ROYAL PYTHON
Python Regius
Royal pythons are quite simply the most common pet python in the world. Royals are generally a bit shy, but they make great pets. Due to their small size and generally friendly nature makes these easily managed pets. They come in an array of colours and patterns. This species is also known as the ball python and their name originates from them curling up to make themselves look like a ball. They are native to Central and Western Africa and will do well in many tropical areas (many African leaders used to wear these as decorative jewellery). These will make a great pet for someone who has intermediate knowledge on snakes as they can be quite fussy and every year breeders create incredible, innovative, never before seen patterns with amazing colours. The variations that continually generate new fans to owning one of these and with reptile health and wellness in mind, these thrive well in captivity.
FEEDING INFORMATION
Feed your royal python an appropriate size rodent. Their pray should be no bigger than the circumference of the snake (look at a snakes stomach to help pick what size food you will need). A hatchling should be fed rat pups at first and then move up in size as the snake grows. Do not handle your snake for at least 2-3 days after feeding as this can cause your snake to regurgitate its meal. Also, always use pre-killed frozen thawed rodents.
Water
Always have fresh clean water available and make sure that it is cleaned and changed daily. The size of the water dish is entirely up to you. If it is large enough for the snake to get into it then it will more than likely take up the opportunity to have a soak. Just make sure that the bowl isn't too big if you have a juvie as if it climbs in it may not be able to get back out. All snakes will at some point defecate in their water bowl so be ready to clean and disinfect it at any time.
HANDLING AND TEMPERAMENT
Royal pythons are generally shy and will spend most of their time hiding. Your royal python may initially see you as a threat, so you must allow them time to know who you are. The goal is to establish trust between you and your snake. When handling your snake always support their body and avoid any fast movements. Once your royal has realised that your not going to hurt them then they seem to enjoy being handled. Some royal pythons will try to hide when your first trying to handle but they may just need some more time to build up their trust for you.
AVAILABILITY
Royal pythons are quite easy to acquire, they are commonly available from pet shops, reptile breeders, reptile shops online and reptile rescues. Always buy captive bred, any royal python should be well started and eating prior to purchase.
SIZING AND LIFESPAN
When this snake is a hatchling it will be around 10 inches in length.
Adult female pythons average around 3-5ft.
Adult males average 2-3ft in size.
This is a species in which the females are typically much larger than the males. A 5ft snake is considered large but there have been reports of 6ft or more.
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The life expectancy of a royal python when well cared for is 30 years or more.
HUMIDITY AND SUBSTRATE
The humidity at which royal pythons do best at is 50-60%. Having this humidity will also help your snake when it comes to shedding.
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For substrate you can use newspaper or kitchen roll, these are cheap and easy to clean. Orchid bark is another good substrate for controlling humidity, but just keep in mind that too much humidity can harm your snake and can cause illnesses. Avoid sand, shavings and peat bedding.
HOUSING
Royal python enclosures can be as simple or as elaborate as you want, just remember that what ever you put in will all need cleaning and disinfecting on a regular basis. There are many different enclosures available that work very well for this species of snake. One thing to remember with this species is that they are very know for being shy and have been known to stop eating if they're not happy. Having said that here are a few enclosure options, including but not limiting too. There are rack systems and single plastic tubs which are readily available commercially, there's glass enclosures but these are only adequate because their screen tops make it difficult to maintain proper humidity levels, there's also wooden enclosures but the risk with wood is that it may warp over time from the high humidity. For a juvenile a small enclosure is the best as it makes them feel more secure. A small royal in a large enclosure can quickly become overwhelmed and stressed. As adults they don't require exceptionally large or elaborate enclosures either, that in mind keep an observing eye on how your snake behaves, a stressed snake will not eat and/or drink. A minimum 36 inches by 18 inches by 12 inches enclosure will more than comfortably house an adult royal python. You should spot clean their enclosures every day and then once a month do a complete clean of all decor including the water dish and all substrate should be removed and changed. Royal pythons are secretive snakes and will benefit from having a few hides, one at the warm end and one on the cool end. Allowing one in each end allows the snake to choose temperature over security.
HEATING AND LIGHTING
You should aim for the hot spot temperatures to be between 88-96.F and an ambient temperature of 78-80.F, the ambient temp should never fall below 75.F. Use a digital thermometer with a probe to monitor the temperature (do not just guess). Place the probe in the hot and cool end as this way you can monitor both temps all at once. Never use heat rocks as they can unevenly heat over a small surface area and can cause burns. A heat mat on a thermostat works well, place the heat mat under the enclosure (never put them inside). In case you prefer heat/ceramic heaters here's a few that will work best to heat up your royals cage. You could use ceramic heat emitters, basking bulbs- regular daytime or red night bulbs are just a few. With heat emitters or basking bulbs it is crucial that you keep an eye on the humidity of the enclosure, especially if your snakes enclosure has a screen top, as they will dry the air very quickly. Use thermostats with heat/ceramic bulbs to control the heat source. Special supplement lights are not necessary for royal pythons, but if used then it should run on a 12/12 system, this means 12 hours on and 12 hours off. ontinuos bright overhead light can be stressful for snakes, especially nocturnal species like royal pythons.