Geographical Region

Western Africa – Togo, Benin and Ghana.

Habitat

Open forest, in and amongst vegetation usually near watercourses & burrows. They like the humidity of the moist areas as it aids shedding.

Colour

Generally dark base colour(almost black) with lighter patches ('saddles') running all down the body. Many colour morphs now available too, inc. Albino, 'Spider' etc.

Size

Males 3½ - 4ft with females growing to 4½ft. Up to 3kg.

Captive Environment

36l x 15d x 15h inches for a single male

36l x 18d x 18h inches for a single female

We house our hatchling royals in 9L Really Useful Boxes. This allows them to feel comfortable and secure resulting in a snake with a healthier appetite. Your new snake should be left alone and not handled for the first two weeks, this allows it to settle in to its new surroundings, make sure it has had two feeds before minimal handling starts. Your snake should be housed in the 9L RUB for no less than 3 months before upgrading tub size or putting into a vivarium. If unsure, always check with us.

Moisture holding substrate such as orchid or coconut bark or cypress bedding. Provide a few hides and a large water-bowl for soaking in and allowing a rise in humidity

Heating/lighting requirements

The snake should have a warmer/basking area of 88°F with a slightly cooler end, with night time temperature dropping to a minimum of 78°F. A heatmat roughly 1/3 of the floor space and a low wattage bulb should provide adequate temperatures; always use a thermometer to check temperatures are correct.

Photoperiod

Autumn/winter - 10 hours light – 14 hours dark.

Spring/summer – 12 hours light – 12 hours dark

Feeding

Hatchlings are sold feeding voluntarily on rat fluffs or medium mice – 1 every 7 days

As the snake grows, prey size will increase, please ask us for advice

Sexing

Males are shorter and thinner in appearance and a longer tapering tail.

Females are longer and thicker bodies with a shorter stumpier tail.

Youngesters usually need probing to confirm sex.

Shedding

Snakes periodically shed their skin, their colouration tends to become dull and they usually go off their food during this time, and their eyesight is poor. Keep handling to a minimum during this time.