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Royal Python, Python regius

Origin:            West and Central Africa

Adult Size:        3 to 5 feet; females average 30% larger than males

Life Expectancy:    In captivity, with proper care: 20-30 years

General Information:  Royal Pythons, also commonly called Ball Pythons in the US, are generally a mild-mannered, docile snake in captivity with captive bred and born (CBB) usually being even more so.  Their relative small size make them a good choice in situations where space may be a factor.  While this species is very common in pet stores that deal in reptiles, in my opinion you would be better advised to find a local breeder, where you'd be more certain of getting a Captive Bred/Captive Born specimen versus the wild caught or wild-farmed animals often sold in pet shops.  Wild caught animals have a greater risk of problems such as internal parasites and unseen internal injuries suffered during capture and shipping, all of which may be solved only with vet care.

Housing:  The Royal Python may be kept in a 20-gallon long or 29-gallon high aquarium.  Hatchling Royal Pythons do better in a smaller enclosure, (approx. 5-gallon size aquariums) because if kept in too large of an enclosure a hatchling may feel insecure which may cause the animal to stop feeding.

These animals are very private and so it is essential that you provide multiple hides.  Hides should be large enough for the snake to get it's entire body in/under but small enough that the animal feels the sides of the hide, as this will make the snake feel more secure.  A hide in both the cool side as well as the warm side of the enclosure is best, so the snake does not have to choose between feeling safe or feeling warm.  Royal Pythons are nocturnal snakes, and will often spend the entire day secluded in their hide, and come out to explore the enclosure after dark.

Clean water must be provided at all times, preferably in a glass or ceramic water bowl large enough for the snake to submerge it's entire body in, and heavy enough that the snake can not tip it over.  You must check the condition of the water everyday, as some snakes will defecate in their water bowl or dislodge bedding into the bowl and no caring care-giver would allow their animals to be forced to drink fouled water.

Royal Pythons need a basking area in the 90 to 95 degree range, and the cooler end of the enclosure at 80 degrees.  Do not use "hot rocks"--these products are dangerous to the health of your reptiles.  I prefer under-tank heat sources, either the stick-on type or flex-watt heat tape.  If you use an under-tank heat source, placing a flat piece of slate over the heat source is a good idea...it prevents the snake from burrowing under the bedding and coming in contact with the hot glass, and the slate can be covered with the bedding.  The slate will radiate heat and mimic a warm rock a snake in the wild might bask upon during a sunny day.



Lighting:  Royal Pythons do not require UVB type bulbs so an appropriate sized flourescent bulb in a fixture over the tank will work fine.  The light should be on 14 hours and off for 10 hours during the summer months and 10 hours on and 14 hours off during the winter, ans 12 on/off for fall and spring.  A simple timer can be purchased at someplace like the hardware dept. of a Wal-Mart for less than $6, and will ensure the light cycles are standard from day-to-day.

Work-In-Progress; Updated 01/10/09