Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

Pyrockat · Contributing Member Joined: 29 Nov 2006 Posts: 72

I've never kept any snakes before, although I've been reading about doing so for ages, and I'm finally in a position to keep a snake. What I really want is a royal, they are just gorgeous and the docility of them really appeals to my fingers (long harassed from my various animal-keeping habits Twisted Evil

) but have heard such mixed reviews about them due to their feeding probs...I think I'd probably stress out if my snake started fasting for ages on me. What is everyones opinions on royals for beginners? Pretty as they are, I've never been that interested in corn snakes, and keeping one for the simple reason that its the "perfect beginners snake" seems a little unwise. Can people give me some info on the setups they keep their royals in?

Alternatively, can anyone recommend a boid that might be suitable for me if they dont think I should keep a royal as a beginner?

Oh, PS, hi everyone. Wink

Peter Parrot · Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 2:23 am Post subject:

Welcome to the forum. Cool

As long as you have the correct temperature gradient, and a hide at both the cool end and the warm end of the viv/tub (or one long one which covers both) as well as having water available and leaving the animal well alone to acclimate, then you should have no problems.

A snake that feels comfortable (temps), as well as secure (hides) will eat it`s head off for you. Wink

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Scott W · Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 10:05 am Post subject:

Welcome to the forums.

I would happily recommend a royal to a beginner BUT I would say it's vital to get one that is well started and guaranteed feeding on defrost.

If you buy from a shop, make sure they guarantee to take the snake back or swap it over FOC if it fails to feed for you.

Perhaps also try and go to a shop with a good reputation (ask or look in the recommended Breeders / Suppliers section).
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mike h · CaptiveBred Addict! Joined: 18 Mar 2006 Posts: 778

If you really want a royal get one, BUT buy from someone who can be trusted.

Jerry cole is amongst the best and has some royals at the moment that he bred himself. see link below

http://reptilekeeping.net/shop/index.php?cPath=1_17_94_97

Have a good read on this forum at how people keep them. I personally use really usefull boxes for adults. In a rack.
As for feeding I bought a 50% het for albino in June of this year that had fasted for 3 months previous. after a month with me it started again. and put 600 grams on in about 4 months. I new the guy who sold it me was genuine so I still bought it even though it was not feeding.
mike

mike

mike h · CaptiveBred Addict! Joined: 18 Mar 2006 Posts: 778

I should have made clear it had been eating for 2 years prior to fasting when I got it. it was 900grams in weight,
mike

mike h · CaptiveBred Addict! Joined: 18 Mar 2006 Posts: 778

true BUT Pyrockat is a newbie and jerry is probably one of the top herp men in the country.
If he can find someone cheeper with top quality service and back up next to none, then great.
I would not expect to pay less than £60 anywhere for a true CB royal, at this time of year pre the 10s of thousands of shop fodder which will be brought in, I think £90-95 is O.K.

Crystal palace reptiles is great. I got my 100% het albino from there and is brill.
mike

Pyrockat · Contributing Member Joined: 29 Nov 2006 Posts: 72

Thanks for the advice guys, sorry for posting in the wrong forum Embarassed

. As I've said, I'm not really that interested in corn snakes, buying one because its a good starter snake would be a bit unfair to the snake and myself IMO, I only have room for a couple and it wouldnt be fair to try and rehome the poor thing after I'd had it a year or so, although obviously I'd care for it to the best of my ability while I had it.

I might indeed order one from BJ Herps, I've been looking at that site. It seems to be a lot more expensive for snakes up here in Scotland, (I was looking at wild coloured corns for £85 the other day) so £90 for a well-started snake is not something I'd grudge paying for.

Do Crystal Palace ship their snakes as well? There's no way I'd be able to pick up from there.

Thanks again all!

Scott W · Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 3:17 pm Post subject:

Yep, Darren @ CPR will ship, however there is a change in the law and possibly most who currently offer a delivery service may no longer be able to after 1st Jan 07
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Please DO NOT pm orders for reptiles, send email instead scott@captivebred.co.uk

Pyrockat · Contributing Member Joined: 29 Nov 2006 Posts: 72

Thats a real shame Sad

. Its going to be a nightmare for me if I ended up addicted to reptiles like the rest of you. Is it a welfare thing?

Scott W · Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 3:42 pm Post subject:

It's a blanket Animal Welfare law that doesn't take into account different animals needs during transport, so unfortunately reptiles are just 'lumped' in the same as other more delicate animals.

full details on the DEFRA website.
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Please DO NOT pm orders for reptiles, send email instead scott@captivebred.co.uk