Pythons as Pets
This is Dr Amisha our Snake Vet, and "Stephen", one of our pet snakes.
Why do we keep pythons as pets? Apart from being very unique creatures, they are very clean, quiet, docile in nature, easy to hold and relatively easy to care for (if you know what you are doing!). They are inexpensive to feed and much less smelly than dogs and cats.
What are some common problems they can get? Many of their problems are avoidable as most are related to their general husbandary and preventative medicine (e.g worming). UV, temperature and humidity related problems are common e.g. inappetance, constipation, eye problems, shedding problems.
What types of food do they eat and what general husbandary is required? The amount, type and frequency of feeding are dependent on size, species and age. In general you can feed frozen rodents from pinkies (newborn mice) to rats. They need water available to drink at all times. Water also maintains humidity in the enclosure (however this depends on the type of python you have). They require calcium and therefore it is good to feed a whole animal rather than just the meat. A python’s appetite is also related to its shedding cycle and its surrounding temperature. UV lighting is important for most pythons as is an appropriate day/night cycle. Because reptiles are cold blooded, a temperature gradient is required in the terrarium so that they can move to the temperature they feel comfortable in. Worming is also needed on a regular basis. The type of substrate on the bottom of the enclosure is also important. Recycled kitty litter or newspaper is the best.
What kinds of veterinary conditions can we advise on? General husbandary advice (including temperature and UV), skin issues – e.g. dysecdysis (shedding problems of skin and eyes), constipation, abscesses, blister disease, stomatitis (mouth rot), cuts/abrasions.
If your python’s condition requires hospitalization, we are always happy to refer you to reptile specialists.
We are happy to treat any injured wild reptiles and birds. No venomous snakes please!
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