| general
|
| description |
A slender,
round-bodied small snake with smooth scales. The head
is small and not distinct from the neck, the eyes are
small and the lower jaw is undershot. The tail is blunt
and is used to mimic the head. Calabar python are brownish
black with red or orange freckles. The babies and adults
are similar. This species absolutely does not bite in
defense, rather they coil into tight balls when they feel
threatened. |
| a.k.a |
Burrowing Python |
| distribution |
 Western
& Central Africa, Ghana, Togo |
| adult
size |
26 to 38 inches |
| venomousness |
Non venomous |
| housing |
| natural
habitats |
Terrestrial;
Grasslands, Open Forests, Farmlands |
| cage
|
It should be large instead
of tall because it does not climb much. (e.g. Wooden
Terrarium, Glass
Terrarium)
Make sure it is escape-proof, easy to disinfect, free
of sharp edges, well ventilated, and hold heat to ensure
proper temperatures. |
| substrate |
wood shavings,
barks (e.g. Repti Bark,
Coconut Bark) |
| activity
period |
Nighttime (nocturnal);
give heat and help monitoring by infrared lamps (e.g.
Nightlight Red Bulb, Infrared
Heat Lamp) where the light is invisible for it but
humans |
| temperature |
31 - 33 ¢XC -- basking
spot (e.g. Basking
Spot Lamp)
27 - 29 ¢XC -- cooler area (e.g. Daylight
Blue Bulb)
23 - 27 ¢XC -- at night (e.g. Nightlight
Red Bulb, Infrared
Heat Lamp, Ceramic
Heat Emitter) |
| humidity |
75 - 85 % ; they require
more humid conditions than do most of the python, and
this species must have water to drink. |
| water
dish |
a large water dish (e.g.
Rock water dish)
should be available for it to drink or soak in. It would
usually excrete in water. It is specially important for
one that is going to shed its skin. |
| hiding
place |
Essential, a place for
its privacy, security and sleep by day.
Possibllites include caves (e.g. Habbe
Hut, Heat Cave), etc |
| diet |
| captive
food |
Rodents (e.g. mice, rats) |
| how
often to feed? |
once every 5 - 7 days
for hatchlings to juveniles;
once every 7 - 10 days for adults |
| notes |
1. Feed it in the dark.
2. Do not ever move your hands near when it is feeding.
3. Do not handle it till a day after the feed. |
| reproduction |
| reproduction
|
Oviparous ; Clutch sizes
are small, usually 1-3 eggs, and hatchlings are huge.
They are ready feeders on mice at all ages. |
| mating
season |
Apr to Jul |
