Antaresia maculoza (Gestipte python)

Origin: North of Australia

Length: up to 106 centimeters
Age: up to 25 years
The dotted python owes its name to the dot pattern that it has over its body. The dot pattern is dark brown and the body is light brown. The pattern runs from head to tail.

Care
Experience: Starting snake keeper
Food: Live or dead prey.
Adult feeding: Every 10 to 20 days
Feeding young: Every 5 to 7 days
Water basin: Yes
Change water: 3 times a week
Food
There is a choice to offer the prey animals alive or dead. It is advisable to offer dead food. This is because it is more practical and prevents the food animal from injuring your snake. In addition, it is advised to offer the food animal with a pair of tongs and feed your snake outside the accommodation. This ensures that your hand is not associated with food and prevents your snake from grasping your hand during feeding. If you go for live food, you must supervise it during feeding. The prey can also injure the snake. Feed the snakes separately, because when two snakes catch the same prey they can injure each other and sometimes eat each other themselves. The ideal prey is about the same width as the widest part of the snake.

 Water
This python, just like other pythons, is a true lover of water. In addition to drinking, they also bathe in it. The water basin must therefore be large enough for the snake to be able to bathe in with its entire body. This soaking can cause the water to get dirty, so it is not a problem if the water is changed more than 3 times a week.

Cleaning
To prevent diseases and bacterial accumulation, the accommodation must be kept clean. This can be done by doing this on a weekly basis, and it is also advisable to thoroughly clean and disinfect the accommodation a few times a year. This prevents the build-up of bacteria. When cleaning, make sure that you also clean the climbing branches and elevations.

Handling
To feed the spotted python and to clean the accommodation your snake will have to be handled. This must of course be done well, so that you and the snake are safe. Handle the smale with a snake hook or lift it with both hands. Do not hang your snake around your neck, because if the snake falls that will soon clamp around your neck. In addition, there are some important things to look out for when using a spotted python. First make sure that your snake understands that you are going to handle it and move gently when you handle it. Also make sure your hands are washed and do not smell like food. Finally, do not handle your snake when it is peeling and do not handle it in the dark.

Housing
Minimum size of stay for 1 snake: 91 x 45 x 30
Lying surface: 0.5 m2 with a single lying board per snake on which the snake can lie.
Day temperature: 23-31C
Night temperature: 20-23C
Hours of light: 12 hours
Humidity degree: 50% -70%
Ground cover: Newspapers, bark, turf, sand from peat litter
device
The spotted python is found in the scrubland of Australia. Here the python lives on the ground and in branches. This must therefore be made with climbing possibilities, in the form of climbing branches. In addition, there must be shelter costs in the form of a cave, cave or piece of wood. Bear in mind that the hiding place is large enough for the snake to be completely covered. Finally, like other pythons, they are in danger of bathing. To be able to do this, they need a water bowl that is large enough for the snake to be able to lie in with its entire body.

For the stay there are some extra things to pay attention to. The spotted python are good at escaping and there will have to be events that they cannot just open their doors. You can do this by putting a lock on the residence. Hereby ventilation is needed to keep the air fresh and it is to the share of bright sun and put down as vibration-free as possible.

Behaviour
Hunting method: Constricing snake
Lifestyle: semi-arboreal & night active
Character: Spotted python are tame and curious snakes. This makes it easy animals to keep good for a beginner. But because of their curious behavior, they are also fun for experienced snake owners who want to try somthing differently.
Points of attention: The spotted python is a slender snake and must therefore be handled with care. This is for animal welfare and health.

Costs and Purchase
Legislation: The dotted python falls under CITES II, to own this snake you need CITES or transfer papers. You should get this when purchasing.
One-off costs: This includes the costs for accommodation, lighting, heating, water bowl and decoration. This can together cost a few hundred euros to a few thousand euros. The final amount depends on the quality and size of the products.
Fixed costs: Fixed costs include the costs for the feed, this is several tens of euros per year.
Unexpected costs: Costs have been incurred if your snake happens to fall ill or your equipment breaks down.