DISTRIBUTION: Usually found in rain forests of Central and Western Africa.
LENGTH: On average males tend to reach 4-4.5ft and females 5ft. Males have the potential of reaching 5ft and females 6ft.
LONGEVITY: If kept under optimum conditions ‘Royals’ can live between 20-25 years.
SEX DIFFERENCES: The only 100% way of identifying male from female is a blood test, but it is possible to determine the sex of a snake using secondary characteristics; males have more pronounced spurs than females. Generally the male’s tail is more slender, that taper gradually from a wider base, female’s tail tends to be quite short, that tapers more abruptly from a relatively narrower base. Overall females are generally longer and are usually more robust in form. Probing is another method of sex determination, should only be carried out by experienced individuals.
VIVARIUM SIZE: A terrarium such as Pilbarra 80x45x50 would be quite adequate for a pair. Hatchling can be raised in ‘geo’ tubs and can be moved in to a vivarium when 1 –2ft long. In adequate spacing a number of Royal Pythons, of a similar size, can be housed together.
SUBSTRATE: Bark wood chippings can be used, as it looks natural and attractive. Shredded paper can also be used, as it is absorbent, cheap to replace and readily available. Loam moss and/or leaf litter can be used to maintain the humidity.
TEMPERATURE: 32 degrees centigrade (88F) at the hot spot and 25 degrees centigrade (76F) at the cool end. All heat sources are to be thermostatically controlled and guarded to avoid the animal getting burnt. A 2.0 UVB light can be used to provide a photoperiod, this is to be left on 8 – 12 hours a day.
HABITAT: Royals are a ground dwelling species, but will still climb if given the opportunity. Provide relatively low, but sturdy branches. Also provide hides at either end of the enclosure, to ensure that the snake isn’t forced to choose between preferred temperature and security. Hides are important, as ‘Royals’ are semi-nocturnal and will usually spend most of the day hiding.
HUMIDITY: As this species originates form the rain forests of Western Africa, the humidity levels are quite high – about
55 – 65%.
FEEDING: ‘Royals’ natural prey is Gerbils, but they will also accept Mice, Rats and Poultry. These foods are available in various sizes, it is not recommended to offer your snake prey items larger than the thickest part of the snake’s body. Avoid feeding snakes chicks, as there isn’t much nutritional value in them. Always use forceps or feeding tongs when feeding pythons, as they are very quick and powerful when they strike. ‘Royals’ Are renowned for being problematic feeders,
DO NOT FORCE FEED! contact me on alternate methods. Food, depending on the size, can be offered every 7-10 days.
* Provide a fresh supply of water every day.
INFO: When buying a Royal python ensure that you don’t buy a wild caught specimen, as they are often heavily parasitised with ticks, mites and internal parasites (which are difficult to eliminate). Also wild caught ‘Royals’ do not respond well to feeding in captivity and can go long periods of time without eating. Wild caught specimens, in captivity spend most of their time curled up in a tight ball (hence their other name the Ball Python), which are signs of being scared and stressed.
‘Royals’ make excellent pets for novice keepers, due to their placid nature and relatively small size.
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