Python Keeping Queries

[namenotavailable]

Hi there,
I'm interested in getting myself a python as a pet and am looking for some info in regards to it.
I live in South Australia, I've had no previous experience with snakes as pets before, just a general interest in them, Im fairly sure that most pythons can be bought without any special lisences, as this is my first snake I'd need one that’s fairly easy to take care off/keep alive and isn't too difficult. I seem to recall that Olive Pythons were the best "starter" snakes as pets as they were easy to handle/keep and didn't grow that large.
A few specific questions I have however:
- What do I need in regards to an enclosure? I assume it needs some sand and general vegetation in there, the bigger the enclosure the better right? Will a fish tank do?
- I know a heat lamp is required, does this need to be left on 24/7? How much will it affect my power bill if its on 24/7 Has anyone had any problems with these? Fire hazard maybe?
- Where's the best place to buy equipment for snakes? How expensive are they to get/keep?
- What is required for a snake in terms of day to day care? I don’t seem to remember anyone taking their pet snake for a walk (slither?) so I assume they don’t need exercise. I was under the impression that they don’t require much care at all in terms of day to day care.
- How do you keep the snake healthy? Can I just buy mice for it to feed? How often does it need to be fed, I've heard as long as 6 months between feedings is sufficient.
- If you've got a snake personally what else should I know?

 

[XKiller]

u need a lic for any reptile
olive pythons arnt the best 1st python mainley because of there size they get quite large idd suggest someting form the Antaresia family as a first python

 

[tenacres1100]

http://www.southernxreptiles.com/Article%20PDFs/road_testing_lr.pdf
and
Reptile Husbandry Articles by Southern Cross Reptiles

lots and lots of very good reading here for you

 

[Jonno from ERD]

G'day mate,

You are correct that you can keep one python without a permit in SA - just make sure you hold on to your "proof of purchase". I'm a bit hazy on the guidelines for this, so it's best to check with the appropriate authorities just to clarify what the go is.

Olive Pythons grow quite large so try and avoid them to start with. The best first snakes are Spotted/Childrens/Stimsons Pythons or some of the Carpets like Murray Darlings.

An enclosure needs to be secure, have good thermal properties (this counts out fish tanks), have good hygience properties (non-absorbent, easily cleaned) and have good ventilation. The best bet is a simple box made from 16mm HMR melamine with all the joints sealed with a bathroom sealant and sliding glass doors at the front.

There are several different ways to heat the enclosure. What you want to do is create a temperature gradient - have one end at 25 degrees and then have the temperature increase to the other end of the enclosure where it will reach 35 degrees. The easiest way to do this is with low wattage light globes, though you can use heat pads, heat cords and heat panels too. For a single enclosure you probably won't notice the increase to your power bill.

One of the best places in SA to get reptile equipment is through Ultimate Reptile Suppliers - [no links please]. They'll be able to sort you out with everything, including a snake. I generally recommend that people budget about $700-1000 on their first snake and equipment.

Day to day care is very limited - as long as they have heat, water and a hygienic enclosure they will thrive.

Keeping snakes healthy is very simple - as long as they have a properly heated enclosure and are kept hygienicly you won't run into many drama's. Depending oin the species of snake you get, you can feed it a variety of rodents. Generally once a fortnight between feeds is the best, but this all depends on the species, size and age of the snake.

 

[J-A-X]

this info is direct from the National parks and widlife authority website
A permit is not required to keep 1 individual, however the sale or disposal of that individual animal would require a permit.
The sale of animals listed as Basic is restricted to such animals that have been bred by the permit holder or held for a period of not less than 6 months. If you wish to trade (buying and selling) in Basic animals, you will require a Fauna Dealer's Permit
http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/biodiversity/faunapermits/pdfs/fape_pdfs_dealer_basic.pdf

Their website is Department for Environment and Heritage - Alumni.

Hope this helps you namenotavailable and those interstate who are curious.

As you read through Aussie pythons & snakes the overwhelming theory is that you won't stop with one. I laughed and said "one is all i want" - that was 6 months ago i now have 3 repiltes- get the license, you will need it sooner or later... LOL

 

[namenotavailable]

Excellent thank you for the answers.

Oh and Jax all I really want is just one...

 

[Khagan]

Oh and Jax all I really want is just one...

Everyone says that. Then the next thing they know their house has been taken over by reptile enclosures .

 

[Travisty]

u need a lic for any reptile

Any reptile? Correct me if I wrong but I'm fairly sure that you can keep at least an Eastern Blue Tongue in most states without a licence. Last time I checked a blue tongue is still a reptile.

 

[edgewing]

u need a lic for any reptile
olive pythons arnt the best 1st python mainley because of there size they get quite large idd suggest someting form the Antaresia family as a first python

No in SA, you can have one reptile (listed on the basic list) with no license. If you wish to sell it then DSE want their pound of flesh.

Depending on where you live, try going into Reptile City at Christies Beach. The guys there will be able to show you the different varieties that would suit and answer your questions. I've always found it is easier to be talking to somebody rather than trying to get sense out of a forum (on occasions )

 

[namenotavailable]

Unfortunately I live up North. I assume specialised reptile stores will have the majority of things i need to get started.