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Morelia bredli (Central Australian carpet python)
Age: up to 30 years
Origin: Central Australia
Length: up to 250 centimeters
The Morelia bredli is a medium to large Python and is usually reddish-brown in color with some white to beige spots or stripes.
Care
Experience: Average snake keeper
Food: Live or dead prey animals.
Feeding adults: Every 14 days
Feeding young: Every 7 days
Water bowl: Yes
Water change: 3 times a week
Feeding
There is a choice to offer the prey animals live or dead. It is recommended to offer dead food. This is more practical and prevents the prey animal from injuring your snake. Additionally, it is advised to offer the prey animal using feeding tongs and to feed your snake outside the enclosure. This ensures that your hand is not associated with food and prevents your snake from grabbing your hand during feeding. If you do choose live food, you must supervise during feeding. The prey animal can also injure the snake. Feed the snakes separately, because when two snakes grab the same prey, they can injure each other and sometimes even eat each other. The ideal prey animal is approximately as wide as the widest part of the snake. Water
Like other Pythons, the Morelia bredli is a true water lover. In addition to drinking it, they also bathe in it. Therefore, the water bowl must be large enough for the snake to bathe in with its entire body. This bathing can cause the water to become dirty, so it is not a problem if the water is changed more than 3 times a week.
Cleaning
To prevent diseases and bacterial buildup, the enclosure must be kept clean. This can be done weekly; additionally, it is advisable to thoroughly clean and disinfect the enclosure a few times a year. This prevents the buildup of bacteria. When cleaning, make sure to also clean the climbing branches and elevated platforms.
Handling
To feed the Morelia bredli and clean the enclosure, your snake will need to be handled. Naturally, this must be done properly to ensure the safety of both the snake and you. Handle the snake with a snake hook or lift it with two hands. Do not hang your snake around your neck, because if the snake falls, it will constrict around your neck. Additionally, there are some other important things to watch out for when handling a spotted python. First, ensure that your snake realizes you are going to handle it and move calmly when handling it. Also, make sure your hands are washed and do not smell of food. Finally, do not handle your snake when it is shedding and do not handle it in the dark.
Housing Minimum enclosure size for 1 snake: 120 x 50 x 50 Lying surface area: 0.5 m² with at least one raised basking platform per snake for the snake to lie on. Daytime temperature on the warm side: 32-36°C Daytime temperature on the cooler side: 24-28°C Nighttime temperature: 20-23°C Light hours: 12 hours Humidity: 45%-55% Substrate: Coconut fibers or peat moss are the perfect substrate for this snake Enclosure setup The Morelia bredli is found in central Australia. Their habitat consists of lower mountain ranges with many small caves and crevices, ideal hiding places. Bredlis can also be found in hollow logs along rivers. There are a few extra things to pay attention to regarding the enclosure, such as a large water bowl and plenty of hiding places. Many sticks and branches are also recommended.
Behavior
Hunting method: Constrictor
Lifestyle: Semi-arboreal & nocturnal
Character
Calm animals that are usually good-natured. This makes them easy to handle and excellent pets. Young specimens can be defensive.
Points of attention
The Morelia bredli is a constrictor and can eat prey larger than its head. Therefore, keep in mind that you should not leave it alone with small children or pets.
Costs and Purchase
Legislation: The Morelia bredli falls under CITES II; to own this snake, you need CITES or transfer papers. You should receive these upon purchase.
One-off costs: These include the costs for the enclosure, lighting, heating, water bowl, and decoration. Together, these can cost anywhere from 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 cost of food, which amounts to a few tens of euros per year.
Unexpected costs: Costs are incurred if your snake happens to become ill or your equipment breaks down.
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