Banana Ball Python is a kind of ball python morphs which is renowned for its vibrant yellow streaks and dark freckles.
The Banana Snake is bred selectively with species of West African ball python species to create an stunning design of yellow and tan.
They are extremely comfortable to handle, possess an easy nature, are tough and novice-friendly.
Despite the initial influx of Banana Ball Pythons that sold for $25,000, they are now considerably less expensive and are available for purchase at $150.
Do you want to know more? Continue reading to learn how to take care of your pet…
What is A Banana Ball Python?
Banana Ball Pythons can be described as a form of Ball Python morphs that are adored due to their yellow spots on the body of a brown or tan.
The banana morph evolved naturally in the wild, but is extremely uncommon.
Will Slough, who first bred a banana morph in 2003. He sold snakes out of the clutch for more than $20,000. But as sales increased through the early 21st century, the price fell to $150.
There are about 20 types of banana varieties which are beloved for their playful coloration and their docile nature. The most well-known are:
- Banana pied.
- Banana spider.
- Banana clown.
- Banana cinnamon.
- Black pastel banana.
Ball Pythons are a constrictor snake.
They’re not poisonous and can kill their prey, instead of poisoning them with bites.
Like many pythons , this one originated originally from West Africa so they have a preference for high temperatures and short rainy season. Their enclosure must be huge ( over 30 gallons) They should have warm temperature, dry and plenty of hiding spots.
There are many West African tribes revere the Ball Python and consider them to be a symbol to the Earth. If a Ball Python is killed, it receives the honor of a funeral.
Banana ball Pythons can be terrified by any sudden change. But, they are able to be taught to love handling so long as you let them get used to the process and allow them to take their time. They could become overwhelmed if they are handled too often.
The “ball” in their name comes from the snake’s shape to defend itself. They curled up into the shape of a ball with their head in the middle when they feel threatened or anxious.
Because they are less difficult to handle than snakes of other species, they are a great option for those who are new to snakes.
They are also tough reptiles that aren’t afflicted with numerous health issues and can last for up to thirty years.
What We Love About Banana Ball Pythons
Pros
- They have a stunning banana-like look that has yellow-colored spots over a brown body
- Ball Pythons are tough snakes that require minimal maintenance and easy for novices to take care of.
- They have extremely long lives which range from 20-30 years.
- This morph comes in a myriad of patterns and colors.
Cons
- They require a lot hours of training and perseverance to allow their handling.
- This snake requires a big enclosure (ideally at least 60-gallon).
- They are fed a strict rodent diet. They’re not suitable for pets for those who are afraid of feeding rodents in whole.
Banana Snake Appearance
It is the Banana Ball Python is a type of morph specifically crossed with the Ball Python.
They can be easily recognized by their the body’s tan color with yellow spots.
Their hue is due to an uncomplete predominant genetic variation.
They have very slender bodies with a tiny head and smooth scales. They shed their skin every 4 to 6 weeks. During shed, their scales lose their elasticity and their eyes turn clear.
Markings and Color Variations
There are a variety of kinds of Banana Ball Pythons.
The most popular color is the strong yellow blotches as well as darker streaks of black against an tan base color they give them a banana look!
A python with a glow in the middle is very similar to the python’s counterpart, but they are pinkish in color and not brown. Genetically, these two morphs look similar, but the lines come of different breeders.
Size of the Banana Ball Python
A full size adult male is between 2ft – 3ft.
The one thing that is different between females and males the only difference is how big they are.
They are both classified as medium-sized but females are bigger than males. Males reach 2 or 3 feet tall while females range