🐍 Vet’s 2025 Guide to Woma & Black-Headed Python Care: Enclosure, Feeding & Advanced Handling 🔥🌵

By Dr. Duncan Houston, BVSc

Woma and Black-headed Pythons are two of Australia’s most striking native snakes. Known for their bold patterns, unique hunting behavior, and manageable size, they make ideal pets for experienced keepers seeking something a bit different. In this 2025 guide, I’ll walk you through their habitat setup, diet, behavior, and health essentials. 🐍🌞

📖 Meet the Species

• Woma Python (Aspidites ramsayi): Sandy-colored with darker bands; generally 1.5–2.5 meters long.
• Black-headed Python (Aspidites melanocephalus): Similar size, with a signature glossy black head and cream-to-dark striped body.

Both species are non-venomous constrictors that lack heat-sensing pits—relying on sight, smell, and touch to locate prey. Lifespan ranges from 20–30 years in captivity. 🖤

🏠 Enclosure & Habitat Setup

• Minimum Size: 120 x 60 x 60 cm for adults; large pythons (2.5+ m) may require 180+ cm.
• Substrate: Aspen, paper, or sand-soil mix (Womas enjoy burrowing).
• Hides: Provide at least two hides—tight spaces reduce stress.
• Clutter: Add logs, branches, or rocks for security and climbing.
• Humidity: Keep low to moderate (30–50%); increase slightly during shedding.

🌡️ Heating & Lighting

• Basking Zone: 32–35°C
• Cool End: 25–27°C
• Night Drop: Down to 22°C
• Heat Sources: Ceramic emitters, deep-heat projectors, or heat mats with thermostats
• Lighting: Optional UVB 5.0 tube can be beneficial; use a day-night cycle of 12–14 hours

🍗 Feeding & Nutrition

Womas and Black-heads are powerful feeders with high prey drive:

• Diet: Frozen/thawed rodents (mice, rats); some accept quail or reptiles as enrichment
• Feeding Frequency:
  • Juveniles: Every 7 days
  • Adults: Every 10–14 days
• Feeding Tips: Use tongs—Black-heads are enthusiastic strikers!

🧠 Behavior & Handling

• Temperament: Generally docile but very alert and curious.
• Handling Tips: Support the entire body, keep sessions under 15 minutes early on.
• Defensive Signs: Head hiding, flattening, tail buzzing (Womas)

🩺 Common Health Concerns

• Obesity: These snakes can overeat—avoid overfeeding and offer enrichment.
• Scale Rot: Caused by prolonged dampness—monitor substrate moisture and clean regularly.
• Respiratory Infections: Symptoms include wheezing, bubbles, mouth gaping—see a vet promptly.
• Incomplete Sheds: Ensure humidity is adequate during shedding and offer a rough surface to rub against.

🧽 Cleaning & Maintenance

• Daily: Spot clean, check water bowl
• Weekly: Replace substrate in dirty areas, clean decor
• Monthly: Full disinfect of enclosure and review of heating/lighting gear

⚠️ When to See a Vet

• Regurgitation or food refusal for 3+ weeks
• Sudden behavior changes or aggression
• Signs of mouth rot or visible skin lesions
• Labored breathing, mucus, or raspy noises

📱 Resources & Support

• 💬 Get expert help at Ask A Vet or via the Ask A Vet app
• 🔥 Shop heating setups and hides from Woopf
• 🍗 Stock frozen feeders and calcium boosters from Purrz

Woma and Black-headed pythons are captivating reptiles—strong, graceful, and beautiful. With responsible care, they can be confident and engaging long-term companions in any herp collection. 🐍🖤