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eyeball
Yearling
United Kingdom
114 Posts |
 Posted - 17/09/2012 : 12:08:13
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Hi all,
Firstly, let me say a big “Hi!” to everyone here and that I’m looking forward to learning from you all and hopefully sharing my experiences.
My wife and I are both animal lovers but haven’t had a pet for quite a while now but have shied away from things such as dogs and cats due to the tie that such animals bring (going on holiday, not being able/wanting to leave a dog in the house on its own for periods of time etc). Well, this weekend we happened across a fantastic place called Tails and Scales. The young chap who was running the shop very kindly allowed us to handle any of the reptiles that we wanted and was very knowledgeable and generous with his time. After handling a Chameleon and a Corn snake he introduced us to Reg the Royal Python and my wife and I were both blown away!!
To be honest, we had never really thought about keeping snakes/reptiles and so we don’t want to rush into anything as it ultimately wouldn’t be fair on the animal so we thought it best to have a chat with some experienced keepers and see what’s what.
So, my first question would be around the lifespan of a Python. I’ve read the info pack provided on this site and it would appear that the lifespan could be anything from 20 – 40 years. Is 20 years a generally accepted minimum or if you hit 20 that’s a good age and anything onwards is a bonus? I realise that it’s not an exact science but I’d like to get a general feel as it’s obviously a big commitment.
Secondly, if we get a young snake (what’s the name for that, a snake-let?), how do we know what the right size food for it is and how do you tell when it’s time to step up to something larger?
Also, I was a touch confused about Royal Pythons getting stressed in too big a vivarium (why don’t they get stressed about being in the wild?). If we bought a three foot vivarium and a young snake, could we partition part of it off so as not to stress it out and the increase the partition size until it’s big enough to occupy the entire area?
I know that there’s a lot of questions and probably more to come so thanks to you all in advance for your help!
Eyeball  |
0.0.1 Pastel Royal Python - Noodle |
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Danno91
Sub Adult
United Kingdom
521 Posts |
Posted - 17/09/2012 : 12:35:13
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I'll start with saying welcome, and that a royal python is a great pet imo,
I'll try answer your questions in order to the best of my ability.
lifespan,
Personly I have only been keeping snakes for a little over 3 years so in probably not the best to answer this one but my rule of thumb is take the longest amount time as a predation that way you are prepared, there are many things that can affect the lifespan of a royal, which can include feeding, infections and general illnesses and husbyndry, I don't wanna go into these at this stage as good care for a royal will give it a long happy life imo.
young snake name
Hatchling
Food,
I aim to feed mine 10-15% of there body weight
Hatchlings every 5 days
Some people change how often they feed depending on the weight, i usually just go by how often the individual snake wants to eat
I have a 100g eating every 5 days
A 360g eating every 5
A 700g eating every 7 but will be going to 10 daus as refusing every second feed
a 900g eating every 7
And a 2kg that i just bought will be only eating every 14 days
housing
This all depends on personal preference yes its advised to start of with a small enclosure but i have but a hatchling into a 4ft tank without issues
If you want to put a small snake in a big Viv you need to add extra hides loads of cover lots of decor,
I hope this helps slightly
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http://www.facebook.com/DannosRoyalPythons?ref=hl |
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Kelfezond
The bearded one
United Kingdom
4803 Posts |
Posted - 17/09/2012 : 12:38:58
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Danno pretty much nailed it there.
As for lifespan I have an old royal (we guesstimate about 20) he doesn't seem to be slowing down at all yet :)
As for why they're not stressed in the wild, they are :/ it's a very stressful place - But they spend 90% of their life within the burrows that rodents leave behind so they're not exposed to the big open world, only to move from place to place. |
\v/ Click me for Kelfezond Reptiles Facebook Page! \v/
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Danno91
Sub Adult
United Kingdom
521 Posts |
Posted - 17/09/2012 : 12:52:13
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quote:
Originally posted by Kelfezond
Danno pretty much nailed it there.
