Caring for a Stimson Python
A Stimson Python is preferred as pets by families with kids. Their average height is of 1 meter only. They are the smallest species among all the Pythons and were earlier used to be referred as children’s python.
Housing
Due to their small height, Stimson Python does not require large cages. Younger Stimson will require a secretive cage as they do not like to get too much of an attention. The enclosures should ideally be made of timber, which is famous for heat retention.Being cold-blooded reptiles, they require a source of heat regularly. There are lots of heating equipments available in the pet stores which can be used to keep the Stimpson’s warm e.g. Heat lamps, heat cords, etc. Placing a good-quality thermostat will be a good idea to monitor the temperatures at all times. Furthermore, monitor water availability as a part of the reptile care chore. You can place a water bowl in the cage for him to drink water. Change the water once in every week. Disinfect the housing at least once a week to avoid your Stimpson getting ill.
Lighting
Stimson Pythons are active during the night or when the lights are out. Therefore, lighting is not a very major issue in them. Still, one can keep a fluorescent light or a bulb to observe a day-and-night cycle for them. UV light is also beneficial for them but not in a large quantity.
Habitat
They can use anything as a habitat. This can include wooden, plastic, rock products. However, the habitat should consist of clean flooring. All the flooring will require to be changed regularly as a part of a regular pet care task, with special emphasis to be given on spot cleaning. The cleaning can be done once in a month. Provide the cage with new look or smell every month to keep your Stimson active and happy. While cleaning the cage, use reptile special cleaners only available in the market instead of any normal cleaning agent. Ensure regular taking out of the stool or faeces from the cage. People coming to Australia are often hired as pet sitter for looking after pets. If the pet sitter has adequate experience to take care of a python, and perhaps know a little carpentry job, he can very well adjust as a sitter for such pets.
Feeding
Stimson Python’s are carnivorous. Their food comprises of small mice, rats and quails. Do not give them frogs to eat as these can be poisonous to the pets. Follow this proper method while you are feeding the Stimson. Buy the Python’s food available in the market and store at the back of the freezer for stable temperature cooling. When it is time to feed, take out one mouse out of the bag and thaw it. Do not overheat or burn, it should be just nice and warm. Before giving the food to the Stimpson, check for any ice blocks remains. Now carefully offer the food to the Stimpson either by using tweezers or your own hand. It will strike the food, wrap around it and squeezes it well. If this does not happen, try to make the mouse move while it’s in the mouth as to its escape. Wash your hand and leave the snake to finish his meal. You can see but do this while keeping still. Any creature does not like interference while during his feeding time.
Proper Handling
Stimson Pythons are great pets and can be handled easily without difficulty. Even so, handling the Stimson should come gradually and not at once. Start by handling the Python one minute daily and then steadily increasing the timings. Make sure that they are eating adequately and shedding at their own time. If you see any problem during feeding or shedding, leave the python alone for few days unless it resumes its normal cycle. You should also get him checked by a qualified reptile vet.