A reticulated python.
There are 25 known species of pythons in the world. Like all snakes, pythons are cold blooded. Pythons are not poisonous; They kill their prey by constriction. Some of the different types of pythons are the reticulated python, ball python, Burmese python, green python, and carpet python. While some of these species should not be kept in captivity by a non-professional, other types of pythons can make good pets.
A ball python.
The carpet python is a type of python that is usually kept as a pet. Within the rug species, there are several different types that come in different colors. For example, the northern carpet python can be dark brown with brown spots, while the jungle carpet python can be black with golden yellow spots. This type of python can reach lengths of five to 10 feet (about 1.5 to 3.0 m), depending on the type, and can climb trees. It eats small mammals like mice and rabbits, and can even eat chickens. It is native to Australia and New Guinea.
An albino Burmese python.
Another type of pythons is a green python. This snake can be found in Papua and Iran Jaya, New Guinea, and also in Cape York Peninsula, Australia. It can grow up to six feet (about 1.8 m) and feeds on rodents and birds. It is usually born yellow, but with maturation it can change to green. Some types may also have blue spots or remain yellow.
A green tree python.
The ball python, also called the royal python, is another snake that can be kept as a pet as long as it has the proper export permits. It is a black snake with brown, gold or yellow spots. The snake can live up to 50 years in captivity, although it normally only lives 20-30 years and can reach around 1.5m in length. The ball python gets its name from how it reacts when startled. When threatened, it curls up into a ball.
A carpet python.
The ball python has its origin in West and Central Africa, where it can climb trees. As it is an endangered species, exporters must have a license to ship outside their country of origin. The snake can eat many types of small rodents. In captivity, smaller snakes can eat mice. The largest snakes can eat several centimeters long mice or even gerbils. When breeding in captivity, the snake can lay six or seven eggs.
A Burmese python is one of the largest pythons. It can grow up to 23 feet (about 7 m) long and weigh up to 200 pounds (about 90 kg). The female can lay up to 100 eggs at a time. Some of their prey include small mammals and birds. Although docile, it has been known to attack its keepers. It is native to Southeast Asia, where it can swim and, during its youth, live in trees.
Keeping a reticulated python as a pet is not recommended because it is too large. It is seen as the longest snake in the world; it is longer than an anaconda. This snake can grow up to 35 feet (about 10.6 m) long. The temperament of the snake may depend on its origin. Some types of these snakes, such as those from the Lesser Sundas and Thailand, can be more docile, while others, such as those found on the Sulawesi Islands, can be more aggressive. It can eat birds, dogs and pigs, and sometimes people.