{"product_id":"hypo-coastal-carpet-python","title":"Hypo Coastal Carpet Python | Morelia spilota mcdowelli","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Hypo Coastal Carpet Python is a reduced-pigment form of Australia's largest carpet subspecies, a powerful and handsome snake in warm caramel and gold. It rewards keepers who can give it the space, strength and experience a big python deserves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eCoastal Carpet Pythons range through the forests, woodland and hinterland of eastern Queensland and north-eastern New South Wales, climbing well and often found near human structures where prey is plentiful. Natural origin for this listing is coastal eastern Australia. The enclosure should recreate that warm, semi-arboreal setting with a large secure hide at each end, sturdy branches able to bear the snake's weight, a firm substrate and a clear warm-to-cool gradient.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA healthy specimen is well-muscled with clear eyes, a clean vent and a smooth, glossy body. The hypomelanistic trait reduces the black pigment, leaving warm caramel, tan and golden tones over a paler ground with softened banding, and the scales carry a faint iridescent sheen. This is a large, heavy-bodied snake; adult size is generally 200–300 cm, so the animal should never be purchased only for its current size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eTemperament is best described as generally calm but strong and food-motivated, and a large adult is best handled with care and, ideally, a second person. They are best housed one snake to an enclosure. Pythons do not need company, and cohabiting risks stress, feeding competition and a feeding-response mistake, so pairs are only brought together briefly and under supervision for breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFeed as a carnivore; appropriately sized rodents no wider than the thickest part of the snake. A hatchling starts on pinky mice and moves up through rats as it grows, with a large adult taking an appropriately sized rat roughly every one to two weeks and less often through the cooler months. Always thaw and warm frozen prey thoroughly, feed with a hook and tongs given the strong feeding response, and keep fresh water available at all times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA hatchling can be started in a small, secure enclosure and moved up as it grows; a large adult needs a minimum floor space of about 180 x 60 cm, with 240 x 60 x 90 cm or larger recommended to allow climbing. Provide a warm basking end of 31–33°C and a cooler end of 26–29°C, with a night-time drop to around 22–24°C, controlled by a thermostat. UVB is not essential for this nocturnal species, though low-level UVB is beneficial. Keep humidity moderate, around 50–60%, raising it slightly during shedding. Use an absorbent substrate, offer a large hide at each end, weight-bearing branches and a water bowl large enough to drink from, and spot-clean regularly with periodic full cleans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eCarpet Pythons are egg-layers, cycled for breeding with a cooler, drier winter period and a natural drop in night temperatures. After mating and a pre-lay slough the female lays a clutch of roughly 15–30 eggs, incubated at about 30–32°C for around 50–60 days or brooded by the female. Breeding is not expected for most keepers but is achievable for a prepared keeper with the right setup and licensing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMorelia spilota mcdowelli\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCoastal Carpet Python (Hypo)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eForests and hinterland of coastal eastern Queensland and north-eastern New South Wales\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e200–300 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20–30 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGenerally calm but strong and food-motivated\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Enclosure Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 180 x 60 cm floor for one adult\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Enclosure Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e240 x 60 x 90 cm or larger, single occupant\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarnivore - appropriately sized rodents\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBasking Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e31–33°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAmbient Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e26–29°C cool end, dropping to around 22–24°C at night\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUVB Required\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot essential but beneficial — UV Index 2.0–3.0 + 5–6% UVB; crepuscular baskers do use it when offered.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHumidity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate, around 50–60%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExperienced keepers with space for a large, powerful python\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLicence Required\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes - reptile keeper's licence in most Australian states\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eNone. Carpet Pythons are solitary and thrive housed alone; they do not need or benefit from company.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDo not house with other snakes of any species or size, or with any other animals, which would only be treated as competition or prey. Even other Carpet Pythons should share an enclosure only briefly and under supervision for breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize options reflect the sizes we stock; any shown as sold out will return as we restock. Australian livestock for in-store collection or local delivery, with our live arrival guarantee. A reptile keeper's licence is required to buy and keep native reptiles and amphibians in most Australian states - please ensure you hold the appropriate licence for your state before purchasing.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55234115404067,"sku":"BA9330","price":450.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/hypo-coastal-carpet-python.jpg?v=1781504974","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/hypo-coastal-carpet-python","provider":"Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}