Albino Ball Python Morph Guide And Care Sheet
Whether you’re a new pet owner or you’re an experienced one, it’s important that you understand how to care for your Albino Ball Python. This can help you avoid potential problems with your pet and make your relationship with your animal a more fulfilling experience.
To this day, ball pythons remain the most popular species of pet snake among beginner hobbyists and herpetologists. These beautiful constrictors have an average lifespan of 20 to 40 years and reach approximately 3 to 6 feet in length. They are an overall healthy and hardy species as long as they are properly cared for and their husbandry requirements are met.
This recessive gene has been a staple in selective breeding programs and has resulted in the production of many more ball python morph varieties.
Morph variants are exclusively captive-bred. Behavior & Temperament Albino ball pythons are naturally laidback but will become very docile with regular handling and socialization.
Many snake breeders added ball python morphs to their collection. New snake breeders bought morphs to cash in on the lucrative ball python market. Some ball python morphs still command high prices.
All About Albino Ball Pythons
Ball Pythons originate from West Africa. They were first introduced to the pet market during the 1980’s. Originally, these snakes were considered commonly used and had few colors or morphs. Wild Pythons were most popular. Wild types are usually light brown, with darker brown or black marks and black eyes. But the albino’s white bodies are yellowish and have pink eyes. Albinos were among the early colors that were bred from 1992. Because morphs are natural and occur in nature it is easier to breed for them. Unfortunately albinomorphs rarely survive long in their natural habitat.
You might see them perform a behavior called “periscoping.” This is when the snake lifts its head off the ground to look around. They become alert and will often hover there for a few minutes as they take everything in.
Behavior & Temperament
Ballythons are generally shy. It is their preference to avoid public attention. Albino ball pythons usually have a more subtle appearance as they are very sensitive to the light. It is unlikely your snake would spend all of the time in hid boxes. It rests at night during the day and is active at dawn and at dusk. Albino ball pythons like to coil into balls if threatened or stay motionless. Give the snake a place where you can hide. It is safer when people find hidden areas in the surroundings. It takes time, but python albinos will soon get familiar with their surroundings.
Behavior & Temperament Ball pythons typically have a very docile temperament and are a more reclusive species of snake. They will spend most of their time in the comfort of their hides.
Reptiles. Overview
This Albano ballpython is unusual in color and has very challenging breed needs. However, the other ball Python and Snake have similar behaviours. The adult snake needs 50-gallon enclosures with temperature gradients between 75 and 85°F and moisture between 45 to 75°C. Albino balls require daily water and frozen mice or rats about one time per week. It can grow to five feet long and will last at least thirty, which entitles the interested owners to a long time commitment. When kept in proper condition albino pythons can be very loving and friendly with very minimal upkeep.
There are two types of albinism in ball pythons: T+ (tyrosinase-positive) and T- (tyrosinase-negative) ; the former have dark-colored eyes and tongues, while the latter have red or pink eyes and tongues. Juveniles’ coloring will often start out darker and lighten with age .
Price & availability
Appearances are often the main determining factor in ball python prices which are the reasons morphs cost more. Generally albino balls of Pythons cost around $400, while lavender ball Pythons can cost as much as $1000. Albatros albino Ball Python’s are particularly costly as the color of them is more difficult. It is lavender with yellow patterns. The high price mainly results from the relative difficulties of breeding. Popularity of albino python has a high demand but limited quantity exists. Morphes are more rare and thus more expensive than other albino python species.
Albino Ball Python Species Summary
Ball Pythons are a small or large python from African grasslands or open forests where their life span is most spent on termites mounds or buried within mammal dungeons. In these caves, strays are hiding away in anticipation that the predators could come. Python balls are a rodent eater which also consumes sometimes tiny nests of birds. Once the prey has been lured into the ball Python trap, the animal stays in place while digesting and enjoying humid and warm cooling relief provided by a den. Albino has the mutated gene and forms morphs in wild Ballypyx normal.
Albinos have no protection from UV radiation and are prone to sunburn and skin cancers. But before you get too concerned about your Albino ball python’s health, remember that many albino animals lead long healthy lives in the wild.
