By Teddy Chu
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5660853
The reticulated python is the world's longest snake, capable of growing up to and over 28 feet long, although they tend to end up somewhere between 10 and 20 feet long on average. They are native to Southeast Asia, where they reside in tropical forests, hanging out in caves, trees, or on the ground. They are named for their interesting and intricate pattern, which resembles netting. The word "reticulate" is generally defined as net-like or netted.
These particular snakes are non-venomous constrictors that eat mammals such as rodents, cats, dogs, and pigs, and sometimes birds such as chickens. There are reported cases of them attacking and killing humans, although this is relatively rare. This does not stop people from keeping them as pets, however.
Reticulated pythons are prized as pets due to their length and beautiful pattern. In fact, their admired skin has gotten them in trouble, as they have often been hunted for their skin, which has been used in items such as boots, belts, wallets, and more.
If you are thinking of getting a reticulated python as a pet, there are a few things that you should consider first. One is its eating habits. While pythons are easy to feed in that they do not need to eat daily and can even go a long time without eating, it is often difficult for animal lovers to feed them and watch them eat, as they eat small, live mammals. A baby should be fed mice and rats, while an adult python may need larger mammals, such as guinea pigs or rabbits. So before purchasing a python, consider whether you could stand buying live animals such as guinea pigs and rabbits and watching your python eat them. It is definitely not something everyone can handle.
Another thing to consider is fear: do you want a pet capable of attacking and eating you? While it is highly unlikely that a captive pet snake will attack its owner, it is not completely improbable, especially since they are more likely to attack if they feel threatened. Also, it can happen that a snake will confuse a human's hand with its food and attack that. If this makes you at all nervous or uneasy, a reticulated python may not be the right pet for you.
You also need to be sure you have a decent amount of space to house a python and the right accessories as well. When creating a home for your new pet, you need to find a cage that is appropriate for its size. Be prepared to buy larger cages as your snake grows; too large a cage for a small snake will make it uncomfortable, but a large snake needs plenty of room. Also be sure the cage is secure, well ventilated, and kept reasonably warm. In order to keep the cage warm, a heating pad and/or basking light is in order, as snakes are used to warm environments. The cage needs to be at least 75 degrees to keep the snake happy and healthy.
Reticulated pythons can make lovely pets for those who are willing and capable of taking care of them, so if after reading this you are still interested in them, go for it. Just be sure to keep its ability to grow in mind and make sure you have the proper space to house a snake that can get at least 28 feet long.
For additional information on reticulated pythons, you can find a handful of articles, pictures and video online. Owning a reticulated python can be a fun and challenging process, but think about it...owning the largest snake in the world? Who wouldn't want to give it a shot!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Teddy_Chu
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5660853
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