Care for Macklots Python Snakes

Habitat Requirements

• Macklot's pythons, like other pet snakes, require a specific habitat. Pet stores sell aquariums of varying sizes with latching screen tops, and these are good choices for your python. Make sure to consider the size of the snake; although as hatchlings, Macklot's pythons are usually around 15 to 20 inches in length, they don't stay small forever. Adult snakes can grow to 8 or 9 feet in length, and the size of the habitat may need to be as large as 8 to 10 square feet.

  You will need substrate, or bedding, for your Macklot's python habitat. Aspen pine is recommended by the website Snakes at Home, because it allows the snake to burrow. Never use cat litter or sand, because particles from these substrates can cause health problems in snakes. Your Macklot's python will need a water source that can't be tipped over, and the water should be kept fresh. Also, your python needs a "hide"--a small cave, hollow log or other area where the snake can go to feel safe. Most large pet stores carry plenty of hides for your Macklot's python.

Heating and Lighting

• Macklot's pythons, like most snakes, require specific types of heat and light. These two elements are essential to your pet snake's health and, fortunately, they are relatively easy to manage.

  Under-tank heaters are sold at most pet stores and should be placed on one side of the python's habitat. Usually these heaters are adhesive and stick to the outside bottom of the tank. It is essential to place such a heater only on one side of the tank, so your Macklot's python can warm up or cool down at its leisure.

  You will need a reptile light when setting up your Macklot's python's home and these lights are also sold at pet stores. Shaped like a bowl, these fixtures can be fitted with specialized "reptile bulbs," incandescent bulbs designed to provide your snake with full-spectrum lighting similar to sunlight, although you also can use a standard spiral fluorescent bulb which will also provide full-spectrum lighting. Never use a heat lamp--your python can use the warm side of its cage if it becomes cold.

  Also, never place a heated reptile rock into your Macklot's python's habitat. These are not meant for snakes, who may fall asleep on them and suffer burns.

Feeding Time

• Rodents are the staple of most snakes, and Macklot's pythons have a taste for mice and rats, according to the snake specialty website Vida Preciosa International. Both can be found for sale live for snake-feeding purposes or frozen in packages.

  Frozen rats should be thoroughly thawed, best accomplished by leaving the sealed package out to thaw naturally for several hours. After thawing, you should place the still-packaged rodent into a bowl or other container of warm water to raise its temperature until the rodent is warm--but not hot--to the touch.

  If you use live mice or rats, it is always a good idea to feed your Macklot's python in a separate, or "feeder" cage. This can be anything from a plastic basin to a small aquarium. Using a feeder cage will help keep your python from associating the opening of its habitat with feeding time--which can lead to aggressive behavior on the snake's part if you are reaching in to simply hold your reptile companion. Also, never leave live food in your python's habitat unattended--mice, and especially rats--can bite your Macklot's python, potentially causing infection and even death.