Reptile · Python
Boelen's python care guide
Simalia boeleni
The boelen's python is a expert-level python from Highlands of New Guinea. Adults reach 200–300 cm and live 20–25 years in captivity. A cool-montane python; overheating is a common cause of failure. Solitary.
- Enclosure 180 × 60 × 120 cm
- Temp Warm 28–30°C, cool 20–22°C
- Humidity 60–80%
How much does a boelen's python cost in Canada?
Boelen's python quick facts
- Skill level
- Expert
- Adult size
- 200–300 cm
- Lifespan
- 20–25 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Highlands of New Guinea
- Minimum enclosure
- 180 × 60 × 120 cm (71 × 24 × 47 in, ≈ 342 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 28–30°C, cool 20–22°C
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed rats
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Boelen's python enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 180 × 60 × 120 cm (71 × 24 × 47 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a tropical arboreal bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix10 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls5 cm
Most of the action is vertical – keep the soil moist but not wet, and focus on perches and dense planting.
Temperature: Warm 28–30°C, cool 20–22°C. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a boelen's python eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed rats. Feed one appropriately sized thawed rat every 14–21 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Usually calm but stress-sensitive.
Health watch: Watch for respiratory infections and overheating.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Mist to raise humidity – usually a heavy evening misting with a dry-down by day.
- Check temperatures at perch height.
Weekly
- Feed; remove uneaten food (and diet dishes after 24–48 h).
- Check the drainage layer and prune vines.
- Look for stuck shed on toes and tails.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter.
- Check branches and mounts are still secure.
- Clean glass, vents and misting nozzles.
Yearly
- Refresh the top of the soil in open areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used) on schedule.
Recommended for a boelen's python bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (180 × 60 × 120 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 5 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 10 cm
Magnolia Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Cork Bark Backgrounds
Turns the back wall into climbing space
Cork Bark Tubes
A “tree trunk” to climb and hide in
Yamuna Spiderwood
Arboreal species prefer diagonal and horizontal perches
Cork Branches
More climbing routes
Boelen's python FAQ
Is the boelen's python good for beginners?
No – the boelen's python is a specialist animal for expert keepers only. Usually calm but stress-sensitive.
What size enclosure does a boelen's python need?
At least 180 × 60 × 120 cm (about 71 × 24 × 47 inches, roughly 342 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a boelen's python cost in Canada?
Typically $5000–15000 CAD to buy, about $2200–3750 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $300–500 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a boelen's python need?
Temperature: Warm 28–30°C, cool 20–22°C. Humidity: 60–80%.
What does a boelen's python eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed rats. Feed one appropriately sized thawed rat every 14–21 days.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.