Largest snakes: tiger python. Continuation is available only to members
How often do Burmese pythons feed? and got the best answer
Reply from ***T@tian@***[guru]
Interestingly, with such an “inconvenient” diet, the python digests its food quite quickly. Otherwise, having, for example, a swallowed calf in its digestive tract, the snake naturally becomes extremely clumsy and can easily become someone’s prey.
Answer from Victoria[guru]
He often hunts animals that come to drink. In addition to ungulates, monkeys and rodents, it attacks small crocodiles, monitor lizards, agamas and other reptiles
Burmese pythons are one of the largest snakes in the world - reaching eight meters in length and weighing up to 180 kilograms. As a rule, these snakes avoid people. They are considered quite dangerous, as they can curl up around a person and easily crush him to death.
Quite recently there was news that in the United States a python that was trying to digest a two-meter alligator was torn in half. Today, a new episode of a Burmese python became known, in which a suspicious bulge was found on its body. In the US state of Florida, a Burmese python with a suspicious bulge in its abdomen was subjected to an x-ray examination, which showed that the reptile had eaten a Siamese cat. Last Sunday, the Rodriguez family discovered a 3.5-meter python near their home in Miami. A large bulge was observed in the digestive tract of the snake. Since the family's one-year-old Siamese cat named Frances had recently gone missing, the Rodriguezes suspected the worst. “I’m sure he has a cat inside,” said Andres, one of the sons. His mother, Elidia, also had suspicions, but she said that she needed to make sure. “I still want to know for sure that it’s him in the stomach,” the woman said. The found python was taken to the reserve, where it underwent an x-ray examination, which determined that the python had actually eaten the Siamese cat. “The x-ray showed that the bulge in the piton’s stomach was the cat it had eaten,” said veterinarian William Chavez.
Answer from Cover Vladimir[guru]
Three subspecies of these reptiles are known: this is the Indian light tiger python Python molurus molurus, a medium-sized snake, usually not exceeding 4 meters, but six-meter specimens are also known. Distributed in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh. The coloring of this subspecies is lighter than the other two. Due to intensive development natural places habitat area Indian python decreased sharply. Currently, pythons are found in protected areas and national parks in the south and southeast of India. The Indian light tiger python is protected by law, included in the national and international Red Data Books, and in the first appendix of CITES lists. It is bred in captivity, but is extremely rare in amateur terrariums.
Ceylon tiger python - Python m. Pimbura is the smallest of the tiger pythons. Usually its length does not exceed 2 - 3 meters. Outwardly similar to the light tiger python, with which it was previously united into one subspecies. In addition to size, it differs from the Indian python in the shape of its head. Python m. Pimbura is endemic to the island of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), inhabiting the few forests and jungles that have remained intact. Included in the national and international Red Books, and in the second appendix of CITES lists. Due to its small size, it is a desirable species for terrarium lovers to keep, but it is quite expensive and rare, bred in captivity.
And finally the Dark Tiger Python - P. m. bivittatus is the largest, brightest and most common python from this group in the collections of zoos and terrariums. Darker in color than other subspecies (hence the name), inhabits mountainous rain forests(this is what is called the “mountain Burmese python”) of Southern China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Northern Thailand, Laos, Burma. The mountains rise to 1800 m above sea level. It reaches a length of up to 7 m, but in a terrarium it is usually about 4-5 m, and some of its morphs are even smaller. P.m. bivittatus is included in the second appendix of CITES listings. Currently, there are quite a lot of morphs and color variations of this python in the world.
Young pythons are fed once every 7-10 days, adults once every 10-20 days, with food items of appropriate size: mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, poultry. Typically, pythons are not picky eaters and will absorb any food given to them that is suitable in size, although sometimes there are exceptions that specialize in one food preference, for example poultry, so when purchasing an animal you need to inquire about its taste preferences. Sometimes teenage pythons and adult animals can refuse food and starve for 1-6 months without harm to their health. This is due to the imitation of natural seasonality, wintering, skin change, sexual behavior, etc.
Answer from Igor Pavlov[guru]
Burmese pythons can feed only a few times a year, digesting their victims without leaving any residue. According to research by biologist Robert K. Pope of Indiana University South Bend and his colleague Jean-Hervé Lignot of the Université Louis Pasteur, the secret natural “talent” – in a special type of cell, previously unknown to science.
