Children's Python Care Sheet
Antaresia childreni
Overview
Children’s pythons are small, non-venomous snakes native to northern Australia. They're typically calm, easy to care for, and ideal for both beginners and experienced keepers. Named after British zoologist John George Children — not because they’re only for kids — they make excellent pet reptiles due to their manageable size and gentle nature.
Quick Facts
- Scientific Name: Antaresia childreni
- Size: 70–100 cm adult length
- Lifespan: 15–20 years in captivity
- Temperament: Generally docile and easy to handle
- Diet: Appropriately sized rodents and occasionally quail
- Activity: Mostly nocturnal
Enclosure Setup
Enclosure Size
- Hatchlings: Small tub or Hatchling Enclosure (e.g. 20x15x15 cm)
- Juveniles: 30–45 cm enclosure (e.g. 30x30x30 cm)
- Adults: Minimum 60–90 cm long enclosure
- Focus on floor space — Children’s pythons are ground-dwelling.
Heating & Lighting
- Basking spot: 32–34°C
- Cool end: 24–26°C
- Night temps: Can drop to 22°C
- Use a thermostat-controlled heat mat or ceramic heat emitter
- Low-level UVB (2.0–5.0) is optional but beneficial
Substrate
Aspen, coconut husk, paper towel, or reptile safe mulch / hay. Spot-clean regularly; deep clean every 4–6 weeks.
Hides & Decor
Provide at least two hides (warm & cool side). Add clutter such as branches, cork, fake plants, and rocks, for enrichment and to reduce stress.
Humidity
Maintain humidity between 40–60%. Light misting during shedding if needed.
Feeding
| Age | Prey Type | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Hatchling | Pinky Mice | Every 5–7 days |
| Juvenile | Fuzzy / Hopper / Weaner Mice | Every 7–10 days |
| Adult | Adult Mice / Hopper Rats | Every 10–14 days |
Use thawed frozen rodents. Avoid handling for 24–48 hours after feeding.
Maintenance Checklist
- Fresh water daily
- Spot clean waste immediately
- Deep clean monthly
- Check for complete sheds with eye caps
Handling & Behaviour
Children’s pythons are generally calm and tolerate handling well. Handle 2–3 times per week for short periods to build trust. Avoid overhandling, especially around feeding or shedding. Signs of stress include hiding constantly, hissing, or striking.
Common Issues
- Refusing food: Stress, temperature issues, or incorrect prey size
- Bad sheds: Low humidity
- Regurgitation: Overfeeding, low temps, or handling too soon
Recommended Food Items
At Reptifauna, we offer high-quality frozen feeders delivered weekly across SEQ:
- Pinky mice for hatchlings
- Fuzzy, Hopper and Weaner Mice for juveniles
- Adult mice or Hopper rats for adults
- Day Old or 3 Day Old Quail for variety depending on the snakes size.
Final Notes
Children’s pythons are one of the best beginner-friendly snake species. They’re hardy, easy to handle, and thrive in simple setups. With consistent care, they make calm, long-lived companions that are perfect for keepers of all experience levels.
