The Boelen’s python is a snake that is indigenous to New Guinea and is well-known for being a stunning and distinctive reptile.
Boelen’s pythons, which are renowned for having iridescent scales, are wonderful pets for anyone who like reptiles. These snakes, however, can be difficult to handle, therefore only knowledgeable snake keepers should attempt to handle them. The crucial information concerning Boelen’s pythons will be covered in this post, along with advice on how to keep your python secure, content, and comfortable.
Overview of the Boelen’s Python
You should thoroughly research any new reptile you intend to bring home before bringing it home. Even if you’ve previously had a snake or other reptile, that doesn’t mean you know how to take care of a Boelen’s python.
| Animal Facts | |
| Common Name | Boelen’s Python |
| Species Name | Simalia boeleni |
| Natural Habitat | Native to New Guinea, preferring mountainous regions |
| Adult Height | approximately eight feet long |
| Average Lifespan | 15–20 years |
| Diet | Small mammals, rodents, and birds |
| Housing | 6x3x2 enclosure, 68°F-85°F, approximately 90 °F for basking with a 80% humidity level |
| Experience level | Intermediate to advanced |
A Boelen’s python will mature into a huge reptile with particular care requirements. Never purchase a pet if you can’t care for it properly. This is particularly crucial for a huge snake like a python.
Origin
Simalia boeleni, the Boelen’s python, is a snake that lives in New Guinea, Indonesia. It is prohibited to hunt, kill, or export Boelen’s pythons in their natural habitats because these snakes are protected species of reptiles. It is permissible to purchase some Boelen pythons in other nations, but they are uncommon and quite expensive.
Boelen’s pythons are mentioned in Indonesian mythology, where one narrative describes a god with magnificent feathers escaping from a fight and progressively losing all of them until only the python’s black and white body was left.
The Boelen’s python has a significant role in local culture, which is one of the reasons why the inhabitants of the mountains of New Guinea are so protective of this unique and lovely snake.
Manifestation and conduct
The renowned black, iridescent scales of Boelen’s pythons are well known. However, when they get older, these snakes develop new colors and patterns. Young pythons have crimson bodies with white bands. The red slowly fades to a sleek, iridescent black as they age, with fine yellowish bands circling the body and a yellowish belly.
Males and females do not physically differ from one another.
Size and Duration
The typical length of a Boelen’s python is eight feet. Many snakes can reach lengths of ten feet, and in a few rare instances, Boelen’s pythons can reach lengths of fourteen feet. These snakes are also rather large in size.
Keeping a Boelen’s python requires dedication over time, especially if you purchase a juvenile snake. These snakes are kept as pets for a long time and have a lifespan of fifteen to twenty years. Make sure you’re prepared to provide your pet love and care for at least two decades.
Temperament
The curiosity of a Boelen’s python is one distinguishing trait. As a result, the Boelen’s python is a rather docile snake that can be handled and picked up, however you should still exercise caution. Boelen’s pythons are peaceful, non-aggressive snakes. The python will hiss and show other warning signs before biting if it feels threatened.
Despite not being poisonous, Boelen’s pythons are nevertheless huge reptiles that may bite with a vicious, painful bite.
Two snakes living together is rarely a wise choice. A male and a female will either fight or reproduce, and two males or two females are likely to fight.
Boelen’s Pythons’ residence
Because they are huge snakes, Boelen’s pythons require a lot of space. Although in their natural habitat they primarily stay on the forest floor, they are good climbers and require a little height in their enclosure. Burrows, natural substrates, and other hiding spots make excellent additions to your python enclosure. Ensure that your snake has lots of places to hide and relax.
Boelen’s pythons are no different from other snakes in that they are experts at escaping. A snake should have enough space in a reptile terrarium, which will also securely close to keep your interested reptile within.
Embedded Size
The minimum enclosure size for an adult Boelen’s python is 6 feet by 2 feet by 2 feet. The ideal enclosure size for your snake is 6 feet by 2 feet by 3 feet. As much room as you can provide is what your snake requires. You should attempt to choose an enclosure that enables your Boelen’s python to stretch out completely because these reptiles can reach lengths of about eight feet.
