RecoverySnakes
Burmese python care guide
Python bivittatus
A massive, generally placid python that outgrows almost every commercial enclosure. Federally restricted from interstate transport in the US and banned or permitted in many states — verify your local law first.
Terrestrial — floor space first
Burmese python enclosure size
Terrestrial — floor space first. An adult burmese python should live in at least 96" L × 48" W × 36" H; we build toward 144" L × 60" W × 48" H (12 × 5 × 4 ft, roughly 60 sq ft of floor and about a 1795-gallon glass equivalent).
- Hatchling / baby
- 48" L × 24" W × 18" H recommended · min 36" L × 18" W × 12" H
- Juvenile
- 96" L × 30" W × 30" H recommended · min 72" L × 24" W × 24" H
- Adult
- 144" L × 60" W × 48" H recommended · min 96" L × 48" W × 36" H
Temperature and heating
Thermostatted, guarded radiant panels sized to the cage.
- Basking / warm surface
- 90–95°F surface
- Warm side (ambient)
- 86–88°F
- Cool side (ambient)
- 78–80°F
- Night
- 75–78°F
Lighting and UVB
UVB: T5 UVB 6% (UVI 2–3). Run lights on a 12 hours photoperiod, on a timer, and replace UVB bulbs on the manufacturer's schedule even while they still emit visible light.
Humidity
Target 60–70%. Large water container plus damp substrate; giants dehydrate slowly but shed badly when dry.
Substrate and depth
Cypress mulch over a sealed washable floor. Depth: 2–4 in.
Enclosure tips and furnishing
- Soaking tub the snake fits in
- Two adult-size hides
- Sturdy shelf
- Locking doors
Build list
- Custom 8–12 ft locking cage — Adults exceed every off-the-shelf enclosure.
- Guarded radiant heat panels — Prevents thermal burns on a heavy animal.
- Digital thermostat — Every heat source must run through a thermostat — unregulated heat burns animals.
- Two digital probe thermometers + hygrometer — Read the warm side, cool side and humidity directly — stick-on dials are inaccurate.
- Bulk cypress mulch — Large-volume humidity and easy spot cleaning.
Burmese python FAQ
How big should an adult Burmese python enclosure be?
At least 96" L × 48" W × 36" H, and we recommend building to 144" L × 60" W × 48" H — about 12 × 5 × 4 ft, or a 1795-gallon glass equivalent. Terrestrial — floor space first.
What temperatures does a Burmese python need?
Basking or warm surface 90–95°F surface, warm side 86–88°F, cool side 78–80°F, night 75–78°F. Thermostatted, guarded radiant panels sized to the cage.
Does a Burmese python need UVB?
T5 UVB 6% (UVI 2–3). Photoperiod: 12 hours.
What humidity does a Burmese python need?
60–70%. Large water container plus damp substrate; giants dehydrate slowly but shed badly when dry.
What substrate is best for a Burmese python?
Cypress mulch over a sealed washable floor, at a depth of 2–4 in.
How big does a Burmese python enclosure need to be for a hatchling?
Hatchling / baby: 48" L × 24" W × 18" H recommended, minimum 36" L × 18" W × 12" H. Scale up to the adult footprint as the animal grows.
Sources
Put this guide to work
Apply these targets to your own burmese python record, then log feedings, sheds and weights against them.