Captive raised M. boeleni do well on a diet of rodents and rabbits. The common error is over feeding. Because of the limited activity in captivity Boelen’s have the tendency to become obese. This can be avoided by less frequent feedings and providing cages large enough for activity. This may be a contributing factor to the low reproductive rates in captivity. Boelen’s Pythons should have a very long, thin, muscular, appearance. The head should be well distinguished from the body. They can mislead the keeper by always looking as if they are ready for food, but how much of this is conditioning? Use your best judgment but think logically; whenever a wild-caught animal is brought into the country it has the appearance described previously. Another suggestion is to start hatchlings off on rat pinks instead of mice to avoid the sometimes difficult task of getting older animals to except rats.

Starting hatchling Boelen’s Pythons on rat pinks can help eliminate the sometimes difficult
task of getting young adults to switch from mice to rats. Hatchlings growth rates
are increased as well due to the higher protein content of rats.
Photo by Spataro.

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Photo by Spataro.

Photo by Spataro.