TABLE OF CONTENTS
- The “Regal” Reticulated Python 1
- Chapter One: Reticulated Who? 5
- The Name Change and History 6
- Size, Life Span, and Physical Appearance 7
- Quick Facts 9
- Chapter Two: Reticulated Python as a Family Member 13
- Why Own a Reticulated Python? 14
- Is A Reticulated Python A Good Choice of Pet? 16
- Money Matters! 17
- Budget Breakdown 18
- Housing Requirements 21
- Heat Sources 22
- Humidity 23
- Food Requirements 23
- Chapter Three: Housing Requirements for Reticulated Pythons 25
- Housing Requirements 26
- Choosing the Correct Substrate 35
- How Often Do I Need To Clean My Reticulated Python’s Cage? 40
- Cleaning Your Snake’s Cage 41
- What To Do When There Are Parasites? 42
- Disinfecting the Cages 45
- Where to Begin? Cleaning The Cage Accessories 46
- What Do I Clean It With? 46
- The Proper Disinfectant 48
- Cleaning the Cage Quickly 50
- Cleaning Tips 53
- Chapter Four: Diet and Nutrition for Your Reticulated Python 57
- Proper Eating Habits 58
- A Separate Feeding Enclosure? 59
- Feeding Amount and Frequency 60
- The Correct Size of Food 61
- What Should I Give To My Reticulated Python? 61
- Pre – killed vs. Live Prey 61
- How to Feed Pre – Killed Prey 64
- General Feeding Guidelines: 68
- Chapter Five: Starting a Family 71
- The Basics of Breeding 72
- Sexual Maturity 73
- Mimicking the Environment 73
- Male Interaction 75
- The Ovulation Process 77
- Chapter Six: Health Care for Reticulated Pythons 85
- Common Health Conditions 86
- Stress for your Reticulated Python 100
- Chapter Seven: Handling Your Reticulated Pythons (Optional) 103
- Can I Handle My Reticulated Python? 104
- Conclusion 106
- Glossary of Snake Terms 107
- Photo Credits 115
- References 116
