About Children's Pythons
Background:Snakes have been kept as pets for many thousands of years, although it is not known exactly when Australian snakes were first kept in captivity. Today there are many amateur reptile keepers in Australia and some have made valuable contributions to herpetology (the study of reptiles and amphibians).
Despite its name the Children's Python is not a python that eats children, nor is it a snake more suitable than others as a children's pet. This reptile was named after the scientist John George Children, who first described them. Children's Python is the common name given to the four native Australian pythons of the genus
Antaresia.
Antaresia childreni can be found in the wild across much of northern Australia.
Appearance:Children's Pythons are known for their smaller size compared to other python species.
A. childreni has basic brown colouration with chocolate markings that are one or two shades darker and band-like in shape. They have a distinguishing blue sheen over their scales, which can be seen in the sun. This snake grows to no longer than 1.1 metres. Colour in the snakes varies depending on the area of origin. Babies are boldly patterned with a light colored background and dark brown blotches, this pattern gradually fades with age and older adults of 6 or 7 years are almost patternless.
Temperament:Children's Pythons are pretty placid and this is one of their best features, however they will strike and can bite if they feel in danger. Owners say each snake has its own personality, some are extremely placid while others are more fiery. Despite an owner's affection, snakes will not build a relationship with people. Children's Pythons can live in a solitary or colony environment, but they must not be fed together as this induces more competitive and aggressive behaviour.
Feeding: Children's pythons eat live adult mice and lizards, although those that are captive bred are encouraged to accept frozen rodents. Frozen rodents, from 'pinkies' (hairless baby mice) up to full grown rats, can be bought from most pet stores. Start juvenile snakes on pinkies and increase the size of rodent according to the size of the snake. The rodent should be thawed and breeders recommend that a vitamin supplement is added. Meals should be offered about once a week to fortnightly. Children's pythons are prone to obesity if overfed. Keep meals small if fed weekly. The number of feeds depends on the season and the snake's level of activity. More feeds area required during the hotter months. Apart from mice wild Children pythons may also eat lizards and frogs.
Health and lifespan: 25 - 30 years. Snakes kept properly aren't likely to suffer any serious health problems although some bacterial and fungal problems can occur. Occasionally may require assistance when the skin is sloughing (shedding). Consult a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles.
Breeding: These pythons are extremely easy to breed, and it's basically just a matter of putting a male and a female together. The snakes will choose lower temps on their own and will cycle in the thermogradient provided. During the cooler months, the snakes will breed actively. Males will sometimes refuse food during breeding time, and then females will usually follow suit once they are gravid. This is nice, because you only have one snake to feed during the breeding season. Again, it is important to provide the female with adequate food to allow for egg production. About 90 days after copulation, the female will lay her eggs and coil tightly around them. Eggs are usually laid in the moist hide, and care must be taken to keep the moss slightly damp for good humidity.
Females can incubate the eggs maternally or the eggs can be removed and set up in a pre-warmed incubator. A little fluctuation in temperature is not detrimental in most cases. As moisture in incubation media such as pearlite or vermiculite will vary it is best to leave that to the person with the eggs in hand, as no one level of moisture will work for everyone. I recommend leaving the incubation medium on the dry side. Eggs can be killed by too much moisture as well as too little, but it is easier to reverse the effects of too little moisture. Monitor the eggs weekly or as desired to make sure the eggs look healthy. Dead eggs that mold will not spread mold to healthy eggs, so, unless the eggs is easily removed, the egg can be left in with the others.
Eggs will hatch after about 2 months, depending on incubation conditions. Patience is important during egg incubation, and clutches of eggs can be messed up if the keeper is impatient. If all the eggs in a clutch have pipped except 1 or 2, these unpipped eggs may be gently opened, taking care not to injure the small snake inside. The hatchlings will emerge from the egg with plenty of yolk as energy supplies. The snakes must have a feeling of security, with tight hide spots to feel comfortable. Wait a week or two after the hatchlings shed before offering food items. The hatchlings will grow quickly as they feed.
Habitat: Children's pythons are not tree dwellers, preferring to shelter in crevices or burrows.
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