Advanced
Reticulated python
Malayopython reticulatus
The world's longest snake — and one of the most rewarding to keep, if you respect what you're working with. NERD has bred dwarf and super-dwarf retics for decades; a well-socialized retic from selective breeding is calm, intelligent, and a manageable adult size of 8–12 ft.
Enclosure
Adults: 6×2×2 ft minimum for dwarfs; mainland retics need 8×3×3 ft or larger. Heavy-gauge PVC, locking front-opening doors. Two hides per snake, large water dish suitable for soaking, climbing branches.
Temperature
Warm side: 88–92°F. Cool side: 78–82°F. Nighttime drop to 76–80°F. Belly heat plus a radiant heat panel is ideal — RHPs do not burn the snake.
Humidity
60–80% baseline, 80%+ during shed. Cypress mulch substrate, large water bowl, and a humid hide.
Feeding
Babies: rat fuzzies/hoppers every 5–7 days. Sub-adults: appropriately sized rats every 7–10 days. Adults: large rats or rabbits every 10–14 days, less for super-dwarfs. Always frozen-thawed. Retics have a strong feeding response — use tongs and proper distance every single time.
Handling
Two-keeper rule once the animal is over 6 ft. Build trust slowly with hatchlings — the difference between a 'jumpy' retic and a calm one is in the first six months of consistent, no-surprises handling. Never handle the day of a feeding or for 48 hours after.
Common mistakes
- Underestimating the food drive — feeding by hand or in the enclosure
- Skipping the two-keeper rule on a large adult
- Buying a non-dwarf 'just because' — the size difference at adulthood is dramatic
- Insufficient enclosure size; retics are active and need room