This Childrens Python care sheet should be used for guidance only. If you have decided to keep a pet snake please gather as much information as possible from other reliable sources about the species you intend to keep.
Childrens Python
Antaresia childreni
DESCRIPTION
The Childrens Python is a small North Australian python belonging to the genus Antaresia which includes some of the worlds smallest pythons, such as the Anthill Python, Stimsons Python and Spotted Python.
The Childrens Python can make an excellent pet for the beginner and expert alike, due to its manageable size and usually calm personality, although maybe not as reliably calm as something like a Corn Snake. Occasional individuals can be snappy.
Contrary to the name, these aren't necessarily pythons for children but rather named after one-time zoological curator of the British museum called John George Children
The Childrens Python can grow 2 to 3 feet in length at maturity and live 15 to 25 years in captivity , with the proper care.
PURCHASING
It is best to buy a Childrens Python that has been captive bred, from a reputable dealer of reptiles.
Ask to handle the snake before you buy it so you can check its health. The body should feel strong and firm with no lumps or bumps or unusual kinks and should move freely. The python should be alert and its tongue should flick rapidly when first picked up and its eyes should be shiny and clear, the snakes vent should be clean with no sore red marks and its mouth should be tightly closed.
HOUSING
An enclosure measuring 24”x12”x12” is the minimum i'd recommend for housing a single adult Childrens Python. This python can be kept in a wooden vivarium, an aquarium with an escape proof, ventilated lid or even a plastic storage box with adequate ventilation holes drilled around the sides. Whatever enclosure you choose for your Childrens Python you must ensure it is secure and escape proof.
Childrens Pythons do well at a humidity level of approx 60%. This can be raised 10% prior to shedding to ensure easy removal of old skin.
Aspen shavings make a good substrate for the Childrens Python as do newspaper or paper towels (if you are prepared to sacrifice aesthetics).
1 or 2 hiding spots can be provided in your Childrens Python enclosure, preferably two if you have the space. These can be bought from shops that sell reptiles or home-made and should be just large enough for your snake to squeeze in to comfortably. Pieces of cork bark make naturally attractive hides for this snake. Hides can also be made from household items such as plant pots or plastic margarine tubs with an entrance cut in the side. These are easy to clean but less attractive.
A sturdy water bowl should be available in the coolest part of the enclosure, just large enough for your Childrens Python to bathe in if it wishes. The Childrens Python will also make use of climbing branches, which should be utilised if possible as this allows more opportunity for your snake to exercise.
The vivarium can be decorated with pieces of bark and plastic plants if desired. Attractive scenic backdrops are also available in many pet shops and can do wonders for the overall look of the enclosure.
HEATING, LIGHTING AND TEMPERATURE
Childrens Pythons should be kept at daytime temperatures varying from 31 to 33 degrees centigrade at one end of the enclosure and 24 to 26 degrees centigrade at the other. This is known as a thermal gradient and will allow your python to choose its own desired temperature from within the range. Overall temperature can be allowed to drop 6 or 7 degrees at night.
A thermal gradient for this snake can be achieved by heating only half of the enclosure, leaving the other half cool. If you keep your Childrens Python in an aquarium or plastic storage box, a heat mat covering half the enclosure floor should supply the required temperatures. Heat mats can be connected to a thermostat in order to regulate temperatures and avoid overheating. Always follow the instructions that come with your heating equipment as these can vary between manufacturers.
In a larger enclosure such as a wooden vivarium with sliding glass doors, its possible that extra heat may be necessary, especially in winter. This can be achieved by securing a low wattage bulb to the ceiling of your Childrens Python enclosure, on the same end as the heat mat. Lighting must be turned off at night. It is also very important to make sure that the light fitting is strong enough to withstand the temperature of the bulb used. A thermostat should be used at all times to maintain correct temperatures for your python. Two thermometers can be used to monitor temperatures, one at each end of your pythons enclosure.
Lighting isn't a necessity for a Childrens Python kept in a well lit room, unless you need it for extra heat or want to use it to make the enclosure more attractive for viewing your snake. Lighting may be provided with a flourescent tube or a low wattage bulb. Bulbs above 15 watts must be covered with a guard to prevent burns to your snake. Special UV lighting is not necessary for the vast majority of snakes including Childrens Pythons.
Any lighting should be turned off at night. An inexpensive timer can be used to do the job for you. These can be purchased from most hardware stores.
FEEDING
Adult Childrens Pythons can be fed on an appropriately sized mouse once every 7-10 days. The food offered should be roughly 1 to 1.5 times the thickness of the snake at the centre of its length. Don't handle your python for at least 24 hours after feeding to avoid stress and possible regurgitation.
Juvenile
Childrens Pythons will need up to twice as much food as adults in
relation to their size, to accommodate growth. Juveniles will eat
pinkies and can progress to fuzzies then adult mice as they grow.
Frozen rodents can be bought in many different sizes from pet stores that sell reptiles and can be thawed out at feeding time.
Like most snakes, Childrens Pythons may occasionally fast for a few weeks when they have had enough food. As long as they are healthy and not losing a lot of weight, this is normal and nothing to be concerned about.
HANDLING
Childrens Pythons are generally suitable for regular handling and will actively explore.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Your Childrens Python enclosure should be spot checked for faeces on a daily basis and cleaned out completely with a reptile-safe disinfectant at least monthly. All cage furniture should also be disinfected and the substrate should be changed. If using newspaper or paper towels as a substrate it should be replaced immediately when soiled.
Your Childrens Python should be given fresh water at least twice weekly.
A good maintenance and cleanliness regime is essential to ensure long term health for your python.
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