As for lifespan I have an old royal (we guesstimate about 20) he doesn't seem to be slowing down at all yet :)
As for why they're not stressed in the wild, they are :/ it's a very stressful place - But they spend 90% of their life within the burrows that rodents leave behind so they're not exposed to the big open world, only to move from place to place.
I knew id miss something |
http://www.facebook.com/DannosRoyalPythons?ref=hl |
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Fezza
Fully Grown Royal
United Kingdom
1063 Posts |
Posted - 17/09/2012 : 13:53:20
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Hi and welcome onboard,
The general opinion is that royals are a great place to start with your journey into reptiles, just don't expect it to stop there! 
You seem to be asking the right kind of questions straight away so I'd predict a happy future for you and your chosen snake.
For many new keepers, everything can seem very intimidating. The info sheet hosted by this site is a really great resource to keep checking back to as you go. All the info is tried and tested by many, over many years.
It may be the case that you could do better with a snake with some size already. Many keepers on here will testify to the stress a non feeding juvenile royal can put you through. A yearling/sub adult will give you less stress when the unavoidable non feeding stint arrives
Good luck with the search and hope you'll join us as an owner soon |
1.0.0 normal royal
1.0.0 mojave royal
1.0.0 pastel enchi royal
0.1.0 cinnamon royal
0.1.0 pewter royal
0.1.0 genetic stripe royal
0.1.0 lesser goblin royal
0.1.0 phantom royal
0.1.0 Columbian rainbow boa
0.0.1 aru x jaya GTP
0.1.0 bredli
1.0.0 trans pecos rat snake
1.0.0 fat black cat
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eyeball
Yearling
United Kingdom
114 Posts |
Posted - 17/09/2012 : 13:55:32
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Thanks guys!
So, should we take the plunge we have to work on the basis that we're in for the long haul. Good to know!
So, to use Danno91's method, if we had a 100g hatchling, we would look to try and feed it something around 10 - 15g once every 5 days or so. Would that be something like a pinkie? (that's a baby mouse right?)
Once it starts to get bigger, would it accept multiple items of food to make its 10-15% or does it always have to be one item?
As you'll have no doubt realised, I'm a complete noob but willing to learn!! |
0.0.1 Pastel Royal Python - Noodle |
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Kelfezond
The bearded one
United Kingdom
4803 Posts |
Posted - 17/09/2012 : 14:14:09
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You can feed multiple but it's easier if you can try to get a single item instead (you won't have much trouble some rats gets huge :) )
When my hatchlings first broke out their eggs they were put straight on small mice / rat pup's, pinkie mice in my opinion are too small for any royal :( |
\v/ Click me for Kelfezond Reptiles Facebook Page! \v/
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Fezza
Fully Grown Royal
United Kingdom
1063 Posts |
Posted - 17/09/2012 : 14:34:32
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You're spot on with the feeding regime, from memory a small/medium size mouse is about 10-20g perfect for royals
Many switch to rats as they have more calories/fat and will help your snake to grow |
1.0.0 normal royal
1.0.0 mojave royal
1.0.0 pastel enchi royal
0.1.0 cinnamon royal
0.1.0 pewter royal
0.1.0 genetic stripe royal
0.1.0 lesser goblin royal
0.1.0 phantom royal
0.1.0 Columbian rainbow boa
0.0.1 aru x jaya GTP
0.1.0 bredli
1.0.0 trans pecos rat snake
1.0.0 fat black cat
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Danno91
Sub Adult
United Kingdom
521 Posts |
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eyeball
Yearling
United Kingdom
114 Posts |
Posted - 17/09/2012 : 15:11:15
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Wow, thanks guys, this is great stuff. Just what I was hoping for!
I didn't realise that Royal hatchlings could take such big items straight away!!
I have to say that you've made me feel a lot more comfortable about feeding etc. although I'm sure it'll take a bit of getting used to.