The digestive characteristics of Burmese pythons are truly amazing. These animals manage to absorb food twice their weight in one sitting. In addition, they eat quite rarely.
Interestingly, with such an “inconvenient” diet, the python digests its food quite quickly. Otherwise, having, for example, a swallowed calf in its digestive tract, the snake naturally becomes extremely clumsy and can easily become someone’s prey.
The mechanical basis of this process lies in the ability internal organs python to stretching. But for a long time it was not clear how digestion occurs - after all, the Burmese python somehow digests food completely (with the exception, perhaps, of feathers and down).
As Pope and Ligno discovered, this digestion is accomplished by a special type of cell they call decoy cells. These cells are shaped like depressions on the intestinal wall. During digestion, they come into contact with food, and the microvilli of neighboring cells “catch” its particles, placing them inside the trap cell.
These cells accumulate particles of bone tissue, which then undergo further breakdown.
According to Pope, the main "job" of the trap cells is to help absorb as much calcium as possible.
Researchers claim that cells of this type are not found in other living beings.!!! 
So, have you REALLY decided to get yourself a tiger python?
Perhaps you were impressed by this photo of Nastassja Kinski
Maybe you've seen the late Steve Irwin with one of these majestic snakes, or maybe you're inspired by Kita from the movie Snakes on a Plane. There are so many reasons why you might be fascinated by giant pythons...
And if you decide that you want to keep a 4.5 meter snake in your home, then the tiger python is the best choice.
Or were you hoping the snake would be a little... smaller? The nice people at the pet store said that the adorable baby will never outgrow his 280 liter jar if you only feed him mice?
And he was really charming, with a round face and big, curious eyes, and when he crawled towards you in his terrarium, you just couldn’t help but buy him. And of course, this small skein of scales will never become a monster chicken eater whose weight exceeds 40 kg.
Alas, he may very well be larger - and if “he” turns out to be a female, this will almost certainly happen. If you are not ready for this, then you need to do what will be best for both you and the snake: give it into good hands. This will be much easier to do now than later, when you have a ten-foot snake that continues to grow every day. And under no circumstances let her go free!!! It's not just about the cats and dogs she will eat. This can be terribly damaging to the local ecosystem.
But you're crazy about this little guy, and you're willing to do anything to keep him. That's where I come in: I love tiger pythons and want to see them live in proper conditions and get the care they deserve.
Fortunately, this is not a particularly difficult task. Brindles are the least demanding of the giant boas. They tend to be much sweeter in temperament than African Rock Pythons or anacondas, and are much less active than reticulated pythons. Moreover, the animals are very large, and there are a number of serious requirements for their maintenance. If you have the resources, then maintaining this gentle giant will not be a problem for you. If not, then it is better to consider other types of snakes.
Purchase
So, you have studied the issue and decided that you want to get a tiger, no matter what.
You have allocated the necessary funds, checked local laws regarding the issue of keeping large snakes at home, obtained consent from neighbors, persuaded your spouse, the owner of the land and other interested parties. Where will you go now to find the small (or not so small) scaly inhabitant of your dreams?
Many people THINK they want a giant python. And only a few are ready for the daily difficulties and restrictions that life with a snake that weighs more than them imposes. As a result, the animals end up in shelters, and there are almost always adult animals and juvenile tiger pythons available for “adoption.”
If you have some experience with reptiles (especially large snakes), you may consider adopting a Greater Burmese Refusal. If you have no experience, it is better to think twice before adopting a snake from a shelter. The animal may have lived in poor conditions or been subjected to cruel treatment, as a result of which it may have health problems and be more unpredictable than a pet raised by oneself from babies.
When choosing a breeder, you have many options. For the most part, you're better off avoiding pet stores. While there are pet stores that take good care of their animals (and some even specialize in reptiles), many more maintain their “products” in unhealthy, unsanitary conditions. If you see several snakes together in one container with insufficient heating and a dirty substrate, leave. Do not give in to the desire to save the snake that you saw in this sad situation: in the absence of experience, you are unlikely to be able to help it, and will simply sponsor an unscrupulous seller.
An invaluable resource for those looking for a Burmese (or any other reptile) is the Fauna Classifieds Board of Inquiry (sort of a black and white list).
As with any forum, discussions here may go off topic or provoke conflict. However, this is a great place to find out more about the reputation and history of the person you are about to deal with. You can also learn more about the Burmese python market and get expert advice on caring for the animal on various forums dedicated to large boa constrictors.
