Northwestern Pythons (Morelia spilota variegata)

[cougars]

Does anyone keep these?Im after any experience,information you have,size they grow,general temperment.Its going to be my 1st python.Any info appreciated.

cheers

[christo]

As with all snakes, the temperament is different with different individuals. I have a very placid North Western in that she has never bitten or even shown a hint of aggression. She is however, "flighty" and doesn't particularly like being handled. She will try to slither away rather than show aggression every time. Most people I have spoken to seem to think North Westerns are usually one of the feistier types of carpet python ("Darwin by name, Darwin by nature")

Size should be up to about 2 metres, but usually a bit less.

If it helps, my North Western is the fussiest eater of all my snakes. She rarely accepts rats or mice but seems partial to day old chicks.

Again, as most here will tell you, all this (other than the size) depends on the individual snake.

Cheers and good luck - they are lovely snakes.

[moosenoose]

I've got a 5yr old North Western Carpet (or Darwin python as it's commonly called) and have kept another 2 NW carpets. They can be narky (for sure), but if handled regularly when young, they are brilliant snakes as adults. My boy is edging over 6ft and can be handled by any young child with the confidence they will not be an attempted lunch

As has been mentioned, any snake can develop an anti-social attitude towards its keeper if the time hasn't been put into it (eg: my two water pythons who want to kill me at any opportunity hehehe)

[cougars]

Thanks for the replys.Ive got a steady supply of day old chicks,if i need them.If i get 2 hatchlings m+f are they able to be kept together?

cheers