Most albino ball pythons have bright yellow and pinkish-white skin. The interesting thing about albino snakes is that they retain distinct patterns. The only difference is that it’s devoid of the signature brown and black hues.
Habitat setup
Before building a habitat, it is best to select an area of suitable material. Some common substrate options include: bioactive set-on needs an average substrate depth of 4-5” while a 4-6 inch substrate will suffice to keep things tidy and allow the Albinos ball python to dig in. After settling on the material, it becomes a fun task to decorate the terrarium. Always give Albino Python 2 a hide. Ball Python will fit comfortably into hideaways with no room for empty spaces. If the snake’s grip remains tight, the safer they feel.
But mature pythons do better with substrate like cypress mulch or aspen bedding . Never use oily woods like pine or abrasive substrate that may damage your snake’s underbelly.
The best overhead heaters for providing heat that mimics what your Albino Ball Python would experience in nature are: Radiant heat panels Ceramic heat emitters Carbon filament Heat projectors Incandescent light bulbs Belly heat, including heat tape, heating pads, and heat cable, are adequate for use as a primary heat source in a well-insulated enclosure but are better suited as background heat or supplemental ‘cool side’ heat in an aquarium.
Provide your ball python with a basking spot temperature of 88 to 96 degrees Fahrenheit and an ambient temperature of 78 to 80 degrees.
Albino Ball Python’s Enclosure Size & Dimensions
Minimum Adult enclosure dimensions 48″X12.24″. Albino Ball Python is largely terrestrial although they are semi-arborale and so you should give them a lot of space. We listed the minimum acceptable enclosure size but we recommend providing larger habitats where you have space and resources. Obviously, hatchers and young animals can be placed in small enclosures if they wish. Try to house snakes in enclosed spaces that are able to stretch their muscles without bending or turning their heads or flexing their backs.
Hatchlings and juveniles can thrive in a 20-gallon setup , but adult albino ball pythons will need at least 50 gallons .
Depending on the size of your adult ball python, you can expect to need an enclosure that measures between 36 and 60 inches in length, at least 12 inches in height, and 14 inches in width.
Food & Diet
Albino ball Pythons live in captivity eat ice cold and dried rodents. The food of living rodents can pose serious dangers to snakes. Rats may bite or scratch a victim with one simple glance. Many animals died as a rat escaped the cage. Frozen rats have better health benefits and are cheaper than regular shopping. The survivors also had a less painful and less fearful end. You’d normally feed snakes food containing something that is approximately the thickest part of the snakes limb.
Rats are capable of inflicting deep bites and scratches in the blink of an eye. Many pet snakes have lost their lives after a live rat was left in their enclosure overnight. Frozen rats are cheaper and more convenient than weekly trips to the pet store.
Choose rodents that are no bigger than the widest part of your snake’s body.
Feed adult ball pythons every 1 to 2 weeks and younger ball pythons weekly as they need this energy to grow. Do not be alarmed if a well-started ball python goes off feed during the cooler, drier times of the year, as this is common in captivity.
Albino Ball Python Size
Albino Ball Pythons reach a height of three-five feet and a weight between 1 lb. and 3 kg. Females are normally about 3 inches thicker and 1 ounce heavier than men, however the difference is very minor. Hatchering Albino Ball Python is about 10-16 inches long and weighs 45-60 grams. Albino ball Pythons reach maturity in between three and five years.
Temperament: Baby Ball pythons are normally very shy and as they get older Ball pythons will become more engaging and curious. Handling: Do Ball Pythons enjoy being handled? For the most part yes: however, a small percentage may not be used to handling or just not like it.
Do ball pythons like handling?
Albinos are often more anxious because they are prone to poor eye sight. They will need some patience before they can be happy handling. The ball Pythons are as easy to control as all the morphs. Albino ballpythons can sometimes be incredibly calm or gentle. It is difficult for the children to handle their hands. It doesn’t mean the terrorists can’t strike. When you remove the animals you are trying to keep in their cage, you’ll get bite marks. You can easily eliminate it by using an animal hook rather than using your hands. It is advisable to avoid putting your hands above the head of the snake.
