Morelia bredli is one of the larger species within the carpet python complex, though it’s often the girth of these gentle giants that makes them so impressive. Fortunately Morelia bredli are very well-mannered in captivity and very easy to keep.
The colour pattern consists of a brown to reddish ground colour with a highly variable pattern of pale intrusions. There are normally black borders around the intrusions that become more extensive around the tail.
The belly is yellowish to pale cream.
• Scientific name : Morelia bredli
• Distribution : Northern Territory
• Average Size : 2.00 m (6.5 ft)
• Life Span : 20 years or more
• Difficulty : Beginner
Housing
The Centralian pythons are large semi arboreal animals. These pythons fair well in a 1.20 X 0.6 X 0.6 meters (4 x 2 x 2 feet) enclosure. Enclosures can be constructed from glass, melamine or plastic. We house adults in large Vision boa tubs.
Hide box
Most commercial and home made hide boxes can be used for Centralian pythons. We use 8-10l black tubs with a hole in the base, flipped upside down, as a hide.
Substrate
We find that most commercially available substrates are suitable for Centralian pythons. We use pre-cut unprinted paper for our tubs and enclosures. We also recommend aspen and garden mulch if you prefer a more naturalistic looking substrate.
Lighting – Heating
Centralian pythons love to bask. We offer ventral heat in the form of heat cables. These cables are connected to a quality thermostat for temperature control. We offer a basking hot spot of 35 ºC (95 ºF) during the day and allow temperatures to drop to 20 ºC (68 ºF) during the night cycle. Ambient temperature of room fluctuate over 4 seasons. Cages can also be fitted with fluorescent tubes if more light is required. It’s important to use light cages as Centralian pythons can obtain burns from exposed lights.
Water
We offer fresh water once a week. We offer water more frequently if time allows.
Humidity
Centralian pythons do not require elevated humidity levels.
Feeding
Hatchlings are offered sub-adult mice after their first shed. We have found hatchlings to be non-fussy first feeders. Meal sizes are increased over time and common sense needs to be used to gauge food size. Adults can be fed large rats and rabbits.
Handling
Centralian pythons are calm if treated with respect and can be handled without any aggression. They are very placid as adults.
Cleaning
As with all reptiles, keeping their cage clean is very important to maintain healthy animals and prevent many ailments. Cages and equipment can be cleaned with F10 Veterinary grade disinfectant. We dilute our F10 to a ratio of 1:250.
Shedding
4-6 week intervals if appropriately sized food is supplied.
Potential Health Problems
Centralian pythons are some of the toughest and most robust carpet pythons that we have worked with. They suffer very few health problems if provided with the correct housing and temperature parameters.