Royal Python Care Sheet

Royal Python Care Sheet

Royal Python Care Sheet – This care sheet contains recommendations from our shop assistants.

General Care

Royal pythons are primarily ground-dwelling animals, spending most of their time in burrows waiting for their prey. As hatchlings royals have a total length in the region of 34 – 40cm with adults averaging 120 – 130cm long. Although some large females can get to 160 – 180 cm. Royal Pythons can live more than 30 years old in captivity.

Housing

Royals are solitary animals and spend most of their time alone in the wild, only encountering other royals during mating. Although royals are hyperactive their enclosure should at least 3 foot long. They must be able to lie straight diagonally. Hatchlings however become stressed in big enclosures and will refuse to eat. Hatchlings should stay in smaller enclosures until they become established and are eating well, then sized up accordingly.

A variety of substrates can be used with Royals. Although Royals are terrestrial having a few sturdy branches within the enclosure will be beneficial in increasing the overall surface area of the enclosure. At least one hide is essential although we recommend two or more, these can be made from cardboard tubes, reptile caves, logs, etc. and be big enough for the snake to curl inside comfortably.

Humidity should be kept around 50 – 60%, this can be maintained by misting the enclosure occasionally and should be monitored with a hygrometer. A wooden vivarium is recommended for insulation.

At night time, it needs to be completely dark in the enclosure.

Heating

Royal Pythons like other reptiles require the ability to thermo-regulate and therefore need a cool side and warm side in their enclosure. With the cool end between 24 – 26c and the warm end 30 – 33c. This can be obtained by using a heat mat or ceramic bulb, the heat source will need to be positioned at the warm end of the enclosure and connected to a thermostat to regulate the temperature. If a bulb is used it will need to be a guard with an appropriate bulb guard to reduce the risk of burns to the animal.

UVB is required along two thirds of the enclosure.

Feeding

Appropriately sized rodents are the main diet of Royal Pythons. As a species, they have a reputation for not being the best or most consistent feeders (fussy eaters). Gaps in feeding are not necessarily something to be concerned about unless the snake is visibly losing weight (if this occurs speak to an exotic vet). Hatchlings will take fluffy mice once every 4 – 6days, whilst adults will take full-sized mice, young rats, chicks, etc. every 7 – 14days. All food should be thoroughly defrosted and dry. The snake should be offered slightly smaller prey to reduce the risk of regurgitation.

Food should not be offered during shedding.

For any further information or advice please feel free to message us on Facebook or contact the store on 01902 494860