Lifespan Albino ball pythons have an average lifespan of 20 – 30 years
Keep your albino ball Python healthy
Keeping your snakes healthy is essential to their long-term longevity. Although ball pythons are primarily hardy animals, health concerns must arise. You must make sure your snake is vaccinated if your pet needs medical care.
Shedding
A white pigeon will shed more often throughout its lifespan. The frequency of loss will decrease with the age of your snake, but the loss will continue during their lifetime. Younger snakes shed more frequently because their growth rate is higher. When your ballython is about to lose its skin, your eyelids may appear cloudy or blue and its underside appears pinkier. You can always eat the albino python’s food during their shedding. Keeping the humidity level right at the right time can be a major asset in maintaining healthy, fully equipped sheds. You can also raise the moisture in the enclosure slightly for a complete shed.
Issues with Shedding
Problems associated with shedding or dysecdysis are commonly encountered with serpents. Snake shedding is inevitable during growth and continues to shed throughout life. Shedding problems can typically be caused by inadequate humidity or lack of items within enclosures that assist with removing the shredded materials. The Snake’s eyes are ripped off including their eyescaps. It is possible that they may get more aggressive when the caps are not removed because their visual function decreases. If your caps are not removed from your shed it is veterinary advice.
Mites
Infested with mites, they hide in small spaces beneath crooked jawbone. The mite reproduces very rapidly and requires immediate treatment. It may be that pythons drew their mites from the water dish to keep them from growing. Severity infestations can cause anemia and death. You must ensure you don’t simply handle python as a whole. Depending upon what you have available you should always consult an experienced veterinary doctor for advice on the best options available.
Breeding
Most maintainers breed ball pythons to either enrich their collections and then use them for a hobby or even start a business. It is necessary to learn about genetics to raise albonos and any other varieties as serious medical conditions such as neurodevelopment may occur. You will also need knowledge of the proper breeding conditions, proper ovulation of the males with females, ovulation and successful incubation and hatching of the eggs of the female.
Respiratory Infection
Respiratory infection is usually caused by the absence of good husbandry practices. The common causes of respiratory illness among Ball Phylon are cold and high humidity. It appears in snakes that respiratory infections have an intense wheeze. Other serious symptoms include holding up the head, open mouth, gurgling, or mucus. The Ball Python has pneumonia and should immediately be taken into veterinary care.
Brumation
Ballpythons do not experience the period of brumation; though some adults Ballpythons ingest very little food or refuse to consume during the cooler winters. Usually, people going on a hunger strike will start to eat normally by mid-winter or early-spring. During pregnancy, there is an increased frequency of eating a diet that may affect your health.
Scale Rotation
Scale rot refers to skin damage from snakes that is caused by the underlying scale. This term has been used for a variety of conditions such as dermatitis, burns, bacteriological abscess or secondary bacteria infection resulting from burn injuries or abrasions. Scale rot is prevented with a properly maintained household.
Humidity
Whether you are thinking of purchasing an albino ball python, or you are currently in the process of caring for one, it is important to understand the importance of humidity. The humidity level plays an important role in preventing illnesses and allowing your snake to thrive.
Ball pythons need to have an ambient humidity level of at least 55-65%. This is important because it helps prevent different illnesses and keeps their skin moisturized.
A misting system can also help increase the humidity level of your ball python’s enclosure. However, you should be sure to change the water container after a few days to ensure it is not contaminated.
You can also increase the humidity level by adding live plants. Mosses will also help control the humidity and make your snake’s enclosure more natural.
Albino ball pythons are very easy to care for. However, they require a lot of dedication and love. They also have a long breeding process. These snakes typically take about a year to reach sexual maturity.
They are a timid species that needs to have proper habitat and security. They also need to be fed regularly. They will also shed their skin on a regular basis. You should be sure to check the skin on your snake’s tail and face. If you find any areas where skin is shedding, you should try to soak it.
You should also check your snake for rot. If you notice any signs of mouth rot, or if you notice a change in the color of gum, you should take action immediately.
