The Ball Python (also known as a Royal Python) is a snake species native to West and Central Africa. Baby Ball Pythons are a common interest amongst beginner and expert snake-lovers, given their friendly nature and beautiful colors.
The baby Ball Python is 10 inches long, they come in various colors, and patterns such as brown, yellow, or golden- and have “mud-patch” like blotches that cover their backs. Depending on the morph, some baby Ball Pythons have white-like lines that run down their bellies also.
Nowadays, Ball Python enthusiasts have developed many different morphs that influence their overall appearance slightly- through change of pattern, scales, or markings. If you’d like to learn more about a baby Ball Python, continue reading where we discuss its different colors, diet, and much more!
Things to Look For in Identifying a Baby Ball Python
Observing certain features on a snake can help you accurately identify which morph is which. Find below a list of features that you can use when attempting to identify a baby Ball Python.
Scales
Most baby Ball Python snakes have small, rough scales– however, they seem not to feel rough at-the-touch. Instead (much like baby Corn snakes,) their body appears soft and smooth.
Appearance (Head and Neck)
A baby Ball Python’s head is relatively small and is often raised (similar to a Cobra snake). They also have a triangular-shaped head and a skinny neck. Their snout is pointy (not rounded) and has round pupils (not elliptical).
Body Color
Depending on the morph of your baby Ball Python, body color can vary significantly. Here is a basic overview of body color to look out for, when trying to identify a baby Ball Python snake:
- Brown body with yellow-orange blotches
- Yellow-golden markings with a white or brown body
- Brown and white marked body
Pattern
The type of morph can determine the pattern you should look for on a baby Ball Python. For typical baby Ball Python snakes, their pattern looks similar to “mud patches.”
Their body will be one color (e.g., brown or golden-yellow), and their “mud patches” can vary from dark or light brown, yellow, golden, or white.
Some baby Ball Pythons also have white-ish, straight lines, which runs downwards on their bellies.
Baby Ball Python Coloring
The coloring found on a baby Ball Python can depend entirely on the type of morph it is. Unfortunately, there are too many variations to cover each of its unique colors. However, find below a compiled description of 7 attractive baby Ball Python coloring:
1. Traditional Ball Python Morph: Usually a chocolate brown covering its body, the traditional Ball Python also has a brown/black pattern that resembles “mud patches” scattered along its backside. These blotches vary in size.
2. Axanthic Ball Python Morph: Similar to a traditional Ball Python, the Axanthic has whitey/silver-grey patches covering its backside. Its overall body color is usually brown or black.
3. Bumblebee Ball Python Morph: Given its name, the coloring on this particular morph resembles a similarity to a bumble-bee. The colors of this morph are black, yellow, and sometimes cream.
4. Chocolate Ball Python Morph: The pigmentations on a Chocolate Ball Python are everything you can imagine. Dark brown and black are the primary colors on this morphs body, following a similar pattern to a traditional Ball Python.
5. Stranger Ball Python Morph: The most expensive Ball Python, ranging from $20,000 per snake is the Stranger. Its body color is white and brown, with “tear-drop patterns” covering its entire body. It also has a long, broken stripe, which runs down its belly.
6. Ivory Ball Python Morph: Unlike any Ball Python morph described, the Ivory is a creamy/white colored snake with slight peach colorations throughout its body.
7. Mojave Ball Python Morph: Resembling a small significance to a traditional, the Mojave has similar colors of a chocolate brown body and yellow markings. The difference is its remarkable blue eyes, which makes this morph expensive.
How Much Does a Baby Ball Python Cost?
If located within The United States, the price for a standard baby Ball Python will cost you between $25 – $50 from either a breeder or pet store. For certain Ball Python morphs, prices may raise between $100 – $250, with rare Ball Python morphs ranging in the thousands. (The cost you pay for a baby Ball Python is dependent on morph, availability, breeder, and rarity.)
The costs listed above do NOT include additional fees you’ll be required to pay- when owning a baby Ball python.
Additional costs required for owning a baby Ball Python:
- Maintenance
- Food and Water
- Electrical costs (Lighting, Heating, etc.)
- Terrarium/Tank
- Bedding
Remember: Don’t invest in a baby Ball Python unless you can guarantee and maintain it accordingly.
What Size Tank Does a Baby Ball Python Need?
The best size tank for a baby Ball Python needs to be at least 10 – 15 gallons wide. As they reach adulthood, their tank should be no larger than 40 – 60 gallons wide for one python.
Here are three suitable tanks you can use for a baby Ball Python:
- Aqua Culture Aquarium – 10 Gallon Tank
- Exo Terra Faunarium – Flat Home
- Zilla Critter Cage – 10 Gallon Tank
Obtaining an appropriate size tank for your baby Ball Python is essential. Too large of a container is detrimental as it can make them anxious and scared, whereas too small of a tank can feel claustrophobic.
What Do Baby Ball Pythons Eat?
Most baby Ball Pythons feed on various small prey- until they’re old enough to increase their portion size. The best food which a baby Ball Python can eat is pinkies and fuzzies. Other prey a baby Ball Python can eat are crickets, but many Ball Python enthusiasts recommend refraining from feeding your snake insects.
How Long Can Baby Ball Python Go Without Eating?
After a meal, a baby Ball Python can go between 5 – 7 days without eating. Although it’s recommended they should eat once a week, going for long periods without food isn’t uncommon and a natural behavior commonly used within the wild.
Snakes can slow down their metabolic rate, allowing them to go without eating for much longer than humans. In fact, adult Ball Pythons can go for up to 10 – 14 days without requiring another meal.
How Often Does a Baby Ball Python Eat?
A baby Ball Python eats once a week (or every 3 – 7 days) depending on the size of pinkie they’re being fed. This is not uncommon for a baby Ball Python to eat once a week.
At What Age Are Baby Ball Python Fully Grown?
Did you know, a baby Ball Python that has been raised in captivity grows faster than one which has evolved in the wild!
Thus, a baby Ball Python that has been raised in captivity may take around three years to become fully grown/reach its full-size.
A wild baby Ball Python, however, can take anywhere between 4 – 5 years to become fully grown.
What Does Baby Ball Python Poop Look Like?
Just like most snake feces, your baby Ball Pythons poop should be browny – green in color. Consistency should be neither too wet or dry, but ideally in the middle.
If your baby Ball Pythons poop is runny or watery, this can be an indication of infection. Dry or clumpy poop is also a bad sign, indicating either dehydration or possible health problems.
How Fast Does a Baby Ball Python Grow?
During the first 2/3 years of your baby Ball Python hatching, an increase in growth may appear rapidly. In fact, certain Ball Python morphs can reach 3 – 5 feet within the first two years. As your baby Ball Python reaches adulthood, their growth will significantly decrease (like most captive-animals.)
Do Baby Ball Pythons Have Teeth?
Baby Ball Pythons are born with teeth (yes- teeth, and not fangs!) As they reach adulthood. However, their teeth begin to fall out slowly. A baby Ball Python uses their teeth to trap prey (like mice and rats,) which can also aid in the slow-digestion process.
Their teeth are triangular-shaped and curve backward. Thankfully for us, their teeth can not do any significant damage to humans- but certainly can for its prey!
What Does a Baby Ball Python Bite Feel Like?
Being bitten by a baby Ball Python feels like intense pressure being forced into the affected area (for example, hand or finger). Thankfully, they are not poisonous, and being bitten by one will not do any significant damage.
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