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Royal pythons (also called ball pythons) are calm, slow-moving snakes that rarely bite, which makes them one of the best snakes for beginners. They can live for 20–30 years, so it's worth getting the setup right.
Royal pythons at a glance
| Adult size | 90–150cm |
| Lifespan | 20–30+ years |
| Vivarium | At least 120 x 60 x 60cm (4ft) for an adult |
| Warm end | 30–32°C |
| Cool end | 24–27°C |
| Humidity | 55–70%, higher when shedding |
| Diet | Frozen-thawed rodents |
1. The vivarium
A wooden vivarium holds heat and humidity well. Young snakes are more secure in a smaller space, so many keepers start with a 3ft vivarium and upgrade later. Adults need at least a 4ft vivarium such as the Vivexotic Repti-Home Maxi Large. See all vivariums.
2. Heating
Use a heat mat or, better still for larger vivariums, a ceramic or radiant heater at one end. The White Python Ultra Slim Ceramic Heater in a ceramic lamp holder works well. Browse ceramic heaters and heat mats.
- Always use a thermostat. See our thermostats.
- Always guard heat lamps; snakes coil around them and get burned. See guards and reflectors.
- Check temperatures with a digital max/min thermometer.
3. Hides
Royal pythons are shy and stress easily without secure hides. Provide a snug hide at both the warm and cool ends, such as the ProRep Wooden Hide. Add branches and plants to give cover. See all reptile hides.
4. Substrate and humidity
Bark, coir or a soil mix holds humidity well; ProRep Lignocel is a popular low-dust option. Browse our substrates. Provide a water bowl big enough to soak in, and monitor humidity with a hygrometer. Light misting helps when your snake's eyes turn blue before a shed. See our humidity and misting guide.
5. Lighting
Royal pythons don't strictly need UVB, but a day/night light cycle and low-level UVB are beneficial. See our reptile lighting guide.
6. Feeding
- Feed frozen-thawed mice or rats, never live.
- Choose prey about the same width as the thickest part of the snake.
- Young snakes: every 7–10 days. Adults: every 2–3 weeks.
- Thaw fully to room temperature, then warm slightly before offering with feeding tongs.
Why won't my royal python eat?
Royal pythons are famous for refusing food, sometimes for weeks or months, especially in winter or before a shed. If your snake is a healthy weight, check temperatures and hides, try again in a week, and don't handle for 48 hours after feeding. Consult a reptile vet if it loses noticeable weight.
Handling
Wait a week after bringing a new snake home before handling. Support its body fully, keep sessions short, and avoid handling while it's shedding or digesting.
