Ever been interested in snakes and desired to keep one as a pet but weren’t sure where to start? If you’re a newbie snake enthusiast looking for a pet, go no further than the piebald ball python.
They are fantastic companions for first-time snake owners because they require little maintenance. They don’t require as many feedings, are calm and patient by nature, and are hesitant to attack.
Continue reading to learn if a Pied Ball Python would be the ideal companion if this well-researched species with a well-known calm temperament has caught your attention.
Pied ball python Origin and natural habitat
Pied pythons are native to tropical and subtropical parts of Africa, spanning Sierra Leone’s western coastal route through Uganda’s, encompassing the continent’s whole west coasts.
Including other areas of the west side can be discovered in Mali, Sudan, Uganda, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameron. According to their coloration, these pythons are relatively more susceptible in the wild, where hunters may quickly identify them.
They like residing in meadows and dry woodlands. They are underground a lot. They typically conceal themselves in animal-made tunnels. They can hunt more effectively at night because it’s quieter and fewer predators can see them.
Pied ball python Appearance
Pied ball pythons share a similar appearance to typical ball pythons but have one distinct distinction. The brown-black tones are interspersed with sizable white areas.
Unpigmented skin makes up these white areas. Since they are the product of a recessive gene, they are uncommon in nature but highly coveted in captivity.
Piebald variants have been particularly developed as a result. Variants exist, such as banana- and pastel-colored pied ball pythons.
Another well-liked morph is the panda pied ball snake. They stand out from other mutations due to their stunning black-white color patterns, evocative of their name.
Except for a tiny spot, “Low White” Piebalds may appear normal. “High White” Piebalds may have white heads. However, all Piebald balls feature coupled, extended dorsal spots and blotchy patterning regions. Furthermore, their bellies are completely white.
Pied ball python Size and Lifespan
Pied Ball Pythons demonstrate sexually dimorphic, with females being larger and lengthier than males. The difference, though, is merely a few inches.
Although each snake grows at a different rate, Pied Ball Pythons typically reach full maturity between 3 and 5. They will continue growing for the rest of their lives, although much more slowly.
Pied Ball Pythons normally live for 20 -25 years, while some regular Ball Pythons have been known to live for above 30 years!
Pied Ball Pythons can likely survive for over 30 years, but research hasn’t been done yet. About 30 years ago, this lovely variant was originally found.
Pied ball python Price
Pied ball pythons and different morphs are easily accessible and kept in captivity. All ball python variations are accessible, except for the rarest, being one of the most desirable snakes.
Maturity, species, breeder, and any additional morph features affect the pied ball python’s value.
A python’s cost may also be influenced by how it looks physically. Pythons with vivid colors or intricate patterns tend to be more expensive than those with bland colors or simple designs.
Pied ball python prices can generally vary from $500 to over $1,000. Pied variants of the panda, sweets, and cinnamon usually cost $2,000 or more.
Behavior & Personality
The pied ball python is generally calm and easy to handle. Although young animals like hatchlings and adolescents can be wary, frequent petting sessions help them become less fearful.
The early and evening hours are when ball pythons are most energetic. Throughout these times, they could be more open to attention.
Remember that there are instances when handling your ball python is inappropriate. This covers the 12 hours before eating, the 12 hours following eating, the vicinity of sheds, and the 3–4 days following the upcoming new ball python habitat.
The Pied ball python care sheet, which follows, is the most crucial section of this article.
Pied ball python Care sheet
Maintaining the health and survival of Pied ball pythons requires great care, including providing the correct environment and nourishment.
Housing
Pied ball pythons need a spacious enclosure with at least 60 gallons for each snake. Their newest habitat can be constructed of glass and built long enough for your snake to extend entirely if necessary.
Give them constant access to clean drinking water, and change it daily. Ensure the water area is big enough to accommodate a curled-up snake because pythons enjoy relaxing in the water. Some individuals offer a large dish for immersing and a separate, little bowl for sipping. A fountain or other source of running water can be added since, according to research, creatures consume more when there is a supply of flowing water nearby.
Add substrate to their habitats, like soil, coconut husk, or tree bark. Sand should not be used because it may cause impaction. Substratum layers should be 3 to 4 inches thick.
Give your snake several covers if it requires some alone time or finds solace in isolation. Three kinds of hides, such as cool, hot, and moist, are advised. Your snake will decide which one to conceal based on its temperament and need.
If you cannot provide the three separate hides, give them at least one humid cover, as this will keep your pied python snake happily when it sheds. By enclosing the hide and adding moisture-retentive mosses or shrubs, moisture can be kept within the hide.
