Children's python (Antaresia childreni)
Photo: Matt from Melbourne, Australia / CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Reptile · Python

Children's python care guide

Antaresia childreni

BeginnerCITES – buy captive-bred

The children's python is a beginner-level python from Northern Australia. Adults reach 75–100 cm and live 20–30 years in captivity. A good small python for beginners; offer climbing branches. Solitary.

  • Enclosure 90 × 45 × 45 cm
  • Temp Warm 30–32°C, cool 24°C
  • Humidity 40–60%

How much does a children's python cost in Canada?

Animal$250–500Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$570–1070Enclosure $240–470 · equipment $190–420 · bioactive supplies ≈ $150
Yearly upkeep$150–300Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$970–1870All prices CAD, estimates

Children's python quick facts

Skill level
Beginner
Adult size
75–100 cm
Lifespan
20–30 years
Activity
Nocturnal
Native range
Northern Australia
Minimum enclosure
90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 48 US gal)
Housing
Best kept alone.
Temperature
Warm 30–32°C, cool 24°C
Humidity
40–60%
UVB
Recommended
Diet
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice
Bioactive style
Temperate forest

Children's python enclosure & bioactive setup

Give one adult at least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a temperate forest bioactive build.

  1. Leaf litter2 cm
  2. Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix10 cm

Keep a moisture gradient: drier on top and at the warm end, slightly moist underneath and at the cool end.

Temperature: Warm 30–32°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Recommended.

What does a children's python eat?

Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one appropriately sized thawed mouse every 10–14 days; juveniles every 7 days.

Handling, temperament & health

Inquisitive and tolerant; hatchlings may nip.

Health watch: Watch for respiratory infections and mites.

Cleaning & maintenance schedule

Daily

  • Check temperatures and refresh water.

Weekly

  • Lightly moisten the cool end and lower soil.
  • Spot-clean waste.

Monthly

  • Top up leaf litter; check hides and branches are stable.

Yearly

  • Partially refresh soil in high-traffic areas.
  • Replace UVB bulbs (if used).

Recommended for a children's python bioactive

Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 45 × 45 cm).

Children's python FAQ

Is the children's python good for beginners?

Yes – the children's python is a good choice for beginners. Inquisitive and tolerant; hatchlings may nip.

What size enclosure does a children's python need?

At least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (about 35 × 18 × 18 inches, roughly 48 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.

How much does a children's python cost in Canada?

Typically $250–500 CAD to buy, about $570–1070 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–300 CAD a year to keep.

What temperature and humidity does a children's python need?

Temperature: Warm 30–32°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 40–60%.

What does a children's python eat?

Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one appropriately sized thawed mouse every 10–14 days; juveniles every 7 days.

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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.