The African Rock Python is the third largest snake in the world growing to an average size of 18 to 20 feet long, but can grow up to 28 feet long!
Like all snakes, pythons are cold-blooded; they are the same temperature as the environment. They continue to grow all their lives, getting bigger and bigger each year. African Rock Python average 18 to 20 feet long, but can grow up to 28 feet long. Their scaly skin glistens but is dry is to the touch. African Rock Pythons are tan with brown spots that have black outlines. A tan V-shape marks the face. The python smells using its tongue and has no fangs. It uses heat-sensing organs in its upper and lower jaws to detect warm-blooded prey (like mammals).
Like all snakes, they swallow the prey whole, headfirst. The python's top and bottom jaws are attached to each other with stretchy ligaments, which let the snake swallow animals wider than itself. They don't chew their food, it is digested by very strong acids in the snake's stomach.
The African Rock Python is a large, constricting snake that lives in sub-Saharan Africa. The adult African Rock Python's main predator is man; it is killed for its beautiful skin, meat, and fat (used in tribal medicines). Other predators include crocodiles, badgers, and mongooses.
This is not a snake for beginners! This snake could grow up to excess of 25 ft although most males will only grow to about 12 ft. These are much like the Burmese Python in size but they are a vicious snake and once over 15 ft should not be handled. They need at least a 7 ft x 6 ft room will a large bathing pool, a lot of respect is needed for these snakes.
Pythons are carnivores (meat-eaters). Pythons are not venomous as they kill by constricting (squeezing) the prey until it can no longer breathe. The African Rock Python eats monkeys, pigs, deer, small apes, birds, and other animals in the wild. After eating a large animal, the python needs no food for a long time, and may rest for weeks. In this engorged state, it is most vulnerable to attack by predators. In captivity, an adult male will eat 2 to 3 rabbits a month.
Are Afrcian Rock Pythons easy to breed?
These snakes are very hard to breed in captivity. The Female python lay up to 75 eggs which she then coils round for 60 to 65 days. The baby snakes hatch at about 6 inches in length.
These animals are not a species for beginners and must be kept by experienced snake keepers and enthusiasts only. Please be aware upon purchasing this animal we will need to speak to you regarding its care, before releasing the order for dispatch.
