What is the classification of the Royal Python?
Name:
Scientific name (Python Regius).
Class: Reptilia (all reptiles).
Order: Squamata (lizards and snakes).
Suborder:
Serpentes (all snakes).
Family: Boidae (Pythons and Boas).
Subfamily:
Pythoninae (all Pythons).
Genus: Python (typical Pythons).
Species: Python Regius (Ball python).
Where do Royal Pythons come from?
Mainly in Central and West Africa.
What is their Habitat?
Ball
Pythons being terrestrial inhibit Savannah grasslands and open forest.
They are not great climbers and usually will stay close to the ground. The
python takes refuge in mammal burrows or other subterranean habitation
during the day. They become active at night in search for rodents such as
gerbils and hamsters that are also native to Africa.
How big do they get?
Royal
Python hatchlings can range between 10-17 inches. The adults can grow to
be 6 feet in length, but 4 to 4 1/2 feet is more common. Females are
bigger, with males averaging out at 3 - 4 feet in length.
As a
general rule of thumb, females reach sexual maturity by their 3rd winter
although some reach it earlier.
Males
achieve sexual maturity as early as 6 months but again this is the
exception and not the rule. Usually their second winter is the time they
start to breed.
Are Royal Pythons dangerous?
No,
they are not venomous and they are very gentle snakes! They will not eat
your dog, cat or children.
Would you recommend a Royal Python as a pet?
Royal
Pythons come in many different morphs, there is a colour or pattern morph
to suit everyone. Generally Royal Pythons are gentle, placid,
non-aggressive snakes and can be very shy. A captive bred Royal Python
makes a very good beginners snake. They are slow moving and easily
handled. The size of a Royal Python makes it very appealing as a pet.
Adult Ball pythons can range anywhere from three feet to five feet. Very
rarely will they get to six feet in length.
With
fresh water available, they can be left while going on short vacations without a problem. They
can be fed every 7 - 14 days without any negative effects and they only
relieve themselves based on the frequency of meals.
What
is more they make great pets for people with allergies against fur and
feathers – when was the last time you saw a furry or feathery snake?
What size vivarium should I use?
The
general rule of thumb, a vivarium that is 2/3 the length of your snake.
What do you keep your snakes in?
We
build our own racks and vivariums. Our adults are kept in racks of glass
fronted vivariums and the juveniles are kept in racks of plastic trays.
What do you feed your snakes?
We
feed rats to juveniles and adults and mice or rat pups to hatchlings. We
try to match the girth of the snake with the size of the prey. We try not
to get our snakes too fat or power feed them.
The
following is our feeding schedule:
Adults - 7 to 14 days
Juveniles - 7 to 14 days
Hatchlings – 4 to 7 days
What kind of substrate is best?
I use
shredded aspen. Some breeders use newspaper exclusively and are very happy
with it. I find aspen the easiest. It is easy to spot clean once a week
and I've never had a problem with it. I do start all my hatchlings on
paper towel.
Do
I need a hide box?
I
would strongly recommend one if you are keeping your Royal Python in a
vivarium. Two are actually preferred, one in the warm end and one in the
cool side.
What temperatures do you recommend?
An
ambient temp of 80 F is good with a hot spot of 90 - 92 F is recommended.
Royal Pythons need heat in order to properly digest their food. A basking
light or under tank heat pad can provide a good hot spot. Try to purchase
all your equipment from a specialty reptile pet store. They sell products
that are specifically made for these purposes.
