🐍 General Info

The Reticulated Python (Malayopython reticulatus) is one of the longest snake species on Earth, native to Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, and the Philippines. They are named for their extremely intricate "reticulated" net-like pattern, typically featuring gold, black, brown, and iridescent highlights.

Depending on lineage, retics come in wild-type giants reaching 16–20+ feet and dwarf/super dwarf localities that stay much smaller, often between 8–12 feet. They are highly intelligent, alert, and extremely strong snakes. When raised correctly, retics can become curious, confident, and handleable, though they require respect, experience, and proper safety protocols due to their power and feeding response.

Reticulated pythons can live 20–30+ years with proper care.

Enclosure

  • Size:

    • Adults: At least 8 ft x 3 ft x 2.5 ft

    • Juveniles: Can start in a 4x2x2 ft

    • Many keepers prefer 10–12 ft long as adults grow.

      • Dwarf/Super Dwarf Retics:

        • 6 ft x 2.5 ft x 2 ft minimum

  • Material:

    • PVC enclosures are strongly recommended for heat and humidity retention, lighter weight, and durability.

    • Use secure locks — retics are extremely strong and talented escape artists.

  • Décor:

    • Heavy-duty branches, logs, and platforms (retics are semi-arboreal when younger).

    • Multiple hides on both warm and cool sides.

    • A sturdy water tub large enough to soak in.

    • Avoid lightweight décor they can crush or knock over.

  • Substrate:

    • Cypress mulch, coconut husk, orchid bark, or a soil mix.

    • Must retain humidity without molding.

    • Spot clean regularly and replace fully every 1–2 months.

Temperature & Lighting

  • Basking Spot: 88–92°F

  • Ambient Temperature: 80–85°F

  • Cool Side: 75–78°F

  • Night Temp: No lower than 72–75°F

  • Heating:

    • Use radiant heat panels (RHPs) or overhead ceramic emitters/halogens.

    • Avoid heat mats with large retics — they can crush or damage them.

    • Always control heat sources with a thermostat.

  • Lighting:

    • Retics do not require UVB, but low-level UVB (5%) is beneficial for natural behavior and overall health.

    • Provide a 12-hour day/night cycle.

Humidity & Water

  • Humidity: 50–70%

    • Increase to 70–80% during shedding.

    • Avoid humidity extremes — too low causes stuck shed, too high causes respiratory issues.

    • Use substrate that holds moisture and mist lightly as needed.

  • Water:

    • Provide a heavy, tip-proof tub large enough for soaking.

    • Keep water clean and replace it daily or when dirty.

    • Retics often defecate in their water — expect frequent cleaning.

Diet

  • Type: Carnivorous — primarily feeds on rodents as juveniles and moving up to small pigs and rabbits as adults

  • Feeding Schedule:

    • Juveniles (0–2 years): Feed every 5–7 days.

    • Subadults (2–4 years): Feed every 7–10 days.

    • Adults: Feed every 2–4 weeks depending on condition and locality.

  • Prey Size:

    • 10–15% of body weight for younger snakes.

    • Adult retics typically do best on prey the same width as the widest part of the body.

  • Supplements:

    • Not required — whole prey provides complete nutrition.

  • Feeding Tips:

    • Use long tongs, never hands.

    • Retics have a rapid, strong feeding response — always stay alert.

    • Never feed inside the main enclosure if you have difficulty breaking feeding associations.

Behavior & Handling

  • Temperament: Reticulated Pythons are extremely intelligent and observant. While captive bred animals are typically more docile and handleable they are powerful and large animals that should be handled with respect.

  • Handling Tips:

    • Always approach calmly and avoid sudden movements.

    • Tap-training helps break feeding response (touch with a hook before handling).

    • Support the entire body — retics appreciate stability.

    • For adults over 10 ft, use the "two-person rule" for safe handling.

  • Enrichment:

    • Climbing branches

    • Scent trails

    • Rearranged décor

    • Occasional supervised free-roaming (in a safe area).

Health & Lifespan

  • Lifespan: 20–30+ years

  • Common Health Issues:

    • Respiratory infections — often from low temps or poor humidity control

    • Retained shed — due to low humidity

    • Obesity — from overfeeding, particularly in dwarfs

    • Mites — check regularly around the eyes and heat sources

    • Mouth rot (stomatitis) — caused by stress, injury, or dirty enclosures

  • Signs of Illness:

    • Wheezing, mucus, or clicking sounds

    • Refusing to eat for unusually long periods (outside normal seasonal fasts)

    • Trouble shedding or stuck eye caps

    • Lethargy or hiding excessively

    • Swelling around mouth or face

  • Veterinary Care:Veterinary Care: Professional veterinary care should always be consulted when you think your pet may have an issue. Watch for signs of illness, catching an issue early on goes a long way. .

Final Thoughts:

Reticulated Pythons are remarkable giants, they are the longest species of snake in the world and are very powerful. They should only be kept by those that are comfortable in handling such large animals and can provide the enough space for for these animals. The myth that a snake this size will “size you up to eat you” being completely false does not mean you should take these snakes lightly, they are very powerful constrictors and even the most docile individuals need to be handled with caution, taking a bite especially from an adult Retic can cause serious damage. Taking all the caution, and providing proper care can lead to a very rewarding show stopper of an animal.

*If you ever need to rehome a Reticulated Python please do so responsibly, no releasing to the wild, or whoever you rehome the animal too - ensure they can provide the necessary care for your animal.