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Trimar Aquaria and Reptiles

  • [Pied Royal Python female 2022

[Pied Royal Python female 2022

£199.95Price

Caring for a pied royal python (or any ball python) in the UK requires proper husbandry to ensure their health and well-being. Heres a detailed care guide:

Enclosure

 Size:

Hatchlings: 2ft x 1ft x 1ft (minimum)

 Adults: 3ft x 2ft x 2ft (larger is better)

 Material: Glass or wooden vivariums with good ventilation.

Temperature & Heating

 Warm Side: 30–32°C (86–90°F)

 Cool Side: 24–27°C (75–80°F)

Night Temperature: No lower than 22°C (72°F)

Heating Options:

Heat mat with thermostat (for smaller enclosures)

Ceramic heat emitter or deep heat projector (for larger vivariums)

Heat lamp (covered with a guard and controlled with a thermostat)

 

Monitor temperatures with digital thermometers.

Humidity

Ideal Range: 50-60% (can increase to 70% during shedding)

Boosting Humidity:

Use a large water bowl

Mist the enclosure lightly if needed

Add moss in a hide

Use a humidity gauge to monitor levels

Lighting

Optional UVB: 5-7% UVB can benefit their health but essential if diet and supplementation are correct.

Light Cycle: 12 hours light, 12 hours dark.

Substrate

Best Options:

Coconut husk

Orchid bark

Aspen bedding

Avoid: Sand or excessively dusty substrates.

Hides & Enrichment

At Least Two Hides: One on the warm side and one on the cool side.

Other Enrichment: Climbing branches, tunnels, artificial or real plants, and cork bark.

Feeding

Diet: Mice or rats (appropriate size for the snake’s girth).

Feeding Frequency:

Hatchlings: Every 5-7 days

Juveniles: Every 7-10 days

Adults: Every 10-14 days

Live vs. Frozen: Always use pre-killed frozen/thawed rodents to avoid injuries.

Water

Provide a large water bowl: Must be fresh and changed daily.

Can be used for soaking: Especially helpful during shedding.

Handling

Let them settle for a week before handling a new snake.

Handle gently, supporting their body.

Avoid handling for 24-48 hours after feeding.

Common Health Issues

Shedding Problems: Usually due to low humidity. Provide a moist hide or mist the enclosure.

Respiratory Infections: Wheezing or mucus means the enclosure is too cold or humid.

Mites: Tiny black dots on the snake or in water, requiring treatment.

Legal Requirements in the UK

You do not need a licence for a pied royal python.

You must follow animal welfare laws (Animal Welfare Act 2006).

Always source from a reputable breeder or rescue.