Reptile · Python
Carpet python care guide
Morelia spilota
The carpet python is a intermediate-level python from Australia, New Guinea. Adults reach 180–270 cm and live 20–30 years in captivity. Semi-arboreal and large; give a tall enclosure with sturdy perches. Solitary.
- Enclosure 180 × 60 × 90 cm
- Temp Basking 32–35°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity 50–60%
How much does a carpet python cost in Canada?
Carpet python quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 180–270 cm
- Lifespan
- 20–30 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Australia, New Guinea
- Minimum enclosure
- 180 × 60 × 90 cm (71 × 24 × 35 in, ≈ 257 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 32–35°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity
- 50–60%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed rats
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Carpet python enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 180 × 60 × 90 cm (71 × 24 × 35 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: Basking 32–35°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 50–60%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a carpet python eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed rats. Feed one appropriately sized thawed rat every 14–21 days; juveniles every 7–10 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Juveniles are often defensive and bitey, but most calm down with age.
Health watch: Watch for respiratory infections, obesity and burns from unguarded heat lamps.
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 carpet python bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (180 × 60 × 90 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
Carpet python FAQ
Is the carpet python good for beginners?
The carpet python is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Juveniles are often defensive and bitey, but most calm down with age.
What size enclosure does a carpet python need?
At least 180 × 60 × 90 cm (about 71 × 24 × 35 inches, roughly 257 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a carpet python cost in Canada?
Typically $200–500 CAD to buy, about $1840–3120 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $300–500 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a carpet python need?
Temperature: Basking 32–35°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 50–60%.
What does a carpet python eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed rats. Feed one appropriately sized thawed rat every 14–21 days; juveniles every 7–10 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.