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Lighting, Heating and Humidity for the Centralian Python
Lighting
At this time UV light has not been proven to be required for snakes. A 10 to 12 hour photoperiod can be produced using a standard incandescent bulb. It is recommended if lighting is inside the enclosure in enclose the fixture in wire mesh to protect the snake from accidental burns. Lighting should be on a schedule of 12 hours on and 12 hours off.
Heating
To create a proper thermogradient, a large cage is beneficial. The smaller the cage, the harder it is to create a thermogradient with the appropriate range of temperatures this snake needs. I use a cage that is a about 6 feet in length and 2 feet high. Directly under the basking spot can reach 130 degrees F. At the cool end of the cage, the temperatures are usually close to ambient room temps and average around the low 80's. With the wide range of different temperatures, the snakes can choose temps they need for jobs like digesting food, cycling for breeding, fighting illness, and general well being. Problems arise quickly when reptiles are not allowed access to the temps they need.
Humidity
Too much humidity can be damaging to the snakes, and spills should be cleaned up immediately. I do provide an area of increased humidity for the snakes to use if they need it for things such as egg laying and shedding. This can be accomplished by providing a hide area with slightly damp green or sphagnum moss.
This Caresheet provided by Justin Julander with permission.
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