Burmese python (Python bivittatus)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Burmese python (Python bivittatus) (origin: South and South-East Asia). Adult size around 3–5 m (females noticeably larger than males; the longest reliably measured animal was 5.74 m). Life expectancy approx. 20–30 years, individual animals longer (documented maximum age 34 years). The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Burmese python: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 28–32 °C, basking spot 33–35 °C, at night 22–25 °C.
Burmese python: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Optional.
Burmese python: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: approx. 20–30 years, individual animals longer (documented maximum age 34 years).
Burmese python: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Burmese python: Can several be kept together?
Keep them singly.
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 28–32 °C
- Night temperature
- 22–25 °C
- Basking spot
- 33–35 °C
- Humidity
- 60–80 %
- UVB
- Optional
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- ab 450×300×200 cm (Mindestmaß nach dem Gutachten von 1997, über 2, 5 m); Zimmerterrarium oder eigener Raum
- Substrate
- Bark mulch or coco humus, a large water basin
Feeding
- Food
- Rats, rabbits, larger rodents (frozen-thawed)
- Feeding interval
- adults every 2–4 weeks
Key facts
- Adult size
- 3–5 m (females noticeably larger than males; the longest reliably measured animal was 5.74 m)
- Life expectancy
- approx. 20–30 years, individual animals longer (documented maximum age 34 years)
- Origin
- South and South-East Asia
- Protection status
- CITES Appendix II / EU Annex B; in part a dangerous animal (notification or a permit is required, varying by German state)
- Brumation
- None (a slight drop for breeding is optional)
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly. Snakes are solitary and do not seek company — a shared hide is competition for the best spot, not social behaviour. The concrete reason is the feeding accident: if two animals grab the same food item, one can swallow the other along with it. On top of that, once they are kept together you can no longer tell which animal has eaten and which is losing weight. For breeding, put them together under supervision and separate them again afterwards.
Notes
A giant snake – only for very experienced keepers with space. A potentially dangerous constrictor; handle only with two or three people. In several German states there is a keeping ban or conditions.
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Related species
- Angolan python (Python anchietae) – Intermediate
- Red blood python (Python brongersmai) – Intermediate
- Sumatran short-tailed python (Python curtus) – Intermediate
- Borneo short-tailed python (Python breitensteini) – Intermediate
- Indian python (Python molurus) – Expert
- Ball python (Python regius) – Beginner to intermediate
- African rock python (Python sebae) – Expert
- Southern African rock python (Python natalensis) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Burmese python (Python bivittatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (ab 450×300×200 cm (Mindestmaß nach dem Gutachten von 1997, über 2, 5 m); Zimmerterrarium oder eigener Raum), substrate (Bark mulch or coco humus, a large water basin), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 2 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Wikipedia DE, bmleh.de, drta-archiv.de, einrichtungsbeispiele.de, eur-lex.europa.eu
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).