Bob Clark, who first brought the albino morph of the Burmese python to market in 1987, offers excellent forums. Unfortunately, Bob himself rarely participates in discussions on the forms, but many other owners and breeders are regular participants, incl. Jim "Bebo" Mason, Sam Burden, and Dr. Jay Owens.
You can also visit a reptile show in your area and buy a snake there. The reptile exhibit will allow you to see the scheduled Burmese python in person, as well as many of its species.
Burmese come in several main species forms:
1. Normal: The normal Burmese python is a beige to coffee-colored snake with black markings and a light belly.
2. Albino: Juvenile Burmese amelanists are bright white with a fluorescent orange pattern. As they mature, they become ivory white with banana-white spots. 
3. Green: Also known as "Patternless," these Burmese have a silver-olive coloration.
4. Granite: This python morph has a warm olive color with speckles.
5. Labyrinth: The Labyrinth Burmese has a golden coloration and a unique pattern.
These basic color variations when mixed produced other morphs.
In addition, when choosing a Burmese at an exhibition, you will have the opportunity to personally verify his health, mental balance and general well-being before you decide to buy.
Avoid buying snakes with mucus or crusts around the nostrils (these are signs of a cold). Please pay Special attention for “daydreaming” - the desire to keep the head in an uncomfortable position facing the sky - and difficulty moving or straightening the body when the snake is curled up.
These could all be signs of Inclusion Body Disease (IBD), a deadly and highly contagious retroviral disease that can wipe out your entire animal collection if brought into your home.
If you've never had the chance to hold an adult Burmese, going to an exhibition may give you the opportunity to do so and decide whether you are truly capable of keeping these gentle giants.
Feeding
That inquisitive behavior that melted your heart at the pet store is actually just a search for food. Your Burmese didn't come out to greet you, he was just hoping that you would bring him something edible.
Burmese pythons are bottomless stomachs: they will usually eat as often as you feed them and as much as you offer. IN wildlife Burmese snakes are food for large number predators. Those that grow faster will have a better chance of survival. Therefore, the Burmese always do not mind having a snack.
Unfortunately, domestic Burmese have access to food on a much more regular basis than their wild counterparts. In the wild, a python can go a month between meals, but in captivity, some owners will feed their pets weekly, or even twice a week. The result of this will be a growth spurt - but this is extremely detrimental to the snake's health. Just like in humans, snakes suffer from heart problems when they become obese. circulatory system, liver and other organs, which can shorten the life of the animal.
Other owners, on the contrary, keep their pets on a starvation diet or feed them small food items in order to stop the growth of the python. This strategy may be successful for a few months, but it will soon result in weakened, sick, mentally unstable snakes that are more likely to bite and be prone to respiratory illnesses and other infections.
Most baby Burmese will eat a small rat as their first meal. Weekly feeding is good for the animal's first year or so: at the end of this period, your baby will be approximately 1.8 to 3 m long.
After this, you can start feeding him once every two weeks. Fully grown pythons can feed once every three or four weeks. Like most cold-blooded animals, snakes have a very slow metabolism. Therefore, their energy consumption is significantly lower than that of warm-blooded animals of comparable size.
Food items that leave a noticeable but not too protruding bulge on the snake's body are generally better: an adult python can do without large rabbits, turkeys, small pigs and kids. Lakshmi, who weighs about 35kg, eats 2-3 giant rats (each weighing over 400g) and one adult guinea pig (which weighs 0.7-0.9kg) every two weeks.
You should not have any problems feeding your Burmese. From the very beginning, try to teach him to accept defrosted food items. Although some snakes refuse to eat anything other than live food items, Burmese are generally less picky.
The stores have a great selection guinea pigs, rabbits or giant rats. I was also happy with using rabbit farm products until Lakshmi decided she wouldn't eat rabbits anymore.
Although Burmese generally have a very healthy appetite, individuals often have their own food preferences. They will sometimes refuse food items that they have adored eating for months or even years, demanding variety in their diet. It can be disconcerting when, after the third or fourth try, your little one rejects a $15 or so bunny.
Taming
An adult Burmese can generate several hundred pounds of pressure per square inch when coiled. He may drag you around the room like a rag doll if he starts to get nervous and thrash.
