Royal Python
Python regius

Also called Ball Pythons, these Snakes are perfect for beginners due to their ease of care and docile demeanour.

Latin Name: Python regius

Difficulty Level: Beginner

Temperament: Docile

Life Span: 20 – 30 Years

Size: Male 2 – 3 Feet / 2 – 3 Pounds ¦ Female 3 – 5 Feet / 2 – 4 Pounds

Habitat: Western and Central Africa – Grassland

Diet: Rats (Size is dependent on the size of the Snake)

Feed adults every 7 – 10 days depending on size. Hatchlings can be fed every 5 days.

Be sure to never feed live food, as it can harm the Snake whilst trying to defend itself.

Food to avoid: Anything that isn’t a delicious rodent.

Supplements: None

Hours of Activity: Nocturnal – Royal Pythons are most active at night time.

Handling: Do not startle your Snake. Begin by touching its back to let it know you’re there. Then carefully but confidently lift the Snake up, supporting its body weight from the mid-section. Do not grab.

Do not handle your snake for up to 2 days after it has eaten or when it has just shed its skin.

Temperature:
24°C – 26°C Ambient day time temperature.
30°C – 32°C Basking temperature.
24°C Minimum ambient night time temperature.

Humidity: 50% – 60%

Vivarium Size: 48″ x 24″ x 24″ (Minimum for an Adult)

Substrate Type: Bark, Soil, Coconut Fibre.

Equipment Necessary: Vivarium, Basking Bulb at one end of the enclosure, Thermometers, Thermostat, Places to hide.

Cleaning Instructions: Spot clean any muck daily.
Deep clean the vivarium once per month.

Healthy Behaviour: Clear Eyes, Bright Colouration, Attacks food with vigour, Moves around enclosure and explores often, Tongue flickering to taste the air.

Sick Behaviours: Lethargic, Hiding a lot, Not eating, Incomplete shedding of skin.

Be sure to have one end of the Vivarium for heating and basking, and the other end for cooling.

Waste should be solid brown with a white cap of urate. There should also be a small amount of liquid urine.

You should never house more than 1 Royal Python per enclosure.

If the Royal Python is stressed and defensive, it may coil into a ball. This is where they get their alternative name “Ball Python” from.

Provide fresh water in a bowl and change regularly, especially if the water becomes fouled by waste.

Common Problems:
Incomplete Shedding – Usually due to lack of adequate humidity. The Snake can be bathed in lukewarm water for 15 – 20 minutes to help finish shedding.

Mites – Be sure to check over your new Snake before you bring it home. Mites appear as dark specks on the Snake’s skin and cause irritation. Seek veterinary advice.

Respiratory Infections – Caused by improper temperature regulation in the enclosure. If you notice bubbles around the mouth or nose, seek immediate veterinary advice.