Pastel Royal Python - Females

Do you need a vivarium for your Royal Python? Try this one

Royal Pythons

Royal Pythons are one of the most popular pet species in the UK this is because of their lovely temperament and they are very easy to keep. They are beautifully marked and are now being bred in many different colours and patterns. Royal Pythons are sometime referred to as Ball Pythons, when they are scared they will roll into a ball with their head well protected in between its coils. They grow to around 1.2m long and are a heavily built snake, with a very gentle nature.

Housing 

A wooden Vivarium is best for Royal Python as they are better insulated than glass or plastic tanks, so therefore easier to get the heating set up correctly. They are also designed with snakes in mind so escapees are unlikely. (Remember to shut the doors properly!). A wooden vivarium will offer more privacy as they only have a glass front.

For a hatchling snake we would recommend a 36" vivarium, then upgrade to a 48" for an adult.

If young snakes are put into a large vivarium they often become stressed and refuse to feed.

Heating

Temperature is very important in reptile care as they cannot produce there own body heat and need to be kept with in a suitable range to help the body function correctly.

Royal Pythons require an ambient temperature of 27 to 29°C with a hot spot of 31°C to 33°C during in the day; this can be achieved by using a ceramic heater and a basking light on thermostats mounted at one side of the vivarium to create a warmer side. At night the temperature should drop to around 23°C to 25°C.

It is very important to know what the temperature is, so check regularly with an accurate thermometer. Do not guess or take temperature buy hand (if snake feels warm or cold)

Lighting

A simply 12 hour light cycle is ideal for Royal Pythons

Snakes do not require UV lighting like lizards do; although some believe it is beneficial by some it is not required.

 Water 

It is important to provide your snake with fresh water every day, in a bowl that is large enough for the snake to submerge in. This will help the snake shed its skin.

Hides and Décor

The snake will require a few hides in the vivarium so that it can feel secure. By having 2 or 3 in different areas the vivarium the snake will be able to chose the one that is at the best temperature. A humid hide is also recommended ( such as the Exo Terra Snake Cave). These are hollow hides with a damp moss inside; snakes will often use these when they are shedding their skin.

Plastic plants are also good to use, as these look very attractive in the vivarium as well as offering privacy. Real plants however are a poor choice, as the heat will kill them very quickly and the snakes will often dig them out if their pots.

Feeding

Feed your snake one defrosted mouse or rat weekly for young snakes and fortnightly for adults. The mouse should be no bigger than the largest part of the snake. Rats are a better source of food than mice, hatching snakes can be fed on rat pups and moving up to medium or large rats as adults.

As snakes do not use energy to warm their bodies (as mammals do) they need less energy to function.

Resist the urge to feed your snake more often or larger prey as this can lead to the snake growing to fast, which can result in the head of the snake not growing at the same speed as the rest of the body. Obesity can also be a problem. If a snake is overfed they have no reason to move around their vivarium and this is detrimental to their health.

There are a few feeding techniques the most simple is to place the defrosted food in the vivarium near the snake and leave it to feed. The other way is to offer the food on some tongs or tweezers to the snake; they will often strike very quickly then constrict the prey.

Snake some times will refuse to feed while shedding.

Maintenance

 Spot-clean your snake's enclosure as necessary, removing waste as soon as possible. Clean and disinfect the water bowl on a weekly basis. Depending on cage conditions, remove all substrate & cage furniture and completely disinfect using safe disinfectant. Rinse the enclosure thoroughly and allow to dry before replacing cage furniture and your snake.

Shedding

Snakes shed their skin as they grow, it normal comes off in one piece.  The first stage in the process is when the eyes go opaque (cloudy) at this point the snake will not want to feed and will hide away, it is best to leave it to do so. After a few days the eyes will clear again but it won’t shed for another 7 to 10 days. If the snake has trouble removing the skin it is best to put the snake in a tub with some damp moss to help soften the skin and help by gentle rubbing.

Conclusion

Royal Pythons are great snakes to keep and they are now available in many different colour morphs.

Please note that none of our animals are available to buy online and we will not courier animals. For more information visit our shop or call us on 01865 764269.

We at Evolution Reptiles recommend that you take out pet insurance. Vouchers for 30 free days of insurance cover are included when you purchase a reptile from us. Please note that the vouchers need to be activated within the first 14 days of purchase.