Food
Despite their nonvenomous appearance, albino ball pythons are vulnerable to a variety of health problems. These snakes need to be handled carefully and cared for properly. However, they are also relatively inexpensive, making them popular as pets.
If you plan on buying a ball python, it’s best to buy it from a reputable dealer. You should also check to ensure that the snake has not been exposed to harmful parasites or diseases. These snakes can carry diseases that can lead to respiratory infections and mouth rot.
Albino ball pythons need to be kept in warm, humid environments. They are also susceptible to respiratory problems caused by low humidity.
During the winter months, ball pythons often fast. If you’re planning on keeping your ball python during this time, it’s best to keep him in a heated enclosure. The enclosure should be between 75 and 80 degF during the day and at least 78 degF at night.
Albino ball pythons have pink eyes, but they are also known for having white and yellow markings. They are also considered to be docile and easy to handle. However, it’s important to supervise children when handling them.
Albino ball pythons grow to about 3 to 5 feet long. When fully grown, they weigh around 2 to 6 pounds.
Albino ball pythons should be fed once a week. You should also provide a clean, fresh water dish.
Diseases
Despite their beauty, albino Ball Pythons are vulnerable to a number of health issues. Some of the most common diseases include infective stomatitis (mouth rot) and respiratory tract disease.
Albino ball pythons are docile snakes and they rarely strike. They usually spend most of their time hiding in their enclosure. They tend to prefer exploring their enclosure at night. They are also known for their bright colors. As such, they are easily seen by predators.
Albinos typically have pink or red eyes. Their tongues are pink as well. Albinos also have melanin, which is the pigment responsible for the color of their skin.
Some albinos can develop dermal fungal infections. These can lead to bloody lesions on the skin. The best way to prevent these problems is to provide a higher humidity level in the enclosure. This can be achieved by misting the enclosure regularly. The enclosure should have a humidity level of approximately 65-70 percent.
Ball Pythons are native to West Africa. They are known for their unique coloration and camouflage. They were first identified in 1802 by Shaw. However, they did not become popular pets until the 1980s. They were mostly imported from Benin and Tongo.
Respiratory disease has been known to affect captive ball pythons since the late 1990s. Many factors contribute to the development of respiratory disease in these snakes, including poor hygiene, overcrowding, inadequate temperatures, and lack of quarantine.
Respiratory issues
Among the most common health issues that plague albino ball pythons are respiratory illnesses. A snake’s respiratory system can be severely damaged by exposure to pathogens. These illnesses can range from simple “chest cold” to more serious conditions such as pneumonia. To keep your snake healthy, be observant for signs of respiratory problems. You can also contact your veterinarian to help diagnose and treat your pet.
Albino ball pythons typically live between twenty and thirty years. They are very hardy animals. They are able to tolerate temperatures as low as twenty degrees Celsius and high as sixty degrees Celsius. However, it is important to maintain proper humidity and temperature levels. If temperatures are too low or humidity is too high, a snake may become dehydrated.
Albino ball pythons can be a great pet. Their color is typically white or light pink with a pale yellow pattern. These snakes tend to be less active during the day. They are usually healthy, but are susceptible to respiratory illnesses.
Ball pythons are susceptible to mite infestations. When a snake is infected, it will shed its skin in multiple pieces. These snakes will be swollen. They may also have a swollen gum or mouth. This can cause regurgitation and loss of appetite.
Ball pythons can also suffer from infectious stomatitis. This is a bacterial infection that affects the mucus in the mouth. This condition can cause swollen gums and red spots around the mouth.
Albino Ball Python Enclosure
In wild ball pythons have adapted to warmer climate environments. They typically prefer areas covered well and more actively during daylight and dawn. They can find a safe place to sleep on rocky surfaces under trees, in dense vegetation or in burrows. When you set the enclosure for the albino ball python you must reproduce it in this manner. Unlike all balls python species they require an enclosure for reptiles of about 55 gallons. Glass aquariums are the most common enclosures although many maintainers prefer to use metal tanks or plastic tanks. Tubs have less price and hold more humidity. Usually, an enclosed area has a length that is long enough to stretch it completely.