With regards to vivarium set up (another massive topic I'm sure!) what would a Royal need with regards to heat and light? At the weekend something called a ceramic was mentioned and I'm presuming that that is a heater of some kind. I'm also presuming that it would have to be controlled by a thermostat. Also, does a Royal need a specific light source or would natural daylight suffice? I've seen some vivariums that look like they have a red light on. What's that about?
Questions questions!! |
0.0.1 Pastel Royal Python - Noodle |
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Danno91
Sub Adult
United Kingdom
521 Posts |
Posted - 17/09/2012 : 15:35:34
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Basic set up,
Vivarium,
ceramic bulb with either a pulse or dimming thermostat
A ceramic bulb does not prOduce any light
Or
Light emitting heat bulb with a dimming thermostat, if you use a pulse stat the light will flash on and off
I use ceramic bulbs myself as do many others and would be what I advised
As for a light source I don't use any appart from natural daylight
The red light you speak of is a night time bulb so you can see what's going on without them knowing, they are not ment to be able to see the red bulb, but once again I do not bother with this
You will also need minimum of 2 hides one for hot end one for cold, a water dish
If you go straight for the 3ft Viv id add at least 1 more hide and plenty of decor to help it feel safe
If you are getting 1 snake for a pet this is the best setup in my opinion, if you have hopes of breading like me you can keep them in rubs (really useful boxes) with a heat mat and stat
Hope that helps |
http://www.facebook.com/DannosRoyalPythons?ref=hl |
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Fezza
Fully Grown Royal
United Kingdom
1063 Posts |
Posted - 17/09/2012 : 15:39:25
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Heat and light
Royals need no specific lighting requirement (UV or otherwise) the vitamins that other animals get from uv bulbs, snakes get from their food
Heating type will greatly depend on the style of viv you intend to use. In a classic wooden 3ft viv, I'd use a ceramic heat bulb (as you mentioned) others may use a infrared bulb or red light bulb (the red lights you've seen)
Other options are RHP's (radiant heat panel) or heat mat/cable. Heat mats and cables are more commonly used in racking system when housing many snakes in plastic tubs
THE single most important item for heating is a thermostat, these are again broken into several groups, on/off type, dimmer type and pulse type stats. The first two are kind of self explanatory ( turning on and off or dimming up and down) the pulse type stat "pulses" the power on and off to maintain a stable temp. Many believe the pulse type to be best. I prefer a stat that's easy to set so I use lucky reptile on/off types, purely because they have a digital display
It doesn't matter which you use, so long as you use one |
1.0.0 normal royal
1.0.0 mojave royal
1.0.0 pastel enchi royal
0.1.0 cinnamon royal
0.1.0 pewter royal
0.1.0 genetic stripe royal
0.1.0 lesser goblin royal
0.1.0 phantom royal
0.1.0 Columbian rainbow boa
0.0.1 aru x jaya GTP
0.1.0 bredli
1.0.0 trans pecos rat snake
1.0.0 fat black cat
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Edited by - Fezza on 17/09/2012 15:44:01 |
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badwool
Sub Adult
658 Posts |
Posted - 17/09/2012 : 16:42:56
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| Hello and welcome! |
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eyeball
Yearling
United Kingdom
114 Posts |
Posted - 17/09/2012 : 16:44:43
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So, in summary...
We could start off with a three foot vivarium and put a hatchling in it without too much of an issue. Two, but probably three hides would be best along with some other stuff (presumably leafy branches etc) to make it feel cosy and safe. A ceramic heater fitted with a thermostat to regulate the temperature is essential. I read somewhere that it's best to have the heater up one end of the vivarium to create a 'hot spot' for it to bask in, is that right? (I think Danno91 made mention of it)
As for additional light sources, none are required as natural daylight should suffice. If you want to see what the little critter is up to during the night then a red light can be used but it's not essential.
