One of the hundreds of ball Python morphs is Albino Ball Python.
This morph is easy to spot because of their white bodies and yellow markings. They also have pink or red eyes.
Albinos are a great choice for beginners as a pet snake.
They are gentle and easy to care for, have a docile personality, and can grow up to three to five feet long. They are a great way to get started in reptilekeeping.
This article will discuss how to care for an albino Ball Python. We will also discuss their cost, colors, and provide advice on housing and feeding. Continue reading to find out if an albino is the right match for you.
Everything About Albino Ball Pythons
Ball pythons come from West Africa. The 1980s were the first time they became popular in the pet trade. They were common snakes at the time and didn’t have many color morphs. The most popular pet was the wild-type ball Python.
Wild-type species tend to be light brown, with dark brown or black markings. The albino, however, has a white body and yellow markings. It also has pink or red eyes.
Albinos were the first color variation to be bred (beginning in 1992). This morph can be found in the wild so it was easy to breed.
Albino morphs rarely survive in the wild. They are easier to spot by predators, and can be more susceptible to eye and health problems. They can live up to 30 years as pets.
Albino ball Pythons are a great pet snake, despite the possible health risks.
They are easy to take care of, are docile, and easy to find. They can be found in professional breeders and pet shops.
Albinism is a natural trait. This snake is born with very low levels of melanin. This causes little or no body color, and pink or red eyes.
Because they lack melanin, their pink or red eyes are sensitive to UV rays. This applies to all albino types. You should not use UVB bulbs in your albino ball Pythons’ tank. UVB bulbs can cause more damage than good. We will talk more about this in the tank setup section.
What we like about the Albino Python
Pros
- Beautiful, white body with yellow markings.
- Friendly and docile, suitable for beginners.
- It is very easy to take care of.
- Light is very sensitive to pink or red eyes.
- They tend to have worse vision than other morphs.
- At $500, it is more expensive than any other species.
Species Appearance
Because of its beautiful color, many people love the albino python.
The typical albino is characterized by white markings and yellow markings , with pink eyes and a large body. These yellow markings can vary in their saturation and shape. An albino version is also available for many popular ball python shapes:
- Enchi
- Bumblebee
- Banana
- Lavender albino
These gorgeous white snakes can reach up to five feet in height, with males growing longer than females. The tails of females are also longer and shorter. The tail of a male ball python is usually shorter and thicker, and tapers more abruptly.
The size difference between males & females isn’t enough to be able to seduce a snake.
Probing is the best way to find out the sex of your ball python . The sex organs of male snakes are kept in their bodies until they can breed. You can probing by inserting a small, metal instrument into the snake’s vent and feeling for male sex organs.
Only a professional breeder or veterinarian should attempt to prove the snake’s existence. This can cause serious injury to your snake if done wrongly.
What size is an Albino Ball Python?
Albino Ball Pythons have the same dimensions as any other Ball Python. They are a color morph.
2.5 to 3 feet in length and three to four pounds in weight will mark the end of adult male growth. Females usually reach five feet in length and weigh around five pounds.
For the first six months, males and females will be approximately the same size. The size differences will start to show at this point. Females can grow 12-16 inches per annum, while males can grow around eight inches each year.
Care Sheet for Albino Ball Python
Although Albino ball Pythons are easy to care for, they require a bit more effort than the typical wild-type morph.
Their sensitive eyes are extremely sensitive to light. You should not use a UVB lamp in their enclosure. Keep the tank’s humidity slightly higher. You can increase the tank humidity, but you’ll need to monitor it multiple times per day.
Albinos can be a little more difficult to care for than normal morphs, but it is well worth the effort.
Ball Python Diet
Albino ball Pythons eat mice and rats as well as shrews and voles. They will eat almost anything, except if they have had enough food to last several days.
The Albino Morph’s feeding and diet habits are identical to any other ball python.
Ball pythons, which are rodent-specializing carnivores, are known as ball pythons. This means that they eat rodents only.
