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{\title Royal (Ball) Python (Python}{\author Webster}{\operator Webster}{\creatim\yr2005\mo1\dy13\hr21\min46}{\revtim\yr2005\mo1\dy13\hr21\min46}{\version2}{\edmins0}{\nofpages3}{\nofwords1436}{\nofchars8186}{\nofcharsws10052}{\vern8229}}
\paperw11908\paperh16910\margl1134\margr1134\margt1134\margb1134 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\ftnrstpg\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\hyphcaps0\horzdoc\dghspace120\dgvspace120\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow3
\jcompress\viewkind1\viewscale100\nolnhtadjtbl \fet0\sectd \linex0\sectdefaultcl {\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang{\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang{\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang
{\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7
\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain 
\s1\ql \li0\ri0\sb240\sa60\keepn\nowidctlpar\faauto\outlinelevel0\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f1\fs32\lang2057\langfe1033\kerning32\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {Royal (Ball) Python }{\i (Python.regius) }{Caresheet. 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\f0\fs26  
\par }{\fs24 Royal Pythons are one of the most commonly kept snakes in captivity. Tens of thousands of Royal Pythons are collected for export from their native Africa each year. Given these two facts it can safely be as
sumed that the majority of Royals in Pet stores are wild caught or farmed. }{\i\fs24 Do not buy }{\fs24 a }{\i\fs24 wild caught Royal Python! }{\fs24 
They are more than likely carrying parasitical infestations both internally and externally. They do not recognise the commonly available feede
r rodents as food. They are prone to fasting for many months at a time. They will never be as tractable as a captive-bred animal. They do not make good captive ('pet') animals. 
\par 
\par If you have already purchased a wild caught animal, many of the associated problems can be dealt with, but your snake is unlikely to be as good a 'pet' as you could have had if you'd bought a captive-bred one. 
\par Farmed or captive born Royals are animals whose mother was taken from the wild whilst gravid, put into a pit with other gr
avid females and left in poor conditions to lay her eggs. After she had laid her eggs she was most likely returned to the wild to breed again although if she was nicely marked she may have been killed for leather. Her eggs would have been left to hatch in
 the same poor conditions and once there were enough young these would have been exported. Whilst these animals can more readily adjust to captivity because they have never truly known the wild, parasites and feeding may still be a problem. 
\par }{\f0\fs26 
\par }\pard\plain \s3\ql \li0\ri0\sb240\sa60\keepn\nowidctlpar\faauto\outlinelevel2\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f1\fs26\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {Where Can I Buy A Captive Bred Royal Python? 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\f0\fs26 
\par }{\fs24 Firstly avoid pet stores, pet store sales staff can and will often tell you what you want to hear in order to make a sale, they may also give inappropriate advice on the care and keeping of the animal in order to sell you m
ore equipment than you require. This from my own experience and the reported experiences of many others. 
\par 
\par Buy from a reputable breeder with knowledge and experience of Royal Pythons. You can find breeders through your local Herpetological Society, which i
n turn you can find through local vet, or via Melissa Kaplans' pages on the Internet. If you happen to have access to the Internet there are many breeders advertising their captive bred hatchlings for sale, unfortunately for non-US citizens most of these 
are based in America. Once you have located a breeder you will be able to buy a quality animal suitable for captivity, and get the best advice on how to look after it. 
\par }{\f0\fs26 
\par }{\f0\fs26  
\par }\pard\plain \s3\ql \li0\ri0\sb240\sa60\keepn\nowidctlpar\faauto\outlinelevel2\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f1\fs26\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {How should I look after my new Royal Python? 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {
\par }{\fs24 In order to provide the best possible 
home for your Royal Python you need to know about where it would choose to live in the wild and then to try and match its captive environment to its needs. Royal Pythons live in open forests or savannah areas in Western and Central Africa. They make their
 
homes in abandoned rodent burrows. Most of their time is spent in these burrows they are night-time ambush feeders and so will only usually leave their homes to seek a mate or possibly to find food or water if either is scarce. Each and every burrow will 
have its own microclimates, for instance deeper down in the burrow it will be humid and possibly cooler, closer to the surface it }{\fs24 will be warmer and dry.}{\fs24 
\par }{\fs24 
\par Providing artificial daylight or UV lighting is therefore not required as they very rarely come into c
ontact with direct sunlight. Nor is a large amount of space required, in fact Royals appear to prefer tight cramped places rather than too much room. What are required are the microclimates i.e. places where temperature and humidity vary, allowing the sna
ke to select the right combination for its needs.}{\f0\fs26  
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s3\ql \li0\ri0\sb240\sa60\keepn\nowidctlpar\faauto\outlinelevel2\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f1\fs26\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {Housing: 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {
Royal Pythons are by nature secretive animals, spending the vast majority of their time hidden away in their burrows. For this reason I would not recommend keeping a Royal Python in a bare glass
 aquarium, personally I prefer wooden vivariums with a minimal amount of glass. Too much going on around a Royals' home, movement and shadows, may well cause undue stress. If you want to use an aquarium then you can reduce the amount of bare glass by stic
king tiles of either cork or polystyrene on the outside. Of course you will need to find a suitable lid for the aquarium that will thwart the inevitable late night escape attempts; The best housing in my opinion will be one purpose made for your snake(s).

