Arboreal species such as Morelia spp. (carpet and diamond pythons) prefer radiant heat sources. Terrestrial species such as Antaresia spp. (Childrens python) prefer a conductive heat source (heat mat, tubing) or a combination of radiant and conductive sources. Tropical species such as scrub pythons and green pythons naturally prefer higher humidity compared with the more southern species of pythons.
What is the natural diet of your patient? All Australian pythons are carnivores – eating reptiles, mammals or birds. Aspidites spp. (black-headed python and woma) are reptile eaters. When fed small mammals in captivity they are prone to fatty liver disease. Growth rates must be monitored closely. Anorexia will often be the first sign seen in an otherwise healthy, overweight snake (look for the small head and big body). To a large extent green pythons and scrub pythons are bird-eaters.
Normal biological rhythms may be contributing to anorexia. Gravid pythons and pythons approaching ecdysis will usually not eat.