ACTIVITY PICS
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Reticulated Python
Scientific Name: Python reticulatus
Subfamily: Pythoninae
Length: 6meters (20ft.)
Description This is the longest of all snakes - though perhaps not as heavy as the anaconda. Exceptions to the average length (20ft) include specimens in excess of 10m (33ft). Although there has not been a living evidence of this as to date. The ground color is light to dark brown with a reticulated pattern of black, yellow and buff along the back. There is a double row of triangular to diamond shaped white patches along its flanks. The "retic" is the only breed found in the Philippine islands.
Range South-east Asia
Habitat and Habits Mainly an inhabitant of the forest, usually close to stretches of water. Sometimes enters villages to rob poultry houses; it is known to take dogs and other domestic animals. Mainly nocturnal, it is an excellent climber and swimmer. Large, newly captured specimens should always be handled by at least two people.
Pros and Cons Wild specimens have a reputation for being aggressive and can give a nasty bite. Captive specimens reared from young make the best terrarium inmates. Commonly called mainly as "SAWA" by Filipinos. There has been a great misunderstanding with pythons; some Filipinos claiming to have seen black colored and even blue ones. For the record, there is only one official breed of python in the Philippines and that is the Reticulated Python. Some mutations may occur such as a yellow headed one and one having different patterns.
Housing Before obtaining a specimen, ensure that space has been allowed for its growth. You can use newspaper for substrate and be sure to have an extra large water bath.
Heating and Lighting Same as with the Indian Python.
Feeding Young specimens can be given mice, and day old chicks. As for large specimens, dead rabbits, chickens, ducks or even turkeys can be swallowed with ease.
Common Illness Mouth rot and burns are very common. Burns are caused when lighting is very bright and humid during molting. Mouth rot and common cuts in the mouth can be caused by wire mesh in the cage but can easily be cured by applying Betadine Oral once a day to the wounded area.