Olive Python

Looks how to spot one

scales

A large, slender python with smooth-looking scales due to a high number of dorsal rows (61-72 at midbody). The head is large and distinct from the neck.35

Personality what they are like

Olive pythons are generally placid and easy to handle once they settle, though they can have a very strong feeding response. Juveniles may be nervous and snappy but usually calm down with regular handling. Some individuals become extremely food-conscious and may bite anything that touches them, so keepers must be cautious. They are active both day and night, with activity often linked to the season.342

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low energy specialists that spend most of their time basking. They need a large enclosure with strong climbing branches and multiple hide boxes, but the vivarium should not be cluttered so they have room to move and exercise.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Keep the enclosure clean with easily removable substrate (newspaper, paper towel, woodchips). Provide a fresh water source at all times. Avoid handling for several days after feeding or when the snake is in pre-slough condition (milky eyes until shed). Use snake hooks to avoid triggering the feeding response when removing from the enclosure.32

Home where they are happiest

Olive pythons are non-venomous but can deliver a painful bite; large specimens may require hospital treatment. They are best housed individually except during breeding. Hatchlings can be kept in medium to large plastic tubs with ventilation, hides, water, heating and a climbing branch. Adults need a minimum enclosure of 2.4 m long by 1 m high by 1 m wide. Substrate options include newspaper, paper towel, paper cat litter, woodchips or indoor-outdoor carpet. Wire-fronted cages are unsuitable. Ensure good ventilation to avoid condensation and medical problems. Keepers should be aware that other family pets and very young children could be seen as prey.324

Food basics what goes in the bowl

In the wild they eat birds (ducks, spinifex pigeons), mammals (rock wallabies, fruit bats) and other reptiles. In captivity they accept mice, rats, rabbits and chickens. Hatchlings eat fuzzy mice; juveniles take weaner mice or fuzzy rats; adults eat large rats or other appropriately sized prey. Young snakes should be fed every 7-10 days, adults every 2-4 weeks. Frozen food must be fully thawed and warmed before offering. Avoid feeding if the snake has not been kept warm, as undigested food can cause regurgitation or death.362

Company who they like around

Olive pythons are solitary and best housed alone except during breeding. They are non-venomous but can deliver a painful bite. In some countries or regions, a herpetofauna licence (e.g. Category 5 in Western Australia) may be required to keep them. Always check local laws before acquiring one.24

The story where it all began

The olive python is a native Australian species that has been kept in captivity for many years. It is bred in captivity and is considered an advanced-level pet due to its large size, strong feeding response and specific habitat needs. Captive breeding has been successful, with most breeding females originating from the Northern Territory or descended from that stock. Sexual maturity is reached in 3-4 years, though most captive breedings have occurred with specimens 8-12 years old.34