Water Pythons

[Aj_Balls]

Anyone know anything about Water Pythons? I saw one at the local show and have been wanting to get it. But didn't because I know nothing about them. So, it's research time. Any help is appreciated.

[Blake Bauer]

Well I know a little about them. There are basically two forms, the australian form and the the new guinea form. The australian form is bigger and gets to be 6-7 feet in length while the new guinea form only gets 4-5 feet. They pretty much eat anything in sight but are pretty handleable once out of their cage. Although their name suggests that they are very aquatic they actually do not need a large amount of water. A typical water bowl is fine. For the most part the temps are just like any other python. Any other questions you got about them?

[Aj_Balls]

You pretty much just answered everything and some that I needed to know.

I don't know what type of water it is though. The snake was in a (what looked to be) a 190 oz display container. I would have guessed it around 5'.

If it were the Australian species, what size cage would you suggest? I would think 4' x 2' right off the bat. But how would you feel about a 3' x 2'?

[Blake Bauer]

A 3 X 2 cage should be fine for an adult water. One of my friends has claimed that the new guinea specimens have orange bellies whle the australian specimens have yellow bellies. Though I can't say if that is totally accurate or not.

Blake

[Aj_Balls]

Alright, thanks for all your help. Very appreciated.

[The Snake Guru]

Think that about covers it...LOL

They are kind of like big Macks (Mackalot's Python) without the pattern...LOL Care is essentially the same for the 2.

Like Blake I've heard of the 2 locals, but don't know the difference...not a whole lot of people who keep them, they are a pretty neat looking python.

~B~

[mcem]

I've got one and I really like it. In need of a female though. Mine is kinda spastic....doesn't like being touched at all. I keep him in a 3' x 2' cage and this seems to be more than enough room. If you have specific questions, by all means, ask away!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/canmat2/coll030908005.jpg

[Jakes]

Hi, I don't mean to intrude on your thread here, I have two Australian water pythons. Yes, they have very bright yellow bellies. They are a wonderful species to own, but I would suggest a bigger enclosure than 3'. I know it's not necessary, but I also have a "swimming pool" for mine. They just love it, and it actually calmed them down a lot. I find that they are actually a very active snake, and the more room they have, the better they are.

[The Snake Guru]

Hi, I don't mean to intrude on your thread here

LOL....don't you worry about that! Intrude away....we are all interested in everyone's viewpoint on whatever subject you'd like to add your experiences too. And that goes for everyone!

~B~

[lorenmps]

Hi, I don't mean to intrude on your thread here, I have two Australian water pythons. Yes, they have very bright yellow bellies. They are a wonderful species to own, but I would suggest a bigger enclosure than 3'. I know it's not necessary, but I also have a "swimming pool" for mine. They just love it, and it actually calmed them down a lot. I find that they are actually a very active snake, and the more room they have, the better they are.

Don't you just call them Water pythons where you're at? :p

[mcem]

Hi, I don't mean to intrude on your thread here,

Yes by all means chime in! I'm sure many more people keep these guys where you are at than in the states. I definitely love to hear others views.

[Jakes]

haha Yeah, we do. But there was the mention of the New Guinea Water Python.

Thanks Brad. I'm not used to being part of a friendly forum. It's more common to get hammered for your opinions on one of our major forums LOL.

[Jakes]

Thanks Matt. Yep, they're pretty common here. But I love them anyway. They have a great temperament, awesome colours and WOW what an appetite!

[IRONSEBAE13]

I used to have a reverse trio of these guys and you couldn't find a more interactive smaller snake. These guys seem to be just as interested in coming out with you as you with taking them out. My female used to go everywhere with me. Picnics, Petco, rides in the car. They are very active when out and as mentioned have a very strong feed response. I don't think any of mine ever refused a meal of any kind. I've found they can be a bit jumpier as babies, but once they hit about a year they are calm as can be. I have a pair of these coming in next week and can't wait to have some again. I've found with mine that they never even went in their water, and it was big enough for them. It's just naturally they are found near water because thats where the Dusky rats are and thats what they are after. These guys are a pretty easy keeper and seem to do better on the lower end of temps. Not a real 90's snake...seem to thrive at around 86-89 in my experiance for what its worth, although a 90-91 basking spot would probably be appreciated. Here are some pics of what I had before and when I get pics of the new babies I will throw them up. I was always suprised these weren't more popular, I mean all these people keep balls which have no personality and here is a snake with tons....I guess people are superficial, rather have a cool morph than a cool snake. Oh well.... Dan M.

Ramathorn:
http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i164/fuscusking/ram1.jpg

Magic & Muddy: (magic is the blacker of the two)
http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i164/fuscusking/magic_muddy_8.jpg
http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i164/fuscusking/magic_muddy_3.jpg

[lorenmps]

Those are 2 really nice looking pythons you got there

[IRONSEBAE13]

Thanks...unfortunately I sold them, but I just got a pair of their babies a few weeks ago which is cool. The female is awesome and the male is an a-hole, but they are so small its a joke anyways. Dan M.

[IRONSEBAE13]

I forgot I said I would through some pics up...and I never did of the new little guys. I got these from David down at High End Herps in Louisiana, and they are actually the offspring of the adult pair I posted earlier in the thread. I had sold them to David back in November of 2006. They have bred twice now for him, and if you are looking for water pythons im sure he has more available. Both parents were very tame and absolutely amazing specimens(though Im a bit partial I suppose). If you are still looking for a female Matt, I would get in touch with him and see. Like I said I am very happy with mine and in this case even know the parents. Anyways here are the little bastards:

Sorry for pic quality as always.... stupid cell phone pics. Me and my digital camera dont get along and like a year later, I still havent figured out how to get it to cooperate with my computer. Oh well....
Female:
http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i164/fuscusking/fwater.jpg

Male:
http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i164/fuscusking/maleaussie1.jpg

[lorenmps]

I love these guys