Carpet Python Care Sheet
Introduction
Carpet Pythons (Morelia spilota) are medium to large non-venomous snakes native to Australia and New Guinea. They are highly adaptable and come in a variety of subspecies and colour patterns. Known for their intelligence and semi-arboreal nature, they make excellent pets for experienced keepers who appreciate their active demeanour and striking appearance. While they can display defensive behaviour as juveniles, most individuals calm down with regular handling.
Care sheets are only to be taken as guidelines. Just as with all animals, each reptile will have unique traits and personalities special to the individual animal that may require adaptation in their husbandry and care. The following care sheet will address basic requirements but as the primary caretaker of your pet, we encourage you to take notice of your pet's behaviours and preferences and make adjustments as they grow with you and your family. Please also keep in mind that unlike mammals, most reptiles change their behaviour according to seasonal weather changes even if you keep them indoors all year round. Most reptiles also change their behaviour according to their life stages and should not be expected to behave the same their whole life.
We keep carpet pythons in stock at our Toronto store and ship across Canada.
Cheat Sheet
Carpet Python
| Common name | Carpet Python |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Morelia spilota |
| Natural location | Australia, New Guinea |
| Habitat (wild) | Rain forests, woodlands, savannas, and rocky outcrops |
| Captive enclosure | 12x12x18” for hatchlings/juveniles, 36x24x24”+ for adults |
| Substrate | Cypress Mulch, Loose Bark, Soil mixtures, etc |
| Temperature tolerance | Nighttime: 70-75°F (21-24°C), Cooler: 75-80°F (24-27°C) |
| Basking temperature | 88-95°F (31-35°C) |
| UVB lighting | Optional. Can be beneficial in small amounts |
| Humidity | Approx. 40%-60% |
| Average adult size | 4-10 feet, depending on subspecies |
| Captive lifespan | 20-30 years |
| Fun fact | Common in Australian suburban trees and rooftops |
Housing
Enclosure: Carpet Pythons are semi-arboreal and require an enclosure that accommodates both climbing and ground space. Depending on the sub species, a minimum enclosure size for an adult is anywhere from 3' x 2' x 2' to 4' x 2' x 2'. The more space you can provide them, the better, especially for larger sub species of Coastal Carpet Pythons. They will make good use of climbing branches and elevated platforms. Ensure the enclosure is secure, as Carpet Pythons are strong and curious escape artists.
Substrate: We recommend an easy to clean and moisture retaining substrate such as mulch, coconut husk, or reptile bark bedding. To provide a more enhanced substrate, it is best to mix those options together with coco fibre, repti soil, or jungle mix for a richer substrate that retains moisture very well.
Heating: Maintain a thermal gradient within the enclosure, with a warm side temperature of 88-95°F (31-35°C) and a cool side temperature of 75-80°F (24-27°C). Night time temps can drop to 70-75°F (21-24°C). Heat lamps, emitters, and radiant heat work best for this climbing species.
Hide spots: Carpet Pythons will occasionally roam the ground so it is best to provide at least one hiding spot on the ground so they can use it if they wish. Otherwise, create lots of canopy-like elevated hiding spots in the tank where they will spend most of their time. This can be achieved by being creative with elevated ledges, wood, and foliage. Half logs, cork bark, and commercially available hides are suitable options as well. Make sure all ledges are secure and strong enough to hold their weight. You may also want to turn your cool side hide into a humid cave if you find your terrarium climate is too dry.
Humidity: Carpet Pythons can tolerate variances in humidity very well but they do prefer moderate to higher humidity levels of 40-60%. Spray your terrarium regularly to keep humidity up and ensure proper ventilation to prevent excessive moisture. A humidity box filled with damp sphagnum moss can be added, especially during shedding, to help maintain proper hydration.
Diet
Feeding: Carpet Pythons are carnivores and primarily prey on rodents, small birds, and bats. In captivity, a staple diet of mice and rats is sufficient and easy to obtain. Hatchlings should be fed pinkie and fuzzie mice every 7-10 days, while sub adults and adults can be fed appropriately sized rats every 7-14 days. Prey items should be no wider than the thickest part of the snake's body. Carpet Pythons are very strong and will keep their prey wrapped up in their constriction for some time before swallowing it whole and is quite the process to witness! There is strong debate over feeding live versus frozen thawed and there are pros and cons to both. Nutritionally, one is not better than the other assuming you have acquired your feed from a healthy source. Never leave a live rodent unsupervised with your snake and never leave an uneaten frozen/thawed rodent to decompose overnight. To read more about feeding live versus frozen/thawed, please refer to Karen's Corner.