If you decide to compete with your Burmese, it may end badly for you. Fortunately, all these muscles are controlled by a brain the size of Walnut– and a smart owner will use this to his advantage.
From the very beginning, you should do "hook training" for your python. Take a hook and use it to hook or pet the snake before handling it. NEVER use this hook while feeding a snake. Over time, the snake will perceive the use of the hook as a sign that no food is forthcoming. This will help dampen the hunting instinct and protect you from the possibility of being mistaken for lunch at the moment when you are about to change the water.
Please note: You will not be able to use the hooks to lift Burmese of any size. You may have seen pictures of people holding thin-bodied snakes with one or two hooks. If you try to repeat the same thing with a seasoned Burmese, you will most likely break the animal's ribs and/or bend the hook.
Use the hook as a signal, not as a transportation device. If you do not want to use a hook for this purpose, then the length of the broom or something else should be long enough so that you can gently touch the snake from the distance from which you will be working.
Using force when interacting with your Burmese will backfire. You will have more success if you gently place your hands around the snake's neck and guide it to where you want it to go.
She may resist several times, and even hiss, demonstrating her displeasure - but in the end she will turn her head and cheerfully crawl away in the direction you indicated. In other words, when dealing with a Burmese, you will need to use “power despite” much more often than “power over.” Use your Burmese's size to your advantage: let the force of inertia move him back into his cage or temporary container (we use large Rubbermaid tubs).
Burmese and alcohol are a VERY bad combination. Burmese pythons, like other snakes, cannot tolerate the smell of alcohol. Intoxication makes you clumsy: you may, for example, miscalculate your strength when picking up a snake and cause it pain. Since in a state of alcoholic intoxication the assessment of the situation becomes less objective and the speed of reaction decreases, you can do something stupid that will lead to trouble.
If you can't get behind the wheel, then you shouldn't take a snake (and neither should your friends). The same goes for taking certain medications that reduce your concentration or when you are nervous or anxious.
Wash your hands before and after handling your Birman. By washing your hands before contact, you can get rid of any aromas that may awaken the hunting instinct in your animal (Burmese hunt based on heat and smell, their sense of smell is much more subtle than ours. And you will not be able to catch the smell of your neighbor’s bunny until many hours after , as they stroked him. But this does not mean that your python cannot). After caring for your pet, you should always wash your hands to avoid contracting salmonella (although you are much more likely to get salmonella when you cook chicken than when you hold your snake, there is still some risk of infection. But washing your hands with antibacterial soap will minimize this).
Heating
In my opinion, the best source of heat for Burmese pythons is Pro Products Heating Panels. They are a little more expensive than alternatives such as ceramic heat lamps or heat cords, but cover even large areas easily, accurately control the temperature in the terrarium (which should always be 27˚C or higher in a cold corner and 31-32˚C in a warm corner). ).
You will also need a thermostat.
I use Ranco, Spyder Robotics also work well. Try to place the terrarium away from walls, especially walls facing the street, because... this can lead to heat loss and a drop in temperature in the terrarium. If this is not possible, then you can line the space between the terrarium and the wall with foam plastic or other thermal insulation material.
If you have a small Burmese that you purchased from a pet store, you may have been sold it along with a warming stone. Do yourself a good deed and throw this snake-killing garbage into the darkness of the underworld where it came from. Hot rocks are notorious for burning snakes and have hot spots that can cause terrible sores and burns on your pet's belly. For adult Burmese this ceases to be a problem: no one produces stones large enough for them to use. But owners of young snakes must be careful.
When it comes to heat, you cannot save at the expense of quality. A malfunctioning thermostat or an inactive heating element can cause your terrarium to become seriously overheated or underheated. Non-compliance temperature regime may cause illness or even death of the snake. Although Burmese are quite hardy snakes, insufficient warming usually leads to respiratory problems and reduces the vitality of the animal. And it's unlikely that you want to take £100+ for a snake to your vet (I'm assuming you have the option of going to a vet who knows what to do with reptiles). In general, maintaining temperature control will help avoid this.
And don't use electric blankets to heat your python's terrarium. Burmese hunt more intensely when they feel warm. If blood or other odors from frozen food stain a warming blanket on the floor, your python may mistake it for dinner. Even if this does not happen, there is still a serious risk of fire if there is a short circuit from spilled water or python waste.
All of the above should not be confused with “pig blankets,” rigid, waterproof heating mats that are used for piglets and can be used to heat a reptile terrarium.
