Reptile · Python
Darwin carpet python care guide
Morelia spilota variegata
The darwin carpet python is a intermediate-level python from N Australia, S New Guinea. Adults reach 150–200 cm and live 20–30 years in captivity. Semi-arboreal; provide vertical space and perches. Solitary.
- Enclosure 150 × 60 × 90 cm
- Temp Basking 32–35°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity 50–70%
How much does a darwin carpet python cost in Canada?
Darwin carpet python quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 150–200 cm
- Lifespan
- 20–30 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- N Australia, S New Guinea
- Minimum enclosure
- 150 × 60 × 90 cm (59 × 24 × 35 in, ≈ 214 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 32–35°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity
- 50–70%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Darwin carpet python enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 150 × 60 × 90 cm (59 × 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: 50–70%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a darwin carpet python eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats. Feed one appropriately sized thawed rodent every 14 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Juveniles are often nippy; adults usually calm.
Health watch: Watch for respiratory infections and obesity.
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 darwin carpet python bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (150 × 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
Darwin carpet python FAQ
Is the darwin carpet python good for beginners?
The darwin carpet python is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Juveniles are often nippy; adults usually calm.
What size enclosure does a darwin carpet python need?
At least 150 × 60 × 90 cm (about 59 × 24 × 35 inches, roughly 214 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a darwin carpet python cost in Canada?
Typically $250–600 CAD to buy, about $1630–2750 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $300–450 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a darwin carpet python need?
Temperature: Basking 32–35°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 50–70%.
What does a darwin carpet python eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats. Feed one appropriately sized thawed rodent every 14 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.