Phew!  lots of info!! |
0.0.1 Pastel Royal Python - Noodle |
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Danno91
Sub Adult
United Kingdom
521 Posts |
Posted - 17/09/2012 : 16:57:59
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You seem to have it there is a few other bits you wil pick up along the way but you have the basics
I would advise you have the Viv set up a week befor you buy a royal to give temps time to set in
I forgot to mention you will need to guard the ceramic bulb to prevent burns
Remember royals often go off there food
Unfortunatly there is alot of contridicting information all over the web, but on a whole I found this forum to be the most friendly and far less judging, and full of information and people that just wanna help |
http://www.facebook.com/DannosRoyalPythons?ref=hl |
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Fezza
Fully Grown Royal
United Kingdom
1063 Posts |
Posted - 17/09/2012 : 16:58:09
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You're spot on with everything so far your hot end should be 30-33c cold end 25-27c(basicly room temp)
myself and a few others use and have used LED lighs for daytime lighting
The water bowl is really important too, I'm a big believer in keeping royals really well hydrated. A dehydrated snake will have issues shedding its skin and passing waste, clean water every day or two is a must |
1.0.0 normal royal
1.0.0 mojave royal
1.0.0 pastel enchi royal
0.1.0 cinnamon royal
0.1.0 pewter royal
0.1.0 genetic stripe royal
0.1.0 lesser goblin royal
0.1.0 phantom royal
0.1.0 Columbian rainbow boa
0.0.1 aru x jaya GTP
0.1.0 bredli
1.0.0 trans pecos rat snake
1.0.0 fat black cat
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Edited by - Fezza on 17/09/2012 17:08:06 |
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eyeball
Yearling
United Kingdom
114 Posts |
Posted - 17/09/2012 : 17:04:53
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Guys, thank you very much for your kind welcomes and all the information so far, I'm sure there will be more questions along the way.
I can't promise we'll end up with a Royal but if we do the info you've given will make sure that it get a great start in life!
Are there any threads with pictures of your set ups that I can have a look at and show the missus?
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0.0.1 Pastel Royal Python - Noodle |
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Danno91
Sub Adult
United Kingdom
521 Posts |
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Fezza
Fully Grown Royal
United Kingdom
1063 Posts |
Posted - 17/09/2012 : 17:13:54
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quote:
Originally posted by eyeball
Guys, thank you very much for your kind welcomes and all the information so far, I'm sure there will be more questions along the way.
I can't promise we'll end up with a Royal but if we do the info you've given will make sure that it get a great start in life!
Are there any threads with pictures of your set ups that I can have a look at and show the missus?
http://www.theroyalpython.co.uk/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=8704&SearchTerms=setup
http://www.theroyalpython.co.uk/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3744&SearchTerms=setup
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1.0.0 normal royal
1.0.0 mojave royal
1.0.0 pastel enchi royal
0.1.0 cinnamon royal
0.1.0 pewter royal
0.1.0 genetic stripe royal
0.1.0 lesser goblin royal
0.1.0 phantom royal
0.1.0 Columbian rainbow boa
0.0.1 aru x jaya GTP
0.1.0 bredli
1.0.0 trans pecos rat snake
1.0.0 fat black cat
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Edited by - Fezza on 17/09/2012 17:14:24 |
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Danno91
Sub Adult
United Kingdom
521 Posts |
Posted - 17/09/2012 : 17:44:16
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sorry bout the rat in this one
thats the viv set ups
now the rubs
and the carpet python set up
just remember more is better with a smaller royal even tho thats not what i have done in the smaller rub ive been having issues with that rub |
http://www.facebook.com/DannosRoyalPythons?ref=hl |
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coxcats
Sub Adult
United Kingdom
584 Posts |
Posted - 17/09/2012 : 18:13:12
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Ive only been keeping royals for 6 months and Im hooked! I would have a whole room full if I had the space and the money!
These are what my babies live in although they are now on kitchen roll rather than bark
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Royals - Sas, Boris & Ria
Boas - 1 called Titch until we can think of a name for her!
Cats - Felix, Becky, Max & Willow |
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Some advice please!
