For the past few years, the Royal Python ( Python regius ) has been one of the most popular snakes in captivity.

Originating from West Africa, its average size of 1.20cm, its lifespan of 15 to 20 years, its docile nature, its ease of breeding as well as the number of mutations existing in this species have made it successful.

Before making any purchase, ensure you have all the necessary facilities to accommodate your new pet.

Legal Status & Regulations:

The Royal Python is listed in Annex B of EC Regulation 338/97 and in Annex 2 of the Washington Convention (CITES).

Keeping royal pythons is not subject to authorization or declaration up to 25 specimens.

However, its breeding is regulated and subject to tax and health declarations regarding:

- There is a sale of animals for profit (even if a sale is not profitable, it is still a sale!)

- The purpose of reproduction is the usual, annual production of animals.

- The number of specimens given away free of charge or for a fee during the year exceeds the number of specimens produced.

- The number of breeding or future breeding specimens exceeds 25 individuals.

Required document for purchase:

When purchasing one or more royal pythons in France or abroad, you must obtain from the seller, in order to comply with French and European legislation, a transfer certificate or an invoice which must include the following information:

 - the scientific and common names of the species to which the transferred animal belongs;
- the sex, if known;
- the age or date of birth, if known;
- any distinguishing characteristics;
- the origin (born in captivity, imported, taken from the wild);
- the legal status of the species to which the transferred animal belongs;
- the method and number of the animal's marking, if applicable;
- the name or company name and full contact details of the transferor;
- the name or company name and full contact details of the transferee;
- the references of the declaration or administrative authorizations required in accordance with Articles 13 or 14, if applicable, for the possession of the transferred animal held by the transferor;
- the references of the declaration or administrative authorizations required in accordance with Articles 13 or 14, if applicable, for the possession of the transferred animal held by the transferee;
- the references of the administrative authorizations required under Regulation (EC) No 338/97 mentioned above, where applicable, for the transfer of the animal;
- the date, place, and financial terms of the transfer.

This adds, for France only, the "IFAP" procedure (microchipping of the animal, registration in the national IFAP database, and marking certificate).

Where to buy your Python:

Various types of businesses are able to sell snakes: pet shops, private individuals and breeders.

However, I would advise you to contact breeders who will generally be able to answer a range of questions about the animal(s) of your choice: which breeding stock, age and date of birth of the animal, feeding frequency, type of favorite prey…

So, is it a professional or amateur breeder of royal pythons ?

It will often be a matter of "feeling" with the person you are speaking to, and that is why I would advise you not to hesitate to contact different breeders.

The advantage of a professional royal python breeder will come from the guarantees provided to customers during the sale (information beforehand on maintenance, guarantee on feeding and genetics of the animals, compliance with legislation, possible legal recourse in case of dispute…) but also after the sale!

A professional cannot simply vanish into thin air once the sale is completed!

Choosing your Python:

First, inspect the overall appearance of your future snake: the fat mass should be sufficient, without folds or suspicious skin lesions.

Take the animal in your hands and be sure to feel its muscle tone; if the python is "limp," this is not a good sign.

Make sure no mucus escapes from its mouth.

Inspect the eyes; they should be of a similar degree of opacity.

Pay attention to any subcutaneous swelling and the presence of external parasites.

Finally, look at the ventral side; it must be free of any skin lesions or infections.

Finally, the cloaca must be clean of all traces of excrement, otherwise it could reveal a gastric problem linked to internal parasites.

If, after inspecting the animal, everything seems fine, then you have the right candidate!

Terrarium & Rack :

There are two types of enclosures for housing the Royal Python : the terrarium and the breeding rack.

The terrarium is undoubtedly the most commonly used enclosure. Generally equipped with a glass front, it allows for better observation of the animal.

The livestock rack (a system of boxes on a frame) is more commonly used by farmers. Easier to maintain, it allows for better management of a large number of animals.

In both cases, the size of the enclosure should not exceed one and a half times the length of your snake and should not be less than two-thirds of the length of your snake.

Many people believe, through anthropomorphic reaction, that there is no maximum size for the animal's "housing".

However, the Royal Python is a shy snake that will spend three-quarters of its time in a small, unlit hiding place, only coming out to hunt or reproduce.

Substrate:

Different types of substrates can be used: pine bark, beech bark, hemp, paper…

However, be careful to use only "special reptile" substrates that cannot be ingested by the animal during meals and are not too moist.

I strongly advise against using mulches and other garden soil substrates that may contain various chemical agents and external parasites.

Hiding Place & Decoration:

Hiding places are very important for this shy python, where it will enjoy spending most of its time.

The hiding places will be of a size suitable for the snake and, if possible, placed in the warm and cool areas of the enclosure.

The animal will then be able to choose as it sees fit.

The decoration will be made of sturdy branches, securely fixed and plastic foliage (more hygienic, thus avoiding any parasites).

Temperature :

Like all reptiles, the royal python is a cold-blooded animal, so it will need to thermoregulate its temperature.

Provide the animal with a warm spot (between 31°C and 33°C) and a cool spot (between 25°C and 27°C).

At night, the temperature can be lowered to between 23°C and 26°C.

Lighting:

Although not mandatory for snakes, it will help to revive the animal's colours.

You will be able to use neon lights or spotlights for 12 hours per day.

Humidity:

Python regius will need a humidity level between 50% and 70%.

If you are unable to obtain these values, the simplest technique will be to move the water source towards the hot spot until the correct humidity is achieved.

If the problem persists, then plan to spray the terrarium/rack with lukewarm water daily.

Water :

It will be renewed every 3 to 4 days and each time it is soiled by the animal.

Food :

Often a critical point in this animal, yet this snake is not a bad eater when the breeding parameters are respected.

The Royal Python can accept different types of prey: mastomys, gerbil, mice and rats.

However, for reasons of food supply, I would advise you to choose only rats and mice.

Outside of molting or breeding periods, feeding will be done once a week, with prey presented freshly killed or thawed, nice and warm to allow the animal to "see" its prey.

Large adults can be fed every ten days.

Warning: the prey offered should never exceed, at most, a quarter of your snake's weight.

Molting:

Common to all reptiles, molting in the royal python occurs every 4 to 6 weeks depending on its age and life cycle.

The molting of the snake usually occurs without difficulty, however too low a humidity can cause some problems: partial molting or in rarer cases, impossibility for the animal to extract its exuvia.

You will then need to help the snake by giving it a warm water bath.

If this problem is recurring, spray the animal directly 2/3 days before shedding and afterwards monitor the humidity level (likely too low) in its rack or terrarium.

Cleaning & Handling:

For cleaning, I would recommend a complete weekly cleaning for the racks (changing the bedding, disinfecting the tray, etc.).

For terrariums, be sure to collect all debris (excrement, shed skins, etc.) once a week and perform a complete cleaning once a month.

Handling is subject to controversy, especially with the royal python, given its discreet nature.