Since most reptile owners prefer smaller snakes and larger cages are more expensive, it might be challenging to find enclosures of this size. However, keep in mind that your pet will spend the remainder of its life in this box, thus it is your duty to ensure that they are comfortable.
Lighting
Special illumination is required for a Boelen’s python. With the right day/night routine, full-spectrum UV illumination will keep your snake content and healthy. Your snake will develop a proper photocycle rhythm if your light is set to turn on and off every twelve hours. Remember that this rhythm will be disturbed in spaces with a lot of artificial or even natural light.
Thermodynamics and Humidity
Before you bring your snake home, the heating system needs to be set up and ready because it literally means the difference between life and death for your snake. One of the finest ways to maintain an appropriate temperature in your terrarium is a heating pad with a thermostat.
Your snake’s enclosure must have three distinct regions, each with a different temperature:
- 68 degrees on the cool side
- 85 degrees is on the warm side.
- a 90-degree region for sunbathing
The snake will overheat if its enclosure is too tiny because it won’t be able to control its own temperature. To create warmer and colder zones, you can adjust your heating pad so that it covers some areas of the enclosure but not others. Your snake should have a burrow or other spot to hide on the cool side of the enclosure so it can feel secure.
Related Reading: Care Instructions & Species Profile: Florida King Snake
Use the heating pad and an overhead light bulb to create the basking area, which is the warmest part of the enclosure. Make sure this lightbulb is shielded. You don’t want your Boelen’s python, a snake known for its curiosity, to unintentionally burn itself because it will get very hot.
A 70–80% relative humidity level is ideal for the enclosure. By lightly spraying the decorations and substrate once or twice each day, or by employing an automatic misting system, you can maintain the enclosure’s humidity. Don’t mist your snake too frequently, either, as this will encourage the growth of mold and other microbial illnesses in its body.
Substance and Adornment
Newspaper, paper towels, or similar materials provide the best substrates. These are inexpensive, simple to use, and simple to clean. However, you can use different kinds of substrate, such as aspen shavings, cypress mulch, or coco fiber, if you wish to as nearly replicate your snake’s native habitat as you can to make it more comfortable (and also make the enclosure more visually appealing).
Stay away from extremely dry substrates because they can harm your snake’s scales. Additionally, pine and cedar shavings should be completely avoided because they contain oils that are harmful to your snake.
Daily stirring or agitation of the substrate helps to avoid moist areas. By doing this, mold or bacterial growth can be avoided.
Rocks, branches, hollow logs, caves, and more are excellent decorations for your enclosure. This style of ornamentation provides the Boelen’s python with cool places to hide and unwind and most nearly matches its native home. It’s also a good idea to include robust branches for your snake to climb, especially if your cage has lots of height.
A water bowl big enough for your snake to fit in and cool down is also required. Avoid overfilling the bowl to prevent water from spilling over the sides and increasing humidity inside the enclosure. Every day, this water needs to be replaced.
Avoid jamming too many animals into the enclosure because this can stress your snake out. Always check to see if your decorations are suitable for your snake to use and are devoid of any dyes, oils, or other anything that could harm your pet. As always, check for any potential injury-causing rough edges or sharp points.
Cleaning
Once a month, thoroughly clean the enclosure. You can keep up with the cleaning by spot-cleaning the substrate once a week (removing damp patches, feces, etc.), and you can perform a full enclosure clean once a month.
It’s a good idea to have a backup tank or a secure location to keep your snake when you’re cleaning. Never use cleaning goods from a store; they will harm your snake. Utilize a cleaning agent safe for snakes, a lot of water, and special sponges and brushes for cleaning your snake enclosure.
All of the substrates must be fully replaced, and the embellishments must be cleaned. Then, while it is empty, clean the enclosure. Before reinstalling the substrate and the decorations, make sure the enclosure is entirely dry. Replace your snake only after the enclosure has warmed up if necessary.
Care for Boelen’s Python
A Boelen’s python requires enough heat, humidity, nourishment, and room. But this is not a snake for novices. Only reptile owners with the experience, know-how, and resources to purchase and set up all necessary equipment should consider getting a Boelen’s python.
