🐍 Vet’s 2025 Guide to Children’s, Spotted & Stimson’s Python Care: Habitat, Handling & Health 🪵🌡️🩺

By Dr. Duncan Houston, BVSc

Children’s, Spotted, and Stimson’s pythons are small, non-venomous Australian natives ideal for beginner and experienced reptile keepers alike. Hardy, calm, and relatively easy to maintain, they thrive with proper setup and consistent care. This 2025 guide will walk you through housing, diet, handling, and health essentials for a long, healthy life with your python companion. 🐍

📖 Meet the Species

These species belong to the Antaresia genus and share similar care requirements:

• Children’s Python (Antaresia childreni): Brown with subtle spots, up to 1m long.
• Spotted Python (Antaresia maculosa): Darker spots and larger eyes, up to 1.2m.
• Stimson’s Python (Antaresia stimsoni): Bolder markings, typically slightly smaller.

All are constrictors and solitary animals. Lifespans range from 15–25 years with good care. 🐾

🏠 Enclosure & Habitat Setup

• Minimum Size: 90 x 45 x 45 cm for adults; juveniles can start in 45 x 30 x 30 cm but will outgrow it.
• Substrate: Aspen, paper towel, or coconut husk—avoid cedar/pine.
• Hides: At least two hides (warm and cool side).
• Climbing Branches: Optional, but provide enrichment.
• Water Bowl: Large enough for soaking; clean daily.
• Ventilation: Ensure good airflow to prevent mold and respiratory issues.

🌡️ Temperature & Lighting

These species are nocturnal and don’t require UVB (though it may offer some benefit), but temperature gradients are vital:

• Basking Spot: 32–34°C
• Cool End: 24–26°C
• Night Temp: Can drop to 20°C
• Heating Tools: Use ceramic heat emitters, heat mats (with thermostat), or deep-heat projectors
• Lighting Cycle: 12 hours light / 12 hours dark

🍗 Feeding & Nutrition

All Antaresia species feed on appropriately sized prey:

• Prey: Frozen/thawed mice or rats, no wider than the snake’s widest part
• Juveniles: Feed every 5–7 days
• Adults: Feed every 10–14 days
• Feeding Tips: Use tongs, feed in the enclosure or in a designated feeding tub

🧠 Behavior & Handling

• Temperament: Generally calm—especially with regular, gentle handling
• Handling Tips: Wait 48 hours after feeding, support the full body, avoid sudden movements
• Enrichment: Rotate decor, provide natural textures, and encourage exploration

🩺 Common Health Issues

• Respiratory Infections: Wheezing, open-mouth breathing—linked to poor humidity or temperatures
• Mouth Rot: Redness, swelling, or discharge—requires vet treatment
• Mites: Tiny black dots, restlessness—clean and treat both snake and enclosure
• Shedding Problems: Caused by low humidity—offer a humidity box or soaking dish

🧽 Cleaning & Maintenance

• Daily: Spot clean waste, check water, monitor behavior
• Weekly: Clean water bowl, wipe surfaces
• Monthly: Full enclosure clean with reptile-safe disinfectant

⚠️ Signs to See a Vet

• Lack of appetite > 3 weeks (without brumation)
• Visible lumps, swelling, or rapid weight loss
• Difficulty shedding or retained eye caps
• Unusual lethargy, stargazing, or neurological signs

📱 Resources & Support

• 📞 Need advice? Visit Ask A Vet or download the Ask A Vet app
• 🛠️ Find thermostat controls, hides, and heating gear at Woopf
• 🐍 Shop supplements, enclosure decor, and enrichment products from Purrz

Children’s, Spotted, and Stimson’s pythons are fantastic pets for reptile enthusiasts who want a manageable size and rewarding experience. With the right care, they can offer decades of companionship. 🐍💚