Royal Pythons
Aki- Pastel Royal Python
About Royal Pythons
Area of origin: Sub-Saharan Africa
Adult size: 4-5ft
Captive lifespan: 30+ years
If you’d like to see the setups for my Royal Pythons, Aki, Haku and Pixel, check out the video!
Housing, heating & lighting
Enclosure
Enclosure size requirements is widely debated in the reptile community, but good keeping has proven that Royal Pythons thrive in a large space which has been correctly set up. The minimum size enclosure for a Royal Python is 4 x 2 x 2ft. They need a well ventilated, wide enclosure with some space to climb. At least two hides must be provided to help the snake feel secure- the more hides the merrier. I chose to use purpose made hides which retain heat well, alongside natural items, like cork bark. Using vines and greenery can also provide your snake with further hiding spots. Branches to climb on are a must, not only will they help to keep your python active and fit, they provide enrichment to your captive pet. Substrate should help to maintain humidity without becoming waterlogged- a mixture of coconut coir, orchid bark, and mosses makes for a great substrate. Humidity should be kept at 50%, and raised to 60-65% when your python is in shed.
Heating
Royal Pythons should be provided with a good heat gradient, with heat coming from above. As these snakes are heavy bodied, the use of heat mats is not advised. Your snake can lie on the mat, causing a thermal block, and become badly burnt. Second to that, snakes like to burrow to cool down- if they encounter heat upon burrowing, it’s rather unnatural. Replicating the way the sun heats the earth, and providing heat retaining items below, will keep your python very happy and comfortable.
I prefer to use ceramic heat emitters, which are always suitably guarded to prevent burns.
You will be aiming for a temperature gradient of almost 10 degrees Celsius, with a cooler end of 24°C moving through to 29°C towards the warmer end of the enclosure. Your basking temperatures will sit between 32-34°C.
Lighting
Royal Pythons require a day/night cycle, so some form of lighting is required. You can introduce UVB at 6% if you choose, however the majority of Royal Pythons do tend to hide away until dark. You know your snake best, so it’s up to you if you’d like to introduce a UV zone. Bear in mind, this must be a zone of no more than 75% of the enclosure.
My Royals are truly active at night and only appear once lights are out, so I chose to provide them with LED lighting. The lights are on a timer so the snakes have a set schedule each day.
Haku- White Wedding Royal Python
Pixel- Orange Ghost Pied Royal Python
Feeding & handling
Feeding
Royal Pythons have a reputation for being picky eaters- a lot of them definitely are! Don’t panic if you have a healthy snakes that skips a number of meals, this is normal behaviour for a Royal. The reason I say healthy snake, however, is to prompt an awareness of the condition of your pet. Weigh your snake, and check regularly for signs of illness.
When your Royal is young, they will most likely take every meal with gusto, then as they get older they don’t need the same amount of food. You can move from feeding weekly, to offering food every 2-3 weeks. Offering a picky snake food more frequently tends to force them into fasting for longer.
Now, let’s talk diet! Royals will happily chow down on rats, mice, chicks etc, however there is an optimum food for them. The African Soft Furred Rat, also known as the Multimammate mouse, is a Royal Python favourite, and they find it hard to resist. They can be a little more pricey, but hey, you’re feeding your snake once a week, or even just twice a month- they’re worth it!
These little critters are full of goodness, with a great fat to protein ratio. Plus- they’re one of the Royal Python’s natural prey items!
Handling
Royals are inquisitive snakes, that are a pleasure to handle. They’re slow moving, and like to sit in a warm spot, so a lap is often appreciated. That being said, they can be active and will enjoy climbing through your sleeves, or climbing onto your shoulders. Just make sure the snake is supported and can’t fall if you do let them climb on you.
A lot of Royal Pythons are head shy, this means they don’t appreciate things moving quickly in front of their face, or being touched on the front of their nose. They keep all of their heat seeking equipment there, so it’s a sensitive area. Your snake may pull their head back rapidly if you go to touch them on the head- don’t be offended, it’s a Royal Python thing!