You have two options when it comes to feeding your ball Python. Mice or rats.
Although rats are generally larger than mice and have less fat, it is easier to find mice in rat colonies. You should ensure that the prey does not exceed the thickness of the snake’s body.
After you have decided to feed rats or mice, the next step is to decide whether to freeze or live feed.
Your snake could be infected if it is bitten by live mice or rats. It is not recommended to feed live prey if your snake refuses frozen thawed rodents.
If you feed rodents, make sure you are always watching your snake.
| Snake Age | Snake weight (grams). | Mice | Rats | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hatchling | 50-100 | 1 Hopper mouse | 1 Pinky rat | 5-7 Days |
| 6 Months | 275-360 | 1 Adult mouse | 1 Rat pup | 7-10 Days |
| 1 Year | 500-800 | 1-3 Adult mice | 1 Small Rat | 10-14 Days |
| 1.5 years | 600-1400 | 3-6 Adult mice | 2 small rats | 10-14 Days |
| 3 Years+ | 900-2000 | 4-5 Adult mice | 1 medium rat or 2 small rats | 2-3 weeks |
Common Health Problems
Albino snakes are well-known for their sensitive eyes to light.
You can resolve this problem by avoiding the use UVB bulbs. They are not required for any ball-python morph. A UVB bulb is not necessary for any albino ball Python setup.
They are susceptible to Photodermatitis and photokeratitis . Both of these health problems can be caused by UV exposure.
- Photodermatitis is also known as sunburn or sun poisoning. It occurs when an allergen reacts to UVB and sunlight. This can lead to skin inflammation, rash, and sunburn.
- Photokeratitis refers to a sunburnt eye. This is extremely painful for snakes, and can cause blindness if the UVB bulbs are continued to burn.
Ball Pythons, as a species, are resilient and healthy. However, they can develop health problems from poor care or bad husbandry.
Common health problems include mites, respiratory infections and mouth rot. With proper care, most of these problems can be avoided.
All ball pythons have respiratory issues. These problems are often caused by low humidity. An infection can occur if the humidity is too high. The same goes for low humidity. If the humidity drops too much, the skin can dry out and cause infection.
Mouth rot is another problem in ball pythons. This disease is often caused by poor temperature and humidity. You may notice a pus-filled snake’s stomach that looks like cottage cheese, swelling of the mouth and breathing with its mouth open.
They Are Healthy
- Good appetite.
- Smooth, shiny scales
- Regularly sheds.
- Alert behavior
Signs of Sickness
- A lack of appetite.
- Pus or mucus found in the mouth
- Open-mouthed breathing.
- Lethargy.
Albino Ball Python Enclosure
Wild ball pythons thrive in warm environments. They prefer to be active at dawn and dusk, and they will often seek out areas that have lots of cover. They find safe places to sleep during the day such as under rocks or in dense shrubbery or in burrows.
You should ensure that you replicate the conditions in your albino ball Python’s enclosure.
They require a reptile cage at least 55-gallons. Glass aquariums are the most popular type of enclosure. However, some keepers prefer plastic tubs. Tubs are more affordable and retain humidity better.
An enclosure must be long enough to allow the snake to fully stretch out. Females can have enclosures up to five feet in length.
Because snakes with albinism have a higher sensitivity to light, it is best to avoid purchasing extra lights for their enclosure. One light in a room can create a night/day cycle.
A heating mat generally costs less than a heating lamp and is more efficient. Because it doesn’t heat as much air, it is ideal. This allows you to control the temperature. Keep the mat underneath the tank to ensure that the substrate and bottom of the enclosure create enough protection to keep the snake from being burned.
Your snake’s tank should be between 88 and 92 degrees F. It should not exceed 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
The cool side should be between 76 and 80 degrees F, but never below 75 degrees.
The humidity level in a tub or tank should be between 55-60%. An albino ball Python may benefit from a 5% higher humidity level. The humidity will likely help their sensitive skin. You can do this by misting your tank or placing a water bowl on top of the under-tank heater.
