I have been typing up a caresheet over the past couple of months and had finally finished it. I had some time this morning before I have to run, so I decided to post it. This is all written on my experience, so opinions may vary on it. This is a touchy subject since most breeders and keepers don't work with the African Rock compared to the other Giants. Feel free to let me know if you feel anything should be added Thanks!


Captive care and husbandry of the
Central African Rock Python


The African Rock Python is the largest, heaviest snake in Africa attaining lengths one would only imagine to find in a fairy tale. Listed under CITES appendix II, the African Rock Python is a somewhat protected species, needing a license to import or export this animal. Once deemed an overly aggressive species which was unsuitable for captive environments, this long lived rumor is slowly dying as more captive breedings show an emerging true gentle giant.


  • -General-
Found throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, where it commonly frequents water; The African Rock Python uses water holes commonly frequented by other game for the purpose of hunting, using its highly developed ambush technique.


Sporting golds, cinnamons, browns, chocolates, silvers and blacks with a maze-like labyrinth pattern; the AfRock is a handsome serpent! Often confused with the Burmese Python; another large Rock Python common in the hobby. There is also a smaller, rarer species of African Rock Python known as the Southern, Dwarf, or Lesser African Rock Python (Python natalensis) Which is much sought after by Rock Python enthusiasts.


-Size, Growth and Development-
African Rocks hatch out at a much smaller size than other giants commonly found in captivity. While Burmese Pythons, and Reticulated Pythons hatch out at 22+” long, AfRocks hatch out at only 16-18” long. They grow at a fairly steady pace reaching 6-7' by their first year. Adults average out at 11-13' for males, with females topping out at around 16'. There are exceptions, and some specimens may attain a much larger size. Record breakers have grown to an astounding 24' long and over 250lbs! This species has a very similar body structure to the Burmese Python. A highly robust predator of almost pure muscle. An adult could overpower a human with ease. A well cared for African Rock Python lives on average of about 20-25 years. They may exceed this expectation and live longer if properly cared for.


-Feeding-
Rock Pythons can begin feeding on small rats. As they grow, increase their prey size appropriately. Rocks can handle a larger meal than most other boids, but this doesn't mean they should be fed a meal that would stuff them to the point of almost rupturing. Generally, a meal weighing around 10% their body weight once a week would do nicely, and you should see a good amount of growth. Yearling Rocks can feed on Jumbo Guinea Pigs, appropriately sized Rabbits, Chicken and Quail. Most keepers are against feeding fowl to their pythons, but truth is that birds are a natural part of the Rock Pythons diet. Not to say feed specifically an all fowl diet, but a bird mixed in once a month or so is healthy. I, along with other Rock Python keepers have noticed that their Pythons appeared healthier when a bird was included in their diet here and there.


When feeding your snake, always feed inside the enclosure! Never feed a Rock Python outside in a separate container. This is very dangerous, and can lead to serious injury or possible death for you or the snake! Imagine trying to move a 12'+ robust Python from a tub back to its enclosure while still in feeding mode. Its just unnecessary. Most think that if you let the snake sit a little while, that the snake will return to normal and all is good...which is false! An AfRock can stay in feeding mode for hours. There is just too much stress and risk of injury to make feeding outside the cage an option. Rock Pythons feeding responses are almost unmatched in the snake world! These are animals build to take down large prey, quickly. If proper safety precautions are not met, this could create a dangerous situation for the keeper and perhaps anyone else residing in the household. Be smart about things!


Don't overfeed your animal! One of the biggest killers in captive boids is obesity. Take it slow and easy with feeding. There's no sense in rushing the growth of your animal. Allow it to grow at a healthy rate, without becoming obese.