\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\f0\fs26 
\par }\pard\plain \s3\ql \li0\ri0\sb240\sa60\keepn\nowidctlpar\faauto\outlinelevel2\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f1\fs26\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {Heating: 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {
The Royal Pythons adopted burrow provides ambient temperatures from all around rather than providing direct heat from the sun or the ground. It is my opinion that overhead heating should be used to create an ambient daytime temperature of 85 deg
rees. A ceramic heating element (CHE) attached to a thermostat is ideal. To provide a 'hot spot' you can either use the CHE over one side of the enclosure providing a slightly higher temperature on that side of 90 degrees as long as the 'cool spot' is aro
u
nd 80 degrees. An alternative and my preferred method is to have the CHE over the centre of the enclosure to provide ambient temps of 85 degrees and use a heatmat to provide a localised hotspot. Be sure to have at least 2 thermometers in the enclosure so 
that you can accurately measure and control the 'hot' and 'cool' spots. 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\f0\fs26 
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {
A nighttime drop in temperature to the mid 70's may be given although the snake must always have access to temperatures of 85 degrees. 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\f0\fs26 
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {If you have a typical setup where one side of 
the enclosure is the 'hot' side and the other is the 'cool' side, monitor your Python for the first few days. The situation that should be achieved is where the snake spends roughly equal amounts of time at either end. If it spends all of its time in one 
particular end then modifications need to be made to encourage proper thermoregulation. If its spending all its time in the cool end then the warm end is likely to be too hot and vice versa. 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\f0\fs26 
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {I do not advocate using heatmats as the main heatsource for Roya
l Pythons as they are a thick bodied snake, by the time they have sufficiently warmed their whole body on a heatmat they may well have burned their belly, this is especially true in the colder winter months. 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\f0\fs26 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {Do not use Hot Rocks in your Royal Pythons enclosure, these are dangerous and can cause severe burning. 
\par 
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s3\ql \li0\ri0\sb240\sa60\keepn\nowidctlpar\faauto\outlinelevel2\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f1\fs26\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {Furniture: 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\f0\fs26 
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {It is essential that you provide both fresh water and suitable hides for your snake. 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\f0\fs26 
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {For water use a heavy ceramic bowl such as those used for dogs, make sure it is big enough for 
your snake to soak in, and keep it topped up with clean fresh water. Change the water and clean the bowl as often as is possible, disinfecting at least once a week, snakes have a propensity to urinate and defecate in their water dishes. 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\f0\fs26 
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {Hides should be p
rovided in the cool and hot areas so that your Python feels secure at all times. A hide can be anything you like from a cardboard tissue box to a piece of cork bark to a custom made hide. The best hides are those that your snake can fit into snugly. 

\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\f0\fs26 
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {A go
od hide for a Royal Python is an upside down wide squat terracotta plant pot with the drainage hole opened out. The opening to the pot simulates the entrance to a burrow. Being an ambush feeder your snake will love to strike at its food from within its hi
de. If you were to use more than one pot for hides you would rarely see your snake so I would recommend using a terracotta pot at one end and perhaps a piece of cork bark at the other. 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\fs24 
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {Another useful item is a piece of brick or builders block to give the 
snake a 'scratching post' to help start off a shed. You may also want to add other bits of furniture such as a couple of plastic plants and a climbing branch. 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\f0\fs26 
\par }\pard\plain \s3\ql \li0\ri0\sb240\sa60\keepn\nowidctlpar\faauto\outlinelevel2\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f1\fs26\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {Substrate: 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {
\par }{\fs24 Substrate is a matter of preference, however with a new snake it is always best to
 start off with kitchen towel. This allows you to easily spot any external parasites that have dropped off onto the substrate. Kitchen towel is absorbent, easy to replace and relatively cheap. Once you are happy that your new snake is clean and parasite f
ree you can think about another substrate. Bare in mind that if your snake\rquote s enclosure is difficult or time consuming to clean you will probably delay cleaning it. I would recommend sections of rubber-backed carpet }{\i\fs24 / }{\fs24 
carpet tiles or Astroturf cut to size. Once soiled these are replaced in seconds and a good overnight soak in disinfectant }{\fs24 followed by a brush over make them easy to clean. }{\fs24 Have }{\fs24 at least 3 pieces available. 
\par }{\f0\fs26 
\par }\pard\plain \s3\ql \li0\ri0\sb240\sa60\keepn\nowidctlpar\faauto\outlinelevel2\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f1\fs26\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {Humidity: 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\f0\fs26 
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {After the heat microclimates have been taken care of you need to look after
 the humidity. Royal Pythons do need a low level of background humidity, without this they suffer from bad sheds and their eyes may dimple. During the shedding process higher humidity is required to enable a good clean slough. 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\f0\fs26 
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {A light misting once or twi
ce a day using a plant mister may provide sufficient humidity. However this is not the preferred option as it is time consuming, likely to be overlooked and does not allow the snake to choose its own humidity levels.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\f0\fs26  
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {The best way to cater for background 
humidity and a place with higher humidity levels is to provide a humid hide. This is basically an enclosed container which has a damp substrate, an entry hole and a few small holes in the top. The snake can then choose to be in the hide if it feels like e
xtra humidity and the holes in the top of the hide let out enough moisture to provide some background humidity. My preferred substrate for the humid hide is a dampened towel although Sphagnum Moss or damp Vermiculite can be used. 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\f0\fs26 
\par }\pard\plain \s3\ql \li0\ri0\sb240\sa60\keepn\nowidctlpar\faauto\outlinelevel2\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f1\fs26\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {Conclusion. 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\f0\fs26 
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {Royal Pytho
ns are wonderful animals, and make very good captive animals so long as you avoid those that are not captive bred. They are relatively easy to look after and after the initial expense of acquiring the snake and setting up its enclosure, they are cheap to 
keep. Bare in mind that properly looked after a Royal Python may live upwards of 30 years and so owning one is a long term commitment. However that commitment is in my opinion invariably worthwhile. 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\f0\fs26 
\par }}