Home >> Reptiles >> Snakes >> Reticutlated Python
Lighting, Heating and Humidity for the Reticutlated Python
Lighting
Lighting should be set on a timer of 12 hours off and 12 hours on. Florescent or incandescent lighting can be used. Retics are active both day and night, but lighting should not be left on 24 hours a day as this can cause undo stress for the snake.
Heating
Daytime temperatures between 78 and 84, with a basking spot of about 88 degrees. Nighttime temperatures can be in the low 70's with a warmer area around 82. I use dome lights with red or blue bulbs to provide this nighttime warm spot. The light doesn't effect the day/night cycle of the snake. Or Ceramic Heat Emitters (CHE) can be used as they only give off heat and not light. As they are tropical snakes, a higher humidity level is required.
Humidity
The humidity level should be around 70%. When humidity levels are too low, they seem sot have a some slight trouble breathing which may should like a whistle and forceful exhaling of breathes, but not to the extent of sounding like a respiratory infection. Also, shedding troubles are common when the humidity level is too low.