Carpet python enclosure size and setup

Carpet python at a glance

Minimum enclosure

78 × 36 × 36 inches198 × 91 × 91 cm, about 438 gallons

Warm side

95-100°F

Cool side

75-80°F

Humidity

40-60%

UVB

Zone 2

Group

Snakes

Semi-arboreal, so extra height is welcome. Minimum shown fits a 6.5 ft snake, and size varies by subspecies.

Common questions

What size enclosure does a carpet python need?

At least 78 × 36 × 36 inches (198 × 91 × 91 cm) for one adult, about 438 gallons. Floor space matters more than height for this species. Bigger is always better if you have room.

What temperature should a carpet python enclosure be?

Aim for a warm side of 95-100°F and a cool side of 75-80°F, so it can move between the two to control its body temperature. Check with a digital probe thermometer, not a stick-on dial.

What humidity does a carpet python need?

40-60%. A digital hygrometer in the middle of the enclosure gives the most useful reading.

Does a carpet python need UVB?

Yes, Zone 2, which means moderate UVB, for animals that bask now and then. Match your bulb and its distance to that level using the maker's chart, and replace it on schedule.

Which common tanks fit an adult carpet python?

Of the common sizes, these meet the adult minimum: 8 × 4 × 4 (96 × 48 × 48 in).

These are common hobbyist guidelines for a healthy adult, based mostly on published species care guides. Babies, sick animals and specific localities can need different setups, so check with a reptile vet for anything serious.

More tools for your carpet python

• Substrate
• Bioactive layers
• Running cost
• UVB bulb tracker
• Prey size
• Egg incubation

Other reptiles