Water: Provide a water dish filled with fresh, clean water at all times. Ensure the water dish is large enough for your Carpet Python to soak in if desired.
Health & Maintenance
Hygiene: Your Carpet Python will relieve itself once every 7-10 days on average. Over time, you will learn your snake's bathroom routines. Look out for it regularly and remove all excrements as soon as you see it to prevent the buildup of bacteria and parasites. Remove excrements, shed skin, and uneaten prey items promptly. We recommend a full substrate change once per season, 4 times a year, for smaller setups. For larger setups, a full change 1-2 times per year is enough as long as you maintain spot cleaning daily or weekly. Wood and plant decor can be washed monthly with hot water and dish soap and put back into place.
Handling: Carpet Python babies are usually very nippy and full of attitude, which is entirely normal for young snakes. With regular and consistent handling, this behaviour typically subsides within a few months as they learn you are not a threat. Most adult Carpet Pythons are calm and docile, but their size requires proper handling techniques. Due to their length and semi-arboreal nature, it is essential to support their midsection and provide a sturdy grip to make them feel secure. Avoid holding them near the tail or around the neck, as this can cause discomfort and may trigger defensive behaviours like hissing or striking. Confident, gentle handling is key to building trust and ensuring a positive interaction. Avoid handling during the shedding process and after feeding to minimize stress. Wash your hands before and after handling to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Behavioural observation: Carpet Pythons are inquisitive, active, and alert snakes. As ambush predators, they often remain still and camouflaged, striking quickly when prey is within reach, though their feeding response can sometimes cause them to mistake movement for food. These snakes are most active during the evening and nighttime, exploring their surroundings and utilizing vertical space for climbing. Juveniles tend to be more defensive, often hissing or bluff striking, but with regular handling, they usually become calm and docile as they mature.
Carpet Pythons like to move between basking and cooler areas, with increased soaking or reduced activity observed before shedding. These semi-arboreal reptiles are naturally curious, and understanding their behaviours helps ensure their health, comfort, and trust in their keeper. Monitor your Carpet Python's behaviour for signs of illness or stress, such as lethargy, abnormal shedding, or excessive saliva. A healthy and well fed Carpet Python will always have strong muscle tissue and holds itself up well at all times.
Quarantine: Quarantine any new additions to your reptile collection to prevent the spread of diseases.
Common Questions
How big do carpet pythons get?
4 to 10 feet depending on the subspecies. Coastal Carpet Pythons sit at the large end, which is why enclosure size advice varies so much for this species.
What size enclosure does a carpet python need?
12x12x18 inches for hatchlings and juveniles. Adults need a minimum of 3 by 2 by 2 feet, up to 4 by 2 by 2 for larger subspecies. Because they are semi-arboreal, the enclosure has to give them both climbing space and ground space, not just floor area.
Are carpet pythons aggressive?
Babies are usually nippy and full of attitude, which is normal for young snakes. With regular, consistent handling that typically settles within a few months. Most adults are calm and docile. Their size is the bigger consideration, not their temperament.
How often do you feed a carpet python?
Hatchlings take pinkie and fuzzie mice every 7 to 10 days. Sub adults and adults take appropriately sized rats every 7 to 14 days. Prey should be no wider than the thickest part of the snake's body.
Do carpet pythons need UVB?
It is optional rather than essential, and can be beneficial in small amounts. Heating matters far more: a warm side of 88 to 95°F, a cool side of 75 to 80°F, and nights down to 70 to 75°F.
How long do carpet pythons live?
20 to 30 years in captivity. This is a long commitment, worth thinking about before buying one.
All Reptiles, all the time.
Carpet pythons in stock now
We carry carpet pythons, along with the substrate, enclosures, heating and hides covered in this guide, at 1911 Kennedy Rd. Unit 99 in Toronto. Staff can walk you through a full setup in person.
