Pythons have a long history on Earth; and because of this, there are now a diverse amount of python subspecies to choose from.
One of these subspecies is the Python regius or Ivory Ball Python. It’s a native of west Africa and a designer morph of a yellow belly python. It appears as a clean beige and peach color that turns mostly white as it grows and is noticeable by its signature black eyes and pale skin.
But of course, there is more to learn about the Ivory Ball Python, so let’s hop right in, shall we?
Are Ivory Ball Pythons Dangerous?
Ivory Ball Pythons do not have fangs, which is a clear indicator of the fact that it is a non-venomous snake that can’t deliver any venom considering the fact that it doesn’t have any, so no worries there.
However, it may not have fangs, but it does have teeth, which means that although the Ivory Ball Python cannot poison you, it is still capable of biting you, and with a solid force behind its strong jaw, you will feel it if it happens.
They also aren’t big enough to wrap around your body and strangle you as most people may think. Yet, they may grow big enough to wrap around your arm or leg for protection if they feel threatened.
So, it’s best to always keep your Ivory Ball Python in sound and secure peace to refrain it from initiating any of its many defense mechanisms that would kill a small animal, and potentially hurt you.
How Much Do Ivory Ball Pythons Cost?
Surprisingly, Ivory Ball Pythons are fairly priced between $150 and $260. The range of price is small because Ivory Ball Pythons are one of the simpler pythons to take care of and require little attention and maintenance for them to thrive and live a long and healthy life.
The price of a hatchling can range between $129 and $150 based on their size, weight, and the breeder’s fee. As the python grows, so does its price.
Once the Ivory Ball Python reaches sexual maturity around two years old, the fact that it is now bigger and capable of mating raises the price to a $200 and above.
It’s fair to say that there isn’t much of a difference in price based on gender, considering that mating for these pythons happens seldom.
How Big Does an Ivory Ball Python Get?
A Ivory Ball Python can grow between 3 and 6 feet long. Once it is hatched out of its egg, the snake automatically comes out about half a foot to 1 foot long since growth of a snake starts the minute the egg is birthed from the mother.
From year one to year two the Ivory Ball Python will grow approximately another foot, reaching a full 2 to 3 feet in length. Now, after year two, sexual maturity comes into play and acts as a birth spurt, making them grow exponentially.
By the end of year 3, your Ivory Ball Python will reach an average of 4 to 5 feet in length; 6 feet if based on its genetics, cage size, and proper diet and care.
Also, because their body is meant to create another, female Ivory Ball Pythons are usually larger in girth than males.
Are Ivory Ball Pythons Good Pets?
As a matter of fact, Ivory Ball Pythons do make good pets and here’s why. First, they are docile animals that aren’t looking to fight with anyone and are unlikely to strike at their opposer unless provoked or threatened.
Next, unlike other snakes out there, Ivory Ball Pythons grow at a manageable rate without getting too big, so there’s little-to-no worry about it trying to constrict your body.
Another reason why an Ivory Ball Python makes for a good pet is because they enjoy heat; meaning that, although they are not big on cuddling, they have no problem slithering up to you and settling in your lap for the warmth and body heat that your body produces.
Although this may seem like a scary situation, there isn’t much to fear because when it wants to be alone, it surely will take advantage and slither away from you.
All these factors make the Ivory Ball Python a good first snake pet for a beginner snake owner.
Ivory Ball Python Cool Facts
Let’s start with the fact that Ivory Ball Pythons have a decently long lifespan, ranging from 25 to 40 years! This magnificent lifespan is based on the type of care that is given to them, as well as their diet and the amount of movement they are allowed throughout their life; the more the better.
If you have a female Ivory Ball Python, get ready for lots of babies because they can create a litter of 2 to 11 snakes when they become pregnant; which is why people are willing to sell them once they are born, because there are so many.
In addition, female Ivory Ball Pythons will incubate – or coil on top of – their eggs for a straight 60 to 80 days!
Another cool fact about Ivory Ball Python is their name; when these snakes become threatened, they will “ball” themselves into a circle with their head towards the center to protect their most valuable asset; hence the Ivory Ball Python.
Ivory Ball Python Genetics
Ivory Ball Pythons are the genetic morph of two Yellow Belly Pythons mating.
This is true based on the fact that although they are a pearl color, they still have a tint of yellow in them, and this is from their Yellow Belly parents who have dominant brown and yellow patterns along their scales, with a white or “ivory” underside.
The “ivory ” portion of them is the homozygous or “super” form of the Yellow Belly. And when attempting to breed two Yellow Bellies together, there is a 25% chance of producing their highest form of Ivory color.
When it comes to creating an Ivory Ball Python, based on their parents’ genetic code, you have a 1 out of 4 chance of being successful.
How Rare Are Ivory Ball Pythons?
In west Africa, where Ivory Ball Pythons are naturally created, they can be a rare snake to find because they live in hot areas that have plenty of warmth in the air and even more areas of shade to cool off in; therefore, finding one could be a bit of a hassle.
Even when they are being purposely bred by humans in other continents and countries, as previously mentioned, this special and superior designer breed only has a 1 out 4 chance of being born into the world, all because of its genetics.
With, it’s rare for you to find an Ivory Ball Python slithering around the desert or your backyard.
However, since they are being bred by multiple breeders, you can always find and purchase an Ivory Ball Python at any time you’d like, if they are in stock.
Breeding Ivory Ball Pythons
Breeding an Ivory Ball Python consists of collecting one – or several – males and one female Ivory Python and creating the proper environment for them to begin their mating process, which could take days or weeks to complete.
This is where the male will use its “spur” to stimulate the entire body of the female and cover her in necessary fluids to ensure a successful pregnancy. Once the mating session is over, it will take a few days to a couple of weeks for the female to become pregnant.
Once the breeder sees that she is with hatchlings, it simply comes down to keeping them safe by allowing the mother to incubate her eggs until they hatch.
When two Ivory Ball Pythons link up, the chance of you creating more Ivory Ball Pythons increases to a 3 out of 4 chance.
From this point, the new Ball Pythons can be sold to a new pet owner or kept with the mother.
Ivory Ball Python Shedding
Ivory Ball Pythons shed a lot when they are young because shedding is a sign of physical growth.
When an Ivory Ball Python is ready to begin its shedding process, you will notice that their skin will begin to look dull and lack the luster that it once had, in addition to their eyes turning a foggy blue color; this is the first stage of shedding called pre-ecdysis.
Once the physical skin of the snake starts to come off, the Python has entered full ecdysis.
You’ll know this is happening because you will notice that your Ivory Ball Python is rubbing up against anything that will help them get their dead skin off, such as their enclosure terrain, a real tree, furniture, or even you if you are holding them.
Increasing the humidity of their enclosure helps this process move quickly and smoothly to create a successful shedding session.
Most Popular Ivory Ball Python Morphs
One of the most popular Ivory Ball Python morphs is the Ivory Pastel Ball Python; which has the same pearl yellow look as the Ivory Ball Python, but also has one or two small patches of brown and black on their body, which comes from their other co-creator, the Ball Python.
There is also the Pastel Enchi Ivory Ball Python. It has the dominant features of the Ivory Ball Python, with a yellow and brown pattern going along their spine to the crown of their head, which they receive from the Enchi Ball Python.
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