| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| PurplePets |
Posted - 20/08/2009 : 15:15:14
Im getting a royal!
I have been so indecisive about whether to get a royal or not  . My main concern was my furries (house bun and hamsters) but i have plenty space to move the royal to another room if needs be  .
My friend (who is giving me the snake) has located a 3ft viv with heat mat and bulbs for £100 and as i am an assistant manager in a pet shop, we sell heat mats and bulbs, so replacements are not a problem .
I have seen his feeding and shedding records and he volenteers at a local zoo which specialise in reptiles, so help is only ever a phone call away  (or a message away from you guys).
I have read books, websites and threads here. I still have a wee bit of doubt, but i am guessing this is because its a new venture for me. And if things really go well, Neil is happy to take the royal back.
So, i needs
Substrate - was thinking this http://www.reptiles.swelluk.com/reptile-supplies/reptile-substrates-420/forest-substrates-1172/exo-terra-coco-husk-57946.html
Hides - was thinking this http://www.reptiles.swelluk.com/reptile-supplies/reptile-tank-decoration-411/artificial-decor-560/exo-terra-reptile-cave-26720.html in X-Large coz royal is about 3.5ft
And this sort of thing for the other end? http://www.reptiles.swelluk.com/reptile-supplies/reptile-tank-decoration-411/artificial-decor-560/lucky-reptile-terra-bark-26789.html
Water dish - was thinking this http://www.reptiles.swelluk.com/reptile-supplies/reptile-feeding-equipment-413/reptile-feeding-dishes-421/exo-terra-feeding-dish-26612.html in Large
Vine wise, are these any good? How do they attach to the viv? http://www.reptiles.swelluk.com/reptile-supplies/reptile-tank-decoration-411/vines-branches-505/exo-terra-bendable-jungle-vine-38775.html
Some silk plants - http://www.reptiles.swelluk.com/reptile-supplies/reptile-tank-decoration-411/artificial-plants-948/exo-terra-abutilon-silk--31754.html
Then i will need a thermomiter, hygrometer, feeding tongs, background.
Have i missed anything? |
| 19 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| karl |
Posted - 28/08/2009 : 11:37:17
Glad you have got him. A little nervousness is natural, as you bond with it you learn when a snake will allow you to be around and when it wants you to disappear ;) |
| Vazzza |
Posted - 28/08/2009 : 09:22:13
Finally arrived, hope you are enjoying the new addition!! Definitely sounds like it from your post |
| PurplePets |
Posted - 28/08/2009 : 08:24:05
Thank you both.
He arrived last night, and he is wonderful. I had a wee hold and he is soooo nosey! I must say i am a little wary of him, but as Neil said, its healthy to feel a bit nervous, it means i respect him. He had a good nosey round the viv last night, so much so i had to go to bed and leave him exploring! I will get pics over the weekend. |
| hodgie |
Posted - 26/08/2009 : 21:53:46
Congratulations and welcome, unlike you i didnt do any research, got impulsive and believed everything the pet shop told me wasted loads of money on items i didnt need or that where totally wrong.
I bought my 1st Royal in April and have 3 now im totally suckered in, find them really fascinating, i never realised they would all be so different, shy, greedy, lazy, fussy eaters they all have their own little quirks. I hope you enjoy ownership as much as the rest of us. Try not to over handle them, its hard and the urge will wear off after a couple of weeks.
As for subtrate i use paper, you can buy large rolls of plain paper at B&Q for a couple of quid makes cleaning a breeze. |
| lee2308 |
Posted - 26/08/2009 : 21:34:51
dont forget the pics,must be like christmas eve for you lol |
| PurplePets |
Posted - 26/08/2009 : 20:45:46
Thank you very much for all your feedback, advice and suggestions.
I have everything set up and ready to go now. I am getting my python tomorrow night  .
I have put the heat mat on to get the viv to the right temperature. Im assuming the mat stays on 24/7 and the thermostat will do the rest?
He was fed a few days ago, so Neil who is giving me the snake is going to come over when he is next due a feed to help me. I have been to his house to watch the feed, but would feel better with his guidence the first time.
I need a bit more decoration, but will build this up as i go as i am a bit undecided, so far he has two hides (one at each end) some plants and water dish.
