Burmese Python is a giant snake species. Besides having a weight of over 90kg, they can also grow longer than 8 meters. Therefore, once you see them, you will never forget. In addition, Burmese Python has made significant contributions to the fashion industry and bags made from their skins have been sought after by many people. However, due to this demand, the population of Burmese Pythons is decreasing. Currently, they are listed as an endangered species.
Some people keep Burmese Pythons as pets, but due to their large size, owners must have enough space to accommodate them. Additionally, keeping such a pet requires a certain financial capability. There have been cases where owners had to release their Burmese Pythons because they could not afford to care for them. So, if you also want to keep a Burmese Python, it is necessary to consider the potential challenges you may face.
Chinese name: 缅甸蟒
Scientific name: Python molurus bivittatus
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Pythonidae
Genus: Python
Species: Indian Python
Subspecies: Burmese Python
In August 2012, a 5.4-meter long Burmese Python was discovered in Florida, USA, with 87 unhatched snake eggs inside its body. This snake broke the record for the longest python found in the region (5.12 meters). The appearance of this giant python left local environmentalists with mixed feelings about the ecological situation in the area. On one hand, they were pleased that the presence of the python indicated a relatively healthy environment. On the other hand, they worried that the python could pose a threat to the local ecosystem and certain species.
On May 24, 2013, a man in Florida discovered a 5.7-meter long Burmese Python, which was the longest individual Burmese Python found in the state. It was nearly 30 centimeters longer than the previous record-breaking python found in August 2012. Jason Leon held this record-breaking python and scientists at the University of Florida measured its length to be 18.8 feet, or 5.7 meters.
On November 9, 2021, at 17:30, a python was discovered near Exit B of the Hongshuwan South Subway Station construction site in Shahe Street, Nanshan District, Shenzhen. The workers immediately stopped construction and called the police. The emergency management station of Baishizhou East Community in Shahe Street, Nanshan District, received a dispatch call from Station 2 of the Emergency Rescue Special Service of Shenzhen City and arrived at the scene for disposal at 17:40 on the same day. With close cooperation from the Shahe Police Station, Baishizhou East Community, and Shenzhen Wildlife Rescue Center, the 5-meter long and 60-kilogram heavy python was properly rescued.
On June 23, 2022, a team of researchers from the Southwest Florida Conservation Association captured a 97.5-kilogram, 5.4-meter long Burmese Python at the beginning of the year.
On July 1, 2022, after receiving a report from the public, the Immigration Management Police of Menglong Border Police Station in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province rescued a protected animal, a Burmese Python, with a length of nearly 3 meters and weighing 25 kilograms. It has been handed over to the local Forest Public Security Bureau. After examination, the python was found to be in normal physical condition, and the Forest Public Security Bureau will release it back into the original forest reserve on a selected date.
Suggested experience is required for keeping them. Under artificial breeding conditions, the first thing the owner needs to ensure is that the space for keeping Burmese Python is large enough, because Burmese Python itself is a giant snake species. So if you don't have enough space, it's better not to keep Burmese Python. In order to ensure that Burmese Python has a suitable living environment, the owner also needs to regularly clean the snake cage for them. However, cleaning the snake cage is a challenging task, and the owner needs to be mentally prepared.
1) Respiratory infection. Large amounts of mucus appear in the nose and mouth, and the snake opens its mouth to breathe. The main cause of the infection is inappropriate environment: low temperature, dry air, dehydration, stress, and parasites. Treatment method: raise the temperature to 32°C and eliminate stress on your snake. If the condition persists, take it to the veterinarian for antibiotic treatment.
2) Mouth decay caused by ulcers or injuries in the eye socket. Treatment method: raise the temperature to 32°C, and clean the infected area with 5% hydrogen peroxide every month. Remove the rotten flesh and apply Betadine2X daily. If the condition persists, seek veterinary help.
3) Dehydration caused by shedding in a dry environment. Causes: inappropriate temperature, illness, and stress. During shedding, keep your snake in a moist place, such as a dish filled with water or a wet towel.
4) Heat burns and abdominal decay. Causes: your snake comes into direct contact with excessively high heat sources and unsanitary environments. Use the treatment method for 2). Treat the injured area and correct the inappropriate environment.
5) External parasites, such as ticks. Often found on wild snakes, they suck blood from between the scales. Treatment method: apply Fenvalerate until the parasites die in a few days, then remove them manually.
6) Internal parasites, especially in snakes caught in the wild. Symptoms: emaciation, vomiting, refusal to eat, and reduced activity. Take a fresh fecal sample to the veterinary hospital for examination, and then follow the prescribed treatment.
Due to its size, the Burmese Python naturally requires a large amount of food. However, due to the specific dietary requirements of the Burmese Python, not everyone is suitable for keeping them as pets. If you have the conditions to keep a Burmese Python, it is necessary to properly provide them with food. In their natural environment, Burmese Pythons eat various things such as amphibians and reptiles. So, should owners also prepare these foods for them under artificial conditions?
1. Preparation of food
Under artificial conditions, owners are generally advised to feed the Burmese Python with rodents, rabbits, and so on. The rodents, rabbits, and other animals you feed them must be healthy to ensure that the Burmese Python is not infested with parasites.
2. Feeding frequency
Burmese Pythons do not need to be fed every day. If you feed them 1-2 times a week, the Burmese Python will grow at a faster rate. However, if you don't want them to grow too quickly, you can feed them less frequently. But in order to ensure the health of the Burmese Python, the feeding frequency should be at least once every 10 days.
3. Changes in food
The food required by the Burmese Python varies at different stages. You need to change their food accordingly. For example, when Burmese Pythons are newly born, even if you give them a rabbit, they will not be able to consume it.
4. Do you have to feed them live prey?
In fact, under artificial conditions, some snakes will eat dead animals. Doing so also has the advantage of avoiding harm caused by animals such as mice to the Burmese Python. If you feed the Burmese Python with live prey and they do not prey on it within 30 minutes, you need to remove the live prey from the snake's enclosure.
5. Some precautions
Do not pick up the Burmese Python immediately after feeding them, as this may cause some problems, such as vomiting. Owners should also avoid touching the Burmese Python with hands that have touched other animals such as mice, otherwise they may mistake your hand for food. If the Burmese Python suddenly stops eating or exhibits any other unusual behavior, you should immediately seek help from relevant experts to prevent any unexpected situations. In addition, owners should also pay attention to safety during the feeding process to avoid being harmed by the Burmese Python.
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