Picked up a white lipped python.

[dirtyblacksocks]

Got my hands on a 2.5' white lipped python today - captive bred, hand tame.

Haven't actually seen the snake yet, I'll have it in my possession tomorrow along with plenty of pictures for everyone

Can't find a ton of information on their care, so I figured I'd go over the setup I've got for it and get any input:

Aspen/cypress bedding for moisture content.
3'x2'x2' cage.
Thermostat controlled heat - keeping the hot side at around 94 degree's and the cool side at around 83 degree's.
ReptiFogger to keep the humidity up around 65%
Large dish on the hot side for soaking in water.
Nice peice of gravepine for it to perch on with a spot directly below the heat bulb (which is guarded by a screen cage itself) along with plenty of area to climb under the cool side.
Obviously a hide for when it wants to sleep.

Plan on feeding it pre-killed rats once every other week.

 

[AW2EOD]

Get rid of the bedding and just replace it with newspaper. Much cleaner, less problems in case of ingestion and cheaper.

Also, at 2.5', you're better off to feed once a week.

A White Lip pair is also on my list, after I get my Albino Tiger Retic.

 

[dirtyblacksocks]

My only gripe with paper towels/newspaper is the snakes can't get as good of traction on it during feeding times - I suppose I could set up a feeding box with substrate and go bare bottom in the tank.

 

[Rass]

You are probably going to need the humidity higher than that, more like 75%. They are prone to dehydration. You could probably feed once a week and then skip a week now and then depending on the snakes weight and behavior, but if your giving rats every other week that should really be enough. They are not Burm's by any means so you definitely do not need to overfeed, I would give every other week a try for a while and just keep an eye on the snakes weight. If it is acting like it has a stronger feeding response than normal when you reach into the cage for any reason then that is a sign you could increase feeding. Also, I have heard WLP's can be prone to regurgitation although I have not experienced this myself it is another good reason not to feed too frequently. Just remember that snakes can tolerate long periods without food so a few extra days or a week in between feedings is really nothing to worry about, but overfeeding can lead to significant health problems, such as the "cycle" of regurgitation I refered to where some snakes end up having trouble keeping any food down at all even when they need it.

 

[gigas12]

Hi,congrats and good luck.

 

[dirtyblacksocks]

Hi, it's not regurgitation they're prone to - but they do regurgitate the hair of their prey. One of the few snakes to do it.

Right now he's hiding out - I'll get some pictures tomorrow - absolutely gorgeous snake though, and hand tame to boot!