Keeping Burmese pythons: profile and care
For experts only – size, climate and registration
At a glance
- Adult size: 3 to over 5 m, up to 90 kg
- Origin: Asia
- Suitable for beginners: no – for very experienced keepers only
The right vivarium
Recommended minimum size 300 x 150 x 200 cm, very solidly built and securely lockable. With a moisture-retaining substrate, robust climbing and resting areas, hides and a large water container.
Temperature, lighting & climate
- Daytime 28–32 °C, localised basking spot up to 35 °C
- Night-time 22–24 °C
- Humidity 60–75 %
- Heat lamp, UVB lighting and a thermostat-controlled heat mat
Feeding
Frozen-thawed food such as rabbits or rats: adults roughly every 4–6 weeks. Because they digest slowly, they must never be overfed.
Temperament & handling
Calm, unflappable and predictable – manageable with experience, but enormously powerful.
An adult Burmese python is extremely strong and is only sold to experienced keepers.
Registration and, where applicable, licensing requirements should be checked before you buy.