Health
In the short term, Burmese pythons are very hardy snakes. They will put up with worse than necessary conditions for weeks and months. But if the shortcomings remain uncorrected, the Burmese, like anyone else, will suffer. If you get a Burmese python, you probably want to see it healthy. And not only does your animal not need this, it will save you a lot of money. Big snake may well mean large medical bills - finding a vet willing to talk to your pet may not be so easy.
Hypothermia can lead to a respiratory infection. The snake may become lethargic and lose its appetite. He will raise his head and open his mouth wide, as if he cannot breathe. You may hear loud wheezing or see mucus around the snake's nostrils. If left untreated, a respiratory infection can kill your pet. Veterinary care will most likely be required. Before the doctor arrives, it is necessary to increase the temperature in the terrarium to 33˚C or as close to this value as possible.
You can also add an extra container of water to increase the humidity. While the animal is sick, feed it smaller food items. Larger foods are more difficult to digest and can lead to regurgitation.
Unsanitary conditions can lead to necrotizing dermatitis, otherwise known as scale rot. This disease appears as brown spots or discoloration along the entire length of the abdomen with jagged or rough edges.
If you see these symptoms in your snake, use original Neosporin™ (or some other branded ointment containing acitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B and nothing else). If this does not help, you need to contact your veterinarian.
If necrotizing dermatitis appears, it is necessary to disinfect the animal’s terrarium as soon as possible. It is possible to use a 10% chlorine bleach solution for this (but make sure the terrarium is completely dry before putting the snake back in). You can also bathe your snake with Betadine, the solution should be the color of strong tea (just be sure to make sure that the snake does not drink this water or immerse its head in it). Batadin and Neosporin baths can also be used if the snake has rubbed its nose on the terrarium or is otherwise injured.
Mites are another curse that often attacks terrarium snakes. Look for black moving dots on the snake's bed or around its eyes. If you find mites, you need to thoroughly clean the terrarium, then use Provent-a-Mite and Reptile Relief.
Keep a close eye on your snake during the molting period, paying special attention to the eyelids and the tip of the tail. If the snake has not shed in any of these areas, there will be problems. A tail tip that has not shed can lead to its drying out (dry tail necrosis), and unshed skin on the eyes will interfere with the snake’s vision. You may need to see a veterinarian to remove stuck pieces of skin. Maintaining humidity during molting will help avoid this. To maintain high humidity, mist the terrarium frequently.
If you are having trouble finding quality reptile care, check out the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV), which has a directory of members in America and around the world.
Terrarium
In the period from 2 to 3 years, your grown-up Burmese will need a terrarium measuring 1.8 * 1.0 m. Burmese pythons have a thick body and the 0.6m width of the enclosure will likely be too narrow for a snake that will be as thick as your thigh. If you have a female Burmese python, then I strongly advise you to think about building a 2.3 * 1.0 m terrarium. Yes, you can keep an adult snake in a 1.8*0.9m terrarium, and many people do this. But in my experience, the extra space allows snakes to be healthier and less likely to become obese.
The 2.4*0.9 T70 Terrarium from Animal Plastics is highly recommended by many keepers, as is the 1.8*0.9 m Vision Cages. Lakshmi currently lives in Terra 2.4*0.9 from Boamaster Reptiles.
Each of these terrariums is bulky (and in the case of the Boamaster terrarium, also very massive, weighing more than 200 kg). Additionally, terrariums cost $500 or more. Depending on where you live, you can easily add $400 for transportation and tips for movers.
If you can build a terrarium yourself, you will save a lot of money. But keep in mind that you will have to build a cage for a very large and very long ball of hard muscle. And everything that is not tightly screwed or secured, your baby will easily squeeze out and end up free (trust my experience). It is also necessary to provide waterproofing of the floor (and walls, but to a lesser extent). Otherwise, the terrarium will quickly swell and begin to rot due to constantly spilled water and puddles of urine of about 4 liters.
Many of those who prefer to build terrariums themselves cover the inside with bathroom tiles. You should think about this too. And at the same time, consider whether you are ready to work with a shovel for a couple of decades: an adult Burmese defecates in the same volumes as a pony.
