20–30+ years in captivity.

1. Enclosure

Size:

Because of their massive adult size, enclosures must be spacious:

  • Hatchlings: 20–40 gallon

  • Juveniles: 4 ft x 2 ft x 2 ft

  • Adults (12–16 ft): Minimum 8 ft x 3–4 ft x 3 ft

  • Large Adults (16–20+ ft): 10–12 ft x 4–6 ft x 4 ft or larger

Bigger is always better, as long as safety and proper heating are maintained.

Material:

  • PVC or HDPE enclosures (best for heat retention and strength)

  • Heavy-duty custom-built cages for adults

  • Sliding or locking front doors—must be extremely secure

Burmese pythons are incredibly strong; enclosures must withstand pushing.

Décor:

  • 2–3 large hides (they like tight spaces even as giants)

  • Extremely sturdy branches or shelves for moderate perching

  • Clutter such as logs, foliage, and rocks for security

  • Ample floor space for movement

Substrate:

  • Cypress mulch

  • Coconut husk

  • Reptichip

  • Bioactive setups work but require significant maintenance

  • Newspaper/paper for simple cleaning

Aim for a substrate that retains moderate humidity without becoming soggy.

2. Temperature & Lighting

Temperatures:

  • Warm Side: 88–92°F

  • Cool Side: 78–82°F

  • Ambient: 80–85°F

  • Night: No colder than 75°F

Heating:

  • Radiant heat panels (excellent for large cages)

  • Overhead halogens or ceramic heat emitters

  • Multiple thermostat-controlled zones due to enclosure size

Lighting:

  • 12-hour day/night cycle

  • UVB is optional but beneficial (Arcadia 6%–12% depending on height)

  • Ensure lights cannot be touched by the snake to prevent burns

3. Humidity & Water

Humidity:

50–70%, with increases during shedding.

Maintaining humidity:

  • Misting 2–4 times weekly depending on enclosure type

  • Large water dish

  • Humid hide for juveniles

  • Moisture-retaining substrates

Water:

  • Provide a very large, sturdy water tub

  • Adults often soak, especially during shedding

  • Replace water daily or when soiled

4. Diet

Burmese pythons are carnivores with big appetites and grow extremely fast.

Feeding Schedule:

  • Hatchlings: Every 5–7 days

  • Juveniles: Every 7–10 days

  • Subadults: Every 10–14 days

  • Adults: Every 2–4 weeks depending on body condition

Prey Type:

  • Appropriately sized rodents

  • Rats for juveniles

  • Rabbits, guinea pigs, or large rats for adults

  • Prey should be roughly the same width as the snake’s mid-body

Notes:

  • Avoid overfeeding—Burmese pythons become obese very easily

  • Never feed live unless absolutely necessary

  • Large prey should be properly thawed and warmed

5. Behavior & Handling

Temperament:

  • Burmese pythons are known for their gentle and calm demeanor

  • Hatchlings may be defensive but tame down quickly with consistent handling

  • Adults are extremely strong—handling must be done responsibly

Handling Guidelines:

  • For snakes over 8 ft: Never handle alone

  • For snakes over 12 ft: Use two people

  • For snakes over 15 ft: Use at least three people

  • Always be aware of your surroundings

  • Support the snake’s body and avoid sudden movements

Enrichment:

  • Strong climbing branches

  • Large logs and hides

  • Occasional rearrangement

  • Scent-based enrichment (prey trails, natural materials)

6. Health & Lifespan

Lifespan:

20–30+ years with proper care

Common Health Issues:

  • Respiratory infections (from low temps or poor ventilation)

  • Obesity due to overfeeding

  • Mites

  • Stomatitis (mouth rot)

  • Shedding issues from improper humidity

  • Retained eggs in breeding females

Signs of Illness:

  • Wheezing or clicking during breathing

  • Bubbles or mucus from nose

  • Sagging skin or extreme overweight

  • Poor sheds or stuck eyecaps

  • Loss of appetite (beyond normal seasonal fasting)

  • Red, irritated mouth or gums

Vet Care:

Work with an experienced large-reptile veterinarian, especially due to the snake’s size and strength.

Final Notes

Burmese pythons are massive, powerful snakes that can make incredible pets for the right keeper—those with adequate space, strong enclosures, and the experience needed to handle large constrictors safely. Their calm demeanor and impressive size make them remarkable display animals and long-term companions. However, they require serious commitment, both physically and financially.