| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| ashby_steve |
Posted - 10/11/2013 : 15:49:55
I have owned my first royal for a week now.
For all who didn't read my previous posts, before him, i have only kept corn snakes so a lot of my concerns are stemming from the differences between the two species.
Firstly, the royal is very inactive. I know they are supposed to be quite lazy compared to other snakes but the lil fella NEVER leaves his hide, not even for water. He moves around inside it, but that's all.
Secondly, i tried feeding him yesterday and i left it in overnight with him; he hasn't taken it.
He was apparently due to be fed the day i purchased him an i waited almost a week after that point so i assume the lil guy would have been ready for it.
Im not too worried, i just keep telling myself it's because he's in a new place and is still settling in.
Am i wrong?
Temp is at a steady 30 degrees where his hide is and the viv itself is about 1.5ft square; about the same length of him stretched out.
Thanks in advance |
| 11 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| anatess |
Posted - 15/11/2013 : 16:56:38
quote:
Originally posted by ashby_steve
and in terms of handling etc, what should i do with him?
wait for him to start eating? or do i handle him to keep him used to being out?
I suggest to hold off on handling except to clean the enclosure or to inspect for health issues until he's settled. I would give it until the royal has eaten or a month after he's moved to the new enclosure whichever comes sooner. |
| anatess |
Posted - 15/11/2013 : 16:54:11
quote:
Originally posted by ashby_steve
i noticed you specified vertical spaces - the viv is quite tall as it was originally built for crested geckos.
The only other viv i have is shorter but about 4.5ft in length so much too big for him at the moment (he will be moving in there when he outgrows his current viv.
What should i do in terms of the current height conundrum?
It's not so much the height but the "open space". You can clutter up the space so the royal doesn't see too much "sky" by adding things like plastic vines or even crumpled scrap paper that he can crawl under.
Here's a picture of my 10gallon set-up for when my royal was a juvie. As you can see, the tank is tall but I wedged a piece of driftwood between the two hides (one is warmer than the other) and the water bowl so she can slither from one to the other under the wood and not feel too open. I got the royal off a rescue (did not eat for 6 months said the previous owner) but she ate 3 days after I got her and has not missed a meal since except for when shedding or a week or two in the winter.
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| ashby_steve |
Posted - 13/11/2013 : 15:33:04
and in terms of handling etc, what should i do with him?
wait for him to start eating? or do i handle him to keep him used to being out? |
| ashby_steve |
Posted - 13/11/2013 : 15:27:43
i noticed you specified vertical spaces - the viv is quite tall as it was originally built for crested geckos.
The only other viv i have is shorter but about 4.5ft in length so much too big for him at the moment (he will be moving in there when he outgrows his current viv.
What should i do in terms of the current height conundrum? |
| anatess |
Posted - 12/11/2013 : 02:07:23
Check your husbandry to be sure. Royals need the following besides food and water: Temperature gradient, humidity, security.
Temperature gradient requires a range between 27C to 32C. But a royal will sacrifice proper temps for security. Which means that if he can't find safe spots with the proper temp, he will suffer through incorrect temps. Also, a royal will suffer through thirst for security. Royals feel less secure when they sense too many wide open vertical spaces.
Hope this helps. |
| Lotabob |
Posted - 12/11/2013 : 00:25:16
Royals = pet rocks. They do nothing. Haha. They are lovable little things but active they are not.
As for feeding they can stress easily specially when they've been moved, mine took 3 weeks to start feeding but once he started there was no stopping him so so t worry about that either.
Temp 32-33°C is their sweet spot,
This is the fun bit once they're settled and doing as they should you only have to change water and they don't even reward you by drinking it. |
| boomslang |
Posted - 11/11/2013 : 19:54:40
It all depends on the snake in question to,As for him drinking etc.He most likely does at night :) |
| phlegmatical |
Posted - 11/11/2013 : 12:20:08
When I got my boa it took months of frustration before he was eating regularly and people say they are great feeders. All my others have eaten straight away. They are all different but I know now not to worry too much if I get any new snake and he doesn't eat straight away. It will happen eventually! +1 on upping the temp though! |
| ashby_steve |
Posted - 11/11/2013 : 11:08:30
I was told he shed about 10 days before i purchased him so he can't be ready yet.
I've upped the temp |
| Evolution Morphs |
Posted - 10/11/2013 : 18:24:50
Up your temp to 32-33c. As well |
| Fezza |
Posted - 10/11/2013 : 18:14:57
I wouldn't worry at this point
It may take a while for the snake to settle in properly. The lack of activity and uninterest in food could also be a sign of an approaching shed
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