A young Burmese placed in a large terrarium will be stressed, so until it reaches a length of 2.1m or so, it is better to use smaller housings. Since it will reach this length by about a year, I don't recommend spending a lot of money on a temporary terrarium. I use Iris VE175 open tubs for the young stock (also known as "Christmas Tree Boxes" and available plastic containers for reptiles. They are spacious, strong, difficult to escape from, and easy to clean and heat.
There are many options for interior decoration of terrariums. Newspapers are a cheap and highly absorbent substrate. Some people buy replacement terrarium liners or brown wrapping paper. Others use aspen or other substrates made specifically for reptiles (but avoid softwood shavings, as the resin can be irritating or even kill your kite). Your Burmese will most likely rake it all into one pile and move at his discretion everything that you have carefully placed in his home. In accordance with this, the interior for it should be made as simple as possible.
Although a small Burmese will enjoy using shelters, it will be of little use to a juvenile or adult.
Water
Your Burmese will demand large quantity clean, fresh drinking water. Lakshmi has two main water containers: we often refill them from other containers when she spills them or when the air is particularly dry. You will need to keep an eye on water containers as Burmese (like other snakes) will defecate in the water frequently.
They are also endowed with a special gift for knocking over dishes with water, which leads to the need to have another terrarium to put the snake in while cleaning. Buying a good vacuum cleaner can make your life a lot easier.
The Burmese prefer moderate humidity. If the humidity is too low, problems with shedding may occur; too high humidity threatens the development of necrotizing dermatitis.
The optimal humidity range will be 45-75%%, during the molting period it is necessary to strive to ensure the upper values of the interval. During molting, you can sometimes mist the snake: a regular garden sprinkler will help you with this. It should not be forgotten that during molting the snake may be more nervous than usual (if your eyes were closed and your whole body was itching, I don’t think all this would be accompanied by a good mood). Therefore, a little caution during this period can save you from the pain of a defensive bite later.
Safety
By and large, Burmese pythons are very easy to tame. They are tolerant and even enjoy being carried in their arms. They may hiss, but very rarely bite. It's easy to relax when interacting with these docile, slow-moving giants. But it’s also easy to add to the death statistics (the article talks about how a 4m Burmese python killed its owner while feeding).
A hungry adult Burmese is a very dangerous animal. If he mistakes any part of your body for food, he will grab onto it and try to wrap himself around you. IN best case scenario it just won't be pleasant.
Although Burmese are not venomous, a bite from a large boa constrictor can send you to the hospital with torn tendons and arteries. If he manages to wrap around you one or more times, he may well be able to kill you. Contact with any Burmese over 3m in length must take place in the presence of at least two people. When it comes to snakes exceeding 4.5 m in length, it is best to have three pairs of arms. The second person must be able to lift the boa constrictor by its tail.
In extreme cases, mouthwash or alcohol may be used to force the snake to release its prey and attempt to escape. If you live alone (or plan to do so soon), you really need to think long and hard about whether you should get a Burmese.
They may be unusually gentle pets, but they still remain wild animals. If you forget about this, you may receive a very painful, or even fatal reminder.
If you have other animals, you should keep them at a safe distance from the Burmese python. This is important for everyone's safety: a cat can maim a sleeping snake, just as a hungry Burmese can swallow a pocket poodle.
If you have children, you should consider keeping the snake in a closed room. At the very least, it is necessary to securely lock the terrarium from curious kids.
You should also be prepared to face criminal or administrative charges if your pet escapes and causes damage. If your Burmese eats your neighbor's dog, you could be faced with paying an expensive lawsuit. If he strangles the neighbor's child, you will likely be charged with murder. These scenarios may seem incredible. And it is in your interests to make them impossible.
Everything written is not intended to deter you from purchasing a Burmese. On the contrary, I encourage any interested and qualified people to own this beauty. But I don’t want to gloss over the responsibility that inevitably accompanies keeping large pythons.
There is no shame in admitting that you are unable to meet these requirements. The shame lies in neglecting them or mistreating animals because you are unable to care for them properly.
Law and the Burmese python
Poor decisions on your part can cost those of us who care about keeping Burmese and other giant snakes responsibly: Burmese are already outlawed in several jurisdictions.
Your Burmese python is adorable. Your Burmese python is beautiful. But depending on where you live, your python may be illegal. Thanks to irresponsible people throwing unwanted animals into the street, and several high-profile deaths caused by Burmese pythons or other giant boas, many places have introduced restrictions or a complete ban on private ownership of Burmese.