Decor and Substrate
Aspen bedding and cypress mulch both retain humidity well, so your snake will be able to burrow a little.
Cypress mulch is one of the most popular substrates. It retains moisture well. If you can’t find cypress mulch, shredded aspen might be an option. It can also hold humidity well and allows your snake to burrow underneath the bedding.
Avoid pine and cedar beddings. They can contain oils that could be fatal for your snake.
It is also important to include multiple decor pieces and hides in the enclosure.
Your albino ball Python will feel secure and protected while they sleep by providing cover and hides. You can add decor by using soft plastic plants and logs to provide more cover.
Avoid hard plastic decor or hides. They can cause severe injury to your snake.
The Normal Behavior
Ball pythons can be shy snakes. They will curl up into a ball, tuck their heads under their bodies and remain still if threatened. To predators, they try to look like rocks.
This tactic is not effective for albino ball Pythons because of their bright colors.
They are more at risk in the wild because they cannot camouflage well.
These snakes rarely strike and hiss to show aggression. These snakes will hiss and strike very rarely.
Pet pythons can be shy so they will spend most of their time in hiding or in a tank with shelter.
You will most likely observe two behaviors.
Periscoping refers to when your snake raises its head and neck off the ground, and appears alert. This indicates that your snake is interested in the surroundings and checking out things.
Another common behavior is to curl up into tight balls. If your albino is tense, you should back off and let them be. This happens when they are afraid, stressed or shed.
Are Ball Pythons Good at Handling?
Because Albino people are more fearful and anxious than others, they tend to be more nervous. They may need to be taught how to handle their own stuff.
These ball pythons are as easy to handle as any other morph if you have patience.
The Albino ball Pythons are generally very gentle. They are not easily stressed by handling. They can strike, but this doesn’t mean they won’t.
First-time keepers often get bites from the snakes after removing them from an enclosure. This can be avoided by using a snake hook instead of your hand.
Avoid bringing your hands down on the head of your snake or touching their faces. These actions could convince your snake you are a predator looking to eat them.
What is the Price of an Albino Ball Python Python?
An albino ball Python’s price can be from $300 to $500. It all depends on the snake’s genetics and markings. Wild-type species are usually between $30 and $100. Albinos are quite a bit more expensive.
You may see prices closer to $1,000 USD, but they can vary quite a lot.
Albinos can be found in pet shops, online from reputable breeders, and at reptile shows.
A good breeder will have healthy snakes that are active and happy. Healthy snakes will have bright eyes, healthy scales, be active and moving around.
A great breeder will also be able tell you about the genetics of your snake. A great breeder will have many references.
You will need to ensure that your snakes are captive-bred, not wild-caught. This is not usually an issue since albino ball Pythons are rare in the wild. However, it is important to verify.
| Information about Albino Snakes | |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Albino Ball Python |
| Scientific Name | Python Regius |
| Price | From $300 to $500 |
| Size | 3 – 5 feet long |
| Lifespan | 20-30 years |
| Diet | Rodents |
| Tank Size | 55-gallon tank |
| Humidity and Temperature | Temperature: 76 – 93degF Humidity: 50 – 60% |
| Alternatives Popular | Corn snakes and milk snakes are some of the king snakes. |
Summary
The albino ball Python is a morph with a striking white and yellow color combination. You can find them in many different patterns, just like you will find an albino version for almost every other ball python type.
These snakes are able to thrive in moist, warm environments. They need plenty of hiding places in their tub or tank. To thermoregulate in the wild, they will need to have a temperature gradient.
This morph can be used with a UVB lamp. Their skin is more sensitive and they can get sunburns from the UV rays. Ball pythons don’t require UVB lighting to be healthy. It is better to avoid any possible danger.
Albino ball Pythons are an excellent beginner snake. They are gentle, easy to maintain and stunning to look at.
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