Im very excited and very nervous! |
| karl |
Posted - 21/08/2009 : 13:01:06
quick check sheet:
dimmer stat
bulb/ceramic
2x hides (I find splitting a guinea pic hide from pets at home works well)
water bowl
food
aspen/wood chips (NOT pine based)
bulb guard
feeding tongs (though if you are brave you "COULD" try without, lol)
extra long fingernails (1st feed nerves, hehehehe)
viv lock (ESSENTIAL)
Then just viv furniture etc, plants etc. Be as creative as you can afford to be. |
| boze |
Posted - 21/08/2009 : 11:32:54
Most importantly youll need a dimmer thermostat for the bulb, dont want to cook your royal now! Good luck! Theyre gorgeous snakes and you wont regret it
D |
| chris100575 |
Posted - 21/08/2009 : 08:50:44
Don't forget that you'll need a guard for your bulb too. |
| Vazzza |
Posted - 20/08/2009 : 17:05:22
Well if it helps, i got my first royal (hatchling) last Friday. I was very worried, especially as he was a gift and I only had a week to get my baby viv set up. Well, he's been in a week now so had his settling in period. Tonight i'm doing his first feed in his new home. He (I say he, i'm not really sure lol) seems as happy as can be, other than thinking he's some kind of tree snake as he juct climbs on everything!
I warn you tho, its addictive. I haven't even held my royal yet and i'm already looking into getting a second, and planning how to get into breeding for a few years down the line.
As people have said before, you've done your research and you seem like you've got your head screwed on, so don't worry and enjoy And you've come to the right place, everyone on here is extremely helpful, even if you pop the dumbest question possible out there! |
| PurplePets |
Posted - 20/08/2009 : 16:52:18
Thanks Janos. I will be feeding frozen, i could not stomach feeding live  . What i meant by tub was i have a tupperware tub for keeping them in the freezer .
Thank you Russ, im sure i will be really happy once i have him, and will probably wonder what i was worried about in the first place. |
| russm |
Posted - 20/08/2009 : 16:18:47
HI Sharon
I have set up my viv using exactly the same stuff as you, with the exception of the vines. My royal seems to be really happy. I, like you, was swithering if it was a good idea or not and I am delighted with the new addition to my animal kingdom. There are some differing opinions on here as to what is the best substrate to use and I think that is a thing of choice.
Good luck with your new pet and I am sure you will not be disappointed. |
| Janos |
Posted - 20/08/2009 : 16:08:09
I'd advise you try to stock up on frozen though, they're alot better than live food for a variety of reasons that I'm sure you probably know if you've been reading up care sheets etc. Try http://www.888reptiles.co.uk , they're good for frozen food I'm told =). |
| PurplePets |
Posted - 20/08/2009 : 15:30:39
quote:
Originally posted by 337smile
[quote]I have kept all sorts of animals over the past 10 years but still worried over my royal. its natural!
I did the same with my torts and they are so simple to care for.
I truly believe my 7 bunnies are the hardest pets i have ever had, that said, i tend to take the disabled ones .
From what i have read, royals dont involve a great amount of husbandry, just a bit of common sense. |
| PurplePets |
Posted - 20/08/2009 : 15:28:41
Just saw your second reply, thanks Lee.
Oh yes, i bought a tub for the food too, so will get rats when i go to get other supplies. I will be getting a few rats because i dont drive just now (though give me a few weeks and i will ). But until then i am relying on lifts, so i will stock up. The nearest frozen food supplier is a wee bit away, coz my work wont let me stock frozen  .
Thanks for the tips on the vine, bulbs and mat |
| 337smile |
Posted - 20/08/2009 : 15:26:05
quote:
Originally posted by PurplePets
Thank you 337smile. I truly believe that when taking on any animal, careful planning and research is needed. Though i have been told i am worring too much  . Im very excited not sure when i will actually get him, will get everything set up first and take it from there.
I have kept all sorts of animals over the past 10 years but still worried over my royal. its natural! |
| PurplePets |
Posted - 20/08/2009 : 15:23:55
Thank you 337smile. I truly believe that when taking on any animal, careful planning and research is needed. Though i have been told i am worring too much . Im very excited not sure when i will actually get him, will get everything set up first and take it from there. |
| 337smile |
Posted - 20/08/2009 : 15:21:32
I have the vines and you can bend them into whatever shape you like. To attach them you can wrap them around items such as your plants. I really like them, if a bit expensive, used mine to make a kind roof in between the two hides. Only thing missing is food but then again you have your hamster :-}.
If the royal is 3 and a half foot you'll just need the bulbs and not the heatmat.
lee |
| 337smile |
Posted - 20/08/2009 : 15:17:38
Really pleased to see this thread. So nice to see someone reading up and planning in advance and asking questions to check everything out. Well played my friend!!! |
