RUB's Versus Viv's continued...

I last wrote about the merits of the use of RUBs as suitable housing for young Royal Pythons, however at the time none of my residents lived in one, as my current pair have always lived in vivariums, and never shown any sign of stress or discomfort, and are getting pretty big now. That changed this week with the somewhat unexpected arrival of my newest Royal Python - a little skinny Bob Clark bred CB11 female Pastel (otherwise know as a Jungle Pastel), who has affectionately been named "Rowntree".

Note the blushings on her sides shown here

In terms of genetics and morphs (to recap on previous blogs), Pastels are a heterozygous, co-dominant breed (the other gene in the pair been a Normal), with the homozygous form been Super Pastels. They are characterised by their bright yellow/orange appearance, clear bellies, exaggerated blushings in the patterning, and brightly coloured eyes.

Pastels are a "base morph", which when paired to a Fire for example, can produce a Firefly, as well as many more "designer" morphs when paired to other single of multiple gene morphs.


The purchase of Rowntree was as a result of browsing the classifieds section of a snake keepers forum (always dangerous) where I happen to chance on the rare encounter of a very decent and genuine seller concerned more with the health of the animal than cash. He quite clearly stated that the little Pastel was a live feeder only, and that he had not managed to convert her over to frozen/thawed, and was looking to sell to someone with experience and lots of patience - rather than someone purely interested in breeding potential! Coincidentally, Ifrit (my male Fire) was Bob Clark bred, and was also a very picky eater when he came to me, but after lots of patience and a little trial and error in terms of routine, he is turning into a very keen feeder - so I have the confidence that with lots of patience and a few tricks, I can convert her over to frozen/thawed prey and provide a healthy and caring home for her. So after a few days of exchanging emails, Rowntree was to become a new resident.

Rowntree's home for the next year or so

I wrote in some depth previously about the benefits of RUBs for young Royals for promoting a sense of security - this is quite commonly a remedy for none-feeding Royals. So, following the confirmation that Rowntree was to come to me, the first job was to set up a RUB for her. Whilst I have recently become an advocate of RUB's, I do not condone bare RUBs which contain little more than a water bowl and newspaper substrate. There is some continued debate that the snake cares not for décor so long as their basic requirements are provided, but my opinion on the matter is that naturalistic décor, hides, and proper substrate should be provided to promote natural behaviour, a sense of security during thermo-regulation, stimulation and exercise. This in turn should reduce stress and hopefully encourage a healthy feeding response. I think this picture shows my thoughts on the matter, and hopefully the results will speak for themselves...

This week was also cleaning week for my adult residents, Monty and Ifrit. They both live in 3foot vivariums, although Ifrit's one is slightly larger in floor space. As Monty is rapidly approaching breeding weight (1266 grams as of last week), it made sense to make preparations for breeding season, and swap them around to give her the larger of the two - especially since Ifrit will be bunking with her for three days a week throughout breeding season. So, after a spring clean and a rearrange, here's how the other half live;

 

His

Hers

Not too shabby huh!?