Restrictions on Burmese pythons may be at the state level (New York, for example, prohibits individuals from keeping Burmese pythons unless they were acquired before December 2004). The ban may also be based on local government regulations. (The keeper had his 7-foot python, Isis, confiscated after his neighbor saw a photo of the python on his MySpace profile. Although there is no official state ban in the Carolinas, keeping pythons is prohibited at the municipal level.)
Content rules may include species or size restrictions. A Burmese that is legal when purchased may become illegal once it grows beyond 1.8m or other arbitrarily set size limits. Other areas require a permit or license to keep these animals.
Even if your Burmese is legal today, there is no guarantee that the rules in your area will not change tomorrow. If this happens, you may find yourself among the “grandfathered” (meaning that the law is not retroactive). You will be allowed to keep your pets for as long as you want, but will not be allowed to breed them or acquire new ones. Or you may be given some time to get rid of your animal by selling it, giving it away, or euthanizing it.
Plus, in today's mobile society, there is no guarantee that you won't have to move to a new location. Before purchasing a Burmese python or moving to new house with the previous pet, you must be sure that the snake will not be outlawed. Otherwise, you will face fines, eviction and even criminal prosecution. Moreover, your beloved animal may be destroyed, so take the time to study the legislation.
Despite the above, not all people comply with the law. You may have been transferred to a state that prohibits Burmese ownership, but you don't want to get rid of your beloved pet. Maybe yours new pet has already arrived (most breeders leave it up to the buyer to research and comply with local laws).
In this case, as in most efforts to maintain the appearance of law-abidingness, caution will have its effect. great importance. Before you take a large python into the park to impress children and college girls, make sure that the snake will not attract the attention of law enforcement officials (you should be careful about displaying your snake in public, even if it is legal. It is stressful for both the reptile and and for snake-phobic passers-by).
Please note that in the event of a fire in the house or other emergency you may find yourself answering awkward questions from unsmiling people with badges. If you keep a Burmese python illegally, you are putting yourself and the animal at risk. And although the danger can be minimized, it cannot disappear completely.
Which is considered one of the largest in the world. In 2005, the reptile of this species was recognized as the heaviest in the world. With a length of 8.2 m, it weighed 183 kg.
Appearance
Your name this type reptiles received thanks to a color reminiscent of a tiger. The length of the tiger python reaches 8 m, and sometimes more. The body of this snake is olive or yellowish-brown in color, with large dark brown spots scattered throughout. A dark arrow-shaped spot can be seen on the tiger python’s head. Among them there are also albinos - individuals who do not have protective pigmentation. In nature, the albino tiger python is very rare, since the lack of protective coloring dooms it to death already in early childhood. However, due to the unusually beautiful appearance, such individuals are very popular among snake lovers. Therefore, they began to artificially breed them.
Habitat
The tiger python lives in the vastness of the Southeast and, in particular, it is common in countries such as Pakistan, China, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Nepal. As a rule, representatives of this species can be found in swamps, sparse forests, as well as on rocky foothills and fields.
Lifestyle
The tiger python is a sedentary reptile that prefers to hunt at night. Said snake ambushes its prey, then bites it and suffocates it with its body. Tiger pythons feed on rodents, various birds, monkeys and small ungulates. There are even known cases when individuals of this species attacked jackals, leopards, wild boars and crocodiles. Most often, tiger pythons can be found near bodies of water, because they feel good in water. They can swim and dive. These snakes can also climb trees. Their life expectancy is 20-25 years.
In nature, there are 3 subspecies of tiger pythons:
- Indian python.
- Burmese python.
- Ceylon tiger python.
The largest of these is the Burmese, or dark tiger python. Its length varies between 6 and 8 meters (maximum - 9.15 m), and its weight is about 70 kg. In addition, it has the darkest color, which is clearly visible in the photo of the python. At the same time, it has many color variations. This subspecies is often kept in terrariums.
The smaller one is the Indian one, which is also called the light tiger python. Its length is 6 m. It differs more light color. This subspecies is included in the Red Book. Due to hunting, its population is constantly decreasing. The skin of these snakes is used to make wallets, boots, belts, etc. The Ceylon subspecies is considered the smallest among tiger pythons. Its length rarely exceeds 3 m. In appearance it strongly resembles an Indian python. You can distinguish the Ceylonese by the reddish color of its head.
