Many of us ask the question, are children’s pythons suitable for children to keep as pets, since we advise them to keep away. 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. The name Children’s Python, is not derived from any relationship to children, but in honor of John George Children, who was a curator of the zoological collection at the British Museum in the 19th Century.
Temperament:
Children’s pythons are placid and fragile creatures, which is one of the best features. They are seen to have different personalities varying from snake to snake, and despite being placid they do have the ability to strike at one if feeling threatened or unsafe. Snakes do not have the aptitude of building a relationship with the owner, as they prefer to live in a solitary environment.
Appearance:
The Children’s python is known for its smaller size compared to other python species. It not only is the smallest python in Australia, but the smallest python in the world. A. childreni (Children’s Python) 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.
Life Expectancy & Diet:
A children’s python generally has no health issues and can live through to 30 years of age, if looked after correctly. This mainly depends entirely on the children’s python’s diet which varies on the age of the snake, and depending on the frequency of feeding. In the wild their diet consists of reptiles, birds and small mammals, particularly microbats. However, in captivity juvenile pythons are fed on pinkies (baby mice, generally hairless) and mature pythons are fed on larger adult mice. The frequency of feeding is dependant on the size of the meal they are served, but it is common for a snake to only eat 1-2 mice a week. Snakes can handle a meal much larger than themselves, but its meal fed should only just be over the girth of the snake itself.
Enclosures:
Children's Pythons should be kept in a timber enclosure with a glass front and a secure lid for access. The enclosure must have a heat lamp that is thermostatically controlled and the snake must be provided with a day/night cycle using a UV light. A rock of some sort is highly recommended for the Children's Python and synthetic rocks are available. You must also have a water bowl for drinking and a branch or two for climbing.
(Source: http://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/factsheets/Others/Childrens-Python/660)
Overall:
- Breed: Children's Python
- Maintenance: Very Low
- Temperament: Fragile, non-venomous, docile
- Cost:$200-$300 children's python, up to $1000 for enclosure.
- Lifespan: 25-30 years
- Reccommended for: Children
said on : Tue, 5 May 2009 @ 11:02
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