Reptile · Python
Olive python care guide
Liasis olivaceus
The olive python is a expert-level python from Northern Australia. Adults reach 250–400 cm and live 20–30 years in captivity. A large Australian python needing a room-sized enclosure. Solitary.
- Enclosure 300 × 120 × 120 cm
- Temp Warm 31–33°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity 40–60%
How much does a olive python cost in Canada?
Olive python quick facts
- Skill level
- Expert
- Adult size
- 250–400 cm
- Lifespan
- 20–30 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Northern Australia
- Minimum enclosure
- 300 × 120 × 120 cm (118 × 47 × 47 in, ≈ 1141 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 31–33°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed rats, rabbits
- Bioactive style
- Humid terrestrial
Olive python enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 300 × 120 × 120 cm (118 × 47 × 47 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a humid terrestrial bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix15 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls3 cm
Deep, moist soil is what holds humidity in this build – much better than thin bedding, especially through Canadian winters.
Temperature: Warm 31–33°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Recommended.
Some Canadian provinces and many municipalities restrict or ban this species. Check your local bylaws and any provincial permit rules before buying.
What does a olive python eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed rats, rabbits. Feed one appropriately sized prey item every 14–21 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Usually calm but large and food-driven.
Health watch: Watch for obesity and respiratory infections.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check warm and cool side temperatures and humidity.
- Refresh the water bowl.
Weekly
- Mist or pour water into the substrate to keep the lower layers moist.
- Spot-clean large waste promptly.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter.
- Stir and fluff compacted topsoil around hides.
- Check heat sources and thermostat calibration.
Yearly
- Partially refresh soil in high-traffic areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used).
Recommended for a olive python bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (300 × 120 × 120 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 3 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 15 cm
Cypress Substrate
Optional top layer (cypress)
Red Oak Leaves 15/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Cork Bark Tubes
Secure hides at both ends of the gradient
Malaysian Drift Wood
Sturdy enrichment for heavy-bodied animals
Olive python FAQ
Is the olive python good for beginners?
No – the olive python is a specialist animal for expert keepers only. Usually calm but large and food-driven.
What size enclosure does a olive python need?
At least 300 × 120 × 120 cm (about 118 × 47 × 47 inches, roughly 1141 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a olive python cost in Canada?
Typically $1500–4000 CAD to buy, about $5680–9850 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $600–1200 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a olive python need?
Temperature: Warm 31–33°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 40–60%.
What does a olive python eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed rats, rabbits. Feed one appropriately sized prey item 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.