Common name :- Royal Python

Classification/Latin name :- Python regius

Size :- 3ft-5ft

Distribution :- Africa

Natural habitat:-

Scrub savannah and open woodland.

Description and sexing:-

A well camouflaged snake, which is very stocky in build.Thhe natural colouration is shades of cream and brown, however several other colour forms are now available, but still very expensive. Sexing can only be done, with any degree of accuracy, by probing. This should only be done by an expert.

Enclosure size:-

A 4ft(120cm) vivarium is the minimum recommended, even for one royal. This should be sufficient for the life of the snake.

Heating and temperature:-

DO NOT use heat mats for royals as they can cause burns. A red spot light, ceramic or tubular heater is ideal. A thermostat is necessary for ceramic and tubular heaters and recommended for bulbs. A hot spot of 35 degrees is ideal, With the cooler end approximately 30 degrees. ALL HEAT SOURCES MUST BE GUARDED TO PREVENT BURNS!

Lighting and day length:-

No day light source is required as these animals are nocturnal.

Humidity:-

Royals require a humidity of approx. 65-70%, however it only appears crucial during shedding.

Substrate and decoration:-

We have found the best substrate for royals by far is rainforest substrate (chipped bark). It retains a certain amount of water helping to keep the humidity raised. Royals need hide areas with a minimum of two, one in the warm end and one in the cooler end of the vivarium. They will also climb to a certain extent, so although not necessary a branch can be used. Plastic plants can also be used to improve the appearance of the vivarium.

Feeding and vitamins:-

Royals are easy to feed provided they are feeding well on defrosted mice before you purchase them. Please ensure your supplier provides feeding guarantees. We have found royals most likely to feed if the mice are defrosted in the following way. Take mouse out of freezer and put in cup of cold tap water, leave for approximately twenty minutes, then add boiling water to the cold until it is hot but you can still put your fingers in without being burnt. Leave the mouse in this for no longer than two minutes, then lift out and gently squeeze excess water off the fur. Offer to the snake using a pair of forceps. Try not to touch the snakes' head with the mouse as this seems to scare most royals. Baby royals up to one year old should be fed twice a week, adults should be fed as necessary, with either large mice every week - ten days, or rats one every two to three weeks.

Possible problems:-

Royals only tend to have two possible problems, shedding and feeding. Providing the snake is feeding well on purchase, it should if kept correctly, continue to feed. They do regularly fast for a few months especially as adults during winter which is natural and providing the snake is in good health and doesn't lose much weight there is nothing to worry about. If you think it is losing weight, get it checked out by a qualified person. Some royals seem to have regular problems shedding. Spraying the vivarium can help but if this doesn't work and the snake is left with unshed skin, put it in a damp pillowcase in its' vivarium overnight. Eye scales (caps), if stuck, should only be removed by a qualified person.

Handling:-

Royals are an excellent handling animal and rarely, if ever bite. If they are nervous they will curl into a ball. This is a good indication of when your royal has had enough and it can then be returned to its' vivarium.

Breeding and egg incubation:-

Further reading:-