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The Reticulated Python is the world's longest snake. The world record currently stands at 32 feet 9.5 inches.
This was a wild caught snake weighing several hundred pounds! However, Anaconda's currently hold the world record for
weight.
The Reticulated Python is commonly called the "Retic" for short. This large breed
of python is found and located throughout South East Asia including Thailand, Borneo, Malaysia, Sumatra, Indonesia, and the
Philippines where they are often hunted for food, or for black market trade to become purses and boots. Some are also removed
from the wild to supply the pet trade industry despite the efforts of captive breeding to reduce stress on these wild populations.
The Reticulated Python has a wider land range than any other python on Earth.
In their native lands,
the Retic has been recorded as being a man-eater. These reports are substantiated. These Retics do commonly grow large enough
to consume adult humans and children. The reason for this is that these Retics are not socially acclimated to being around
humans, and native humans in these areas may only grow to be 5 feet tall, weighing only about 100 pounds. These
Retics will also venture onto farms and consume farm animals such as chickens, pigs, and goats.
These
pythons feed on a variety of prey items in their local territories. Prey items consistently include nearly any mammals or
birds small enough to be eaten. Most pythons refuse to eat prey that has been dead for any length of time, but the Reticulated
Python has been reported as eating prey that has sometimes been dead for several days. Retics in captivity will readily eat
frozen thawed food that has obtained room temperature. In several cases, I have observed Retics consume prey items that
were foul smelling, and fit for incineration. These Retics remained healthy and consumed these meals with no negative effects. This
is due largely to the Retic's aggressive desire to feed.
The Reticulated Python can grow to be enormous,
but smaller dwarfed varieties are available, originating from small select populations of island Retics fond near Indonesia.
These may only reach adult lengths of 6 feet long and remain under 10 pounds. They are now considered a sub-species of the
original species.
The Reticulated Python can easily be maintained in a number of enclosures consistent
with most other species of python. Pythons need simply be caged according to size. Larger snakes in larger cages and
smaller snakes in smaller cages. Most snakes actually require very little space. For smaller hatchlings that are less
than 40 inches long, a 10 or 20 gallon aquarium will work nicely for a few months. As the Retic grows, larger cages
will be needed. Larger aquariums are available, but custom built snake cages are more cost effective. Some snake owners prefer
to use clear plastic boxes. No matter what type of cage you prefer, security is a crucial! Snakes love to escape, and
once out of their cage, they can be very difficult to find.
As these Retics grow, the need for
a custom built snake cage becomes very obvious. Most snake keepers will keep 10 foot snakes in cages that are 4 to 5
feet long. Anything 12 to 20 feet long can often be kept in a 8 foot cage. This seems cramped for such a large snake,
but the fact is that as these giants grow, they often become less active and spend more time curled up in a corner, even within
larger cages. The additional space is usually wasted. The smaller cage also gives the snake a sense of security. Keeping
over sized cages means heating and cleaning additional space and adds to overhead for commercial breeders. Just remember to maintain
a comfortable fit when choosing a cage.
Keeping Retics warm is a critical issue. The most common
cause of injury or death to any snake in captivity is almost always related to the heating devices used to warm the snake.
Retics can often be kept cooler than most breeds of snake which can actually save money on electric costs. Retics should be
maintained at temperatures between 83 and 93 degrees within a cage, giving the snake a cool and warm side to choose from.
During breeding, this can be slightly lowered by a few degrees on both sides. Heating devices should be well maintained and
checked often for any signs of failures. Thermostats can fail causing the snakes to be cooked. Wires can be frayed and torn,
or water exposure can occur causing electric shock. Space heaters can be turned up or down by roaming snakes if
the heater is actually in the cage. Any type of heater can also cause a fire. Heat mats placed under the cages with thermostats
having remote probes inserted into the cage work best.
Feeding is rarely a problem, as these Retics
are usually very ambitious feeders, often consuming food when most other snakes would refuse to feed. Retics can eat a variety
of prey items offered on the market such as mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, quail, pigs, and goats. Most
Retics will eaten food which has been previously frozen and thawed out to room temperature.
Retics
shed on a regular basis, depending on how often they are fed. Shedding can also be affected by the breeding cycle.
more info to come
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