You can enhance your pied ball python by adding dry leaf litter, cloning supplies, changing the tank’s configuration significantly, or adding new conceals. This will hopefully maintain them healthy and emotionally active. Without giving your pet a way out, the tank should always have a supply of fresh airflow.
Temperature, lighting & humidity
The ideal pied ball python habitat temperature range is between 75 and 85 degrees. This gradation must be properly created for your snake to migrate between the “hot” and “cool” ends.
Common heating alternatives include under tank (UT) warmers, ceramic heat absorbers, and day and night heat lamps. Thermal tape is recommended for rack systems.
Ensure the UT warmer is outside the aquarium if you use one. If your snake frequently digs or the substrate is shallow, add a shield between the glassware above the warmer and the substrate.
Additionally, this will keep your snake from contacting a hot surface. For this, the reptile carpet works wonderfully.
Moreover, they must be exposed to a basking area between 85 and 90 ° C. For this, specialized basking lights work nicely.
Every day, humidity must be kept at 50%. The humidity of the cage can be kept stable by spraying the substrate. Alternately, measuring instruments and digital thermometers can be used to monitor temperature and relative humidity.
Diet
Small to medium-sized rodents are the preferred prey of piebald pythons. Although most snakes enjoy live prey, some people may find it harsh or depressing to watch. Also, live rats increase the likelihood of your snake hurting itself when defending itself.
It’s advised to use frozen meat. In addition to saving time and ensuring quality, frozen meat protects your snake from infections that a live rat might contain.
Depending on the size of your snake, mature piebald ball pythons should be fed every three weeks. More often than their lesser relatives, larger snakes typically eat. However, hatchlings or juveniles need to be fed after a week because they are still developing.
To avoid creating a grave danger, ensure the animal you feed your piebald ball python is the proper size. It shouldn’t be broader than the broadest region of its body. Calcium and vitamin D supplements might be added to their diet.
Potential health issues
Pied ball pythons don’t typically experience hereditary health problems, unlike many other types of morphs. Rather, inadequate care is the main cause of issues.
Among the most prevalent health conditions are:
- Mouth decay
- Respiratory illnesses
- Ticks and mites
The easiest strategies to avoid health problems are routinely cleaning the habitat and taking good care of your snake.
Check with nearby veterinarians to determine if any are certified to handle reptiles before buying a pied ball python. This is a crucial precaution to take in case your snake gets sick.
In this manner, your veterinarian can notify you of any other possible or existing health conditions, such as anorexia.
Breeding
Pied ball pythons don’t make picky offspring. Males and females will effortlessly reproduce when the time is right.
Before beginning breeding, they must be kept apart.
A hatching container for females that resembles a moist hide should be available. Generally, pied ball pythons lay 5 to 15 eggs in each batch.
Two months after being deposited, eggs must be incubated. The eggs can stay in the nest box, or you can take them out and put them in a special incubation for snake eggs.
The females will intensively nest if the eggs are left in the box. They will encircle the eggs to achieve the proper temperature (86–88 degrees). They won’t eat throughout this time. Despite the possibility of discomfort, don’t provide food at this time.
The hatchlings should be removed from the container once the eggs have hatched and put in a different tank. After their first ten days of existence, they may take a pinkie rodent or rat baby as nourishment.
Conclusion
Piebald ball pythons are attractive, simple to care for, and reasonably priced reptiles. Find a trustworthy vendor by taking your time. You pay considerably more for snakes from the greatest breeders, but the amount you pay now will spare you future misery, effort, and veterinary costs.
Whether a beginner or a seasoned veteran, pied ball pythons are a wonderful addition to any keeper’s inventory. They have a nice gentle disposition and are gorgeous. They are very simple to care for.
In addition, they are easy to breed and have good dietary tolerance. Additionally, they rarely experience health problems other than those brought on by bad husbandry.
They are among the best snakes to maintain overall and a great option for all owners.
FAQs
The ability to digest meals is a good indicator of an animal’s well-being. You may know your ball python is ill if its excrement is not the usual coloration and texture. However, to do that, you must be aware of what ordinary looks like.
Typically, ball python excrement is a pasty, semi-solid appearance and is expelled with pee that ranges from yellow to white. They typically defecate one hour after eating, and the volume is comparable to that of a small cat.
The most popular snakes kept as pets are ball pythons. Due to their obedience and ease of maintenance, they make wonderful first reptiles. A ball python can live in simple or sophisticated housing. The most crucial thing is that you abide by various guidelines and frequently check on your pet to make sure it seems to be in good health.
Since ball pythons lack fangs, their bites may not be as painful as other snakes. If a ball python bites you, proceed with care and seek medical attention. Royal pythons are another name for ball pythons. They come from the West African nations of Ghana and Togo.
