All species
reptileintermediate
Carpet Python
Morelia spilota
Australia's bold-banded python — jet black and gold, athletic, and a stunning display snake that settles into a calm adult.
5–7 ft15–20 years
Habitat
Enclosure
4×2×2 ft tall minimum
Temperature
Hot side 88–92°F · cool side 75–80°F
Humidity / Water
50–60%, raised during shed
Heating & lighting
Overhead heat on a thermostat with a hot hide at 88–92°F, plus low UVB. Tall cage with branches — carpets climb — and a lockdown lid.
Diet
Feed these
- Frozen-thawed rats
- Frozen-thawed mice for juveniles
Never feed
- Live prey
- Handling for 48 hours after feeding
- Overfeeding
Frozen-thawed rats sized to the body width. Juveniles can be nippy and defensive — patient, consistent handling turns them calm.
Cohabitation
Can live with
No one — house this species alone.
Never house with
Other carpet pythons Any other species
One per enclosure. Even calm adults are big, fast, and strong — feed with tongs, not fingers.
