🐍 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.

1. Enclosure

Size:
(Minimums — larger is always better.)

  • Adults (giant/locality retics):

    • At least 8 ft x 3 ft x 2.5 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Diet

Reticulated pythons are powerful constrictors with fast metabolisms as juveniles and slower metabolisms as adults.

Juveniles (0–2 years):

  • Feed every 5–7 days.

  • Appropriately sized rodents: mice → small rats → medium rats.

Subadults (2–4 years):

  • Feed every 7–10 days.

  • Medium–large rats or small rabbits depending on size.

Adults:

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

  • Large rats, rabbits, or similar-sized prey.

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.

5. Behavior & Handling

Temperament:
Retics are extremely intelligent and observant, displaying higher cognitive behavior than most snakes. Their demeanor varies by locality, genetics, and how they were raised:

  • Captive-bred retics are typically curious and handleable.

  • Wild-caught animals are defensive and not recommended for inexperienced keepers.

They are powerful animals that must be treated 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)

They are smart enough to appreciate environmental enrichment and mental stimulation.

6. 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:

  • Annual checkups are recommended for large snakes.

  • Establish a relationship with an experienced reptile veterinarian.

Important Note:
Due to their size and strength, retics are only recommended for experienced keepers with proper equipment and space. Giants are impressive but require lifelong dedication.

7. Additional Notes

  • If you want a retic but not the massive size, consider dwarf or super dwarf locality lines, which often stay under 10–12 feet.

  • Retics are escape artists — make sure doors latch securely.

  • They are one of the most rewarding species for those who appreciate intelligence, bold behavior, and incredible colors/morphs.

  • Proper handling, consistent routines, and good husbandry produce calm, confident animals.