Water and Food
The water dish for your Boelen’s python needs to be changed every day.
Boelen’s pythons consume rodents, birds, and mammals. Feed live animals such as rabbits, birds, and guinea pigs to an adult snake. Mice and rats can be fed to young Boelen’s pythons. Every seven days, juveniles can be fed one piece of prey.
Every ten days, feed your python one piece of prey. Although this may not seem like much, keep in mind that you will be giving your snake a substantial dinner. Animals like Boelen’s pythons are voracious and will gladly eat more if you let them. A snake that is overweight and unwell as a result of this.
Handling
You should thoroughly wash and sterilize your hands before and after handling any reptile. A Boelen’s python is a curious, intelligent snake that will immediately bond with you, thus handling them is safe. A skill is required to handle a snake, though.
Boelen’s pythons are big, yet they’re also delicate. Never squeeze too tightly, and make sure your snake’s body is supported correctly. It is advised to use active handling. By doing this, you effectively let the snake go free and explore without actually letting it go. Your snake will become bored if you simply sit with it on your lap.
For 24 hours before and 48 hours after a meal, avoid handling your snake. A snake must be able to digest its food properly; under stress, it may vomit up its meal. At least once each week, handle your snake, but don’t handle it too much.
Related Reading: Albino Ball Python Care Guide: Price, Breeding, & Colors
Typical Health Problems
Boelen’s pythons are prone to parasites and other ailments, much like any other species of reptile. Here are several to be wary of.
Mites
Snakes frequently struggle with parasites. A filthy enclosure or handling your snake with unwashed hands might lead to mites. To get mites treated, always go to the vet. By keeping the enclosure clean, you can stop mites from developing in the first place.
respiratory conditions
Your snake may get an infection in its respiratory tract if the humidity is too high. Mucus will be present around the mouth and nose, and there may even be bubbling and gurgling. You should lower the humidity in the enclosure, and your snake needs medical attention right away. Along with mold and fungal illnesses, high humidity levels can also contribute to scale and mouth rot.
Obesity
Boelen’s pythons adore food and will cheerfully consume anything you give them, so it’s simple to overfeed them. However, obesity strains the heart and liver, and if untreated, your snake risked passing away. You must either follow a more regulated feeding plan or put your Boelen’s python on a diet if it is overweight.
Breeding
The key to successfully breeding Boelen’s pythons is to mimic how they reproduce naturally in the wild.
- For about three months, lower the enclosure’s temperature to about 60 °F, and gradually raise the humidity level to 85%. With cooler temperatures and more precipitation, this simulates the snake’s winter months in the wild.
- Increase the temperature gradually and get the humidity down to normal levels after three months.
- Add the male to the enclosure with the female. For a week, keep the two snakes together while keeping an eye out for symptoms of aggressiveness.
- Remove the male after a week, feed both snakes, then reintroduce him after 48 hours have passed since the last meal.
- The female will stop eating if breeding has been successful, and you will see a bulge in her belly. Eliminate the male.
- Remove the eggs after the female has finished laying them. She won’t give them any more attention. Place the eggs in an incubator set to a temperature of 88 °F and a humidity of 85 to 90%.
- Keep the newborns apart once the eggs hatch. As they are still young and vulnerable, you should refrain from handling them at this time.
Success in breeding may depend on your own background as well as the unique personalities and backgrounds of your pythons.
How to Select and Purchase a Boelen’s Python
It can be difficult to locate Boelen’s pythons. They are pricey snakes that are rare. The cost of a Boelen’s python, excluding the cost of its enclosure, equipment, food, and medical requirements, may be about $3500. Make sure you’re purchasing from a trustworthy pet store, especially one that specializes in reptiles and snakes, as this type of unusual species is occasionally illegally removed out of its native country.
Boelen’s pythons cannot be taken outside of the country because it is prohibited to remove them from their natural habitats.
Look for a Boelen’s python that appears to be healthy, active, and happy when selecting one. Bear in mind that while these snakes should be curious, they can sometimes be wary.
All in all, Boelen’s pythons are lovely, distinctive, and inquisitive creatures. They can be excellent pets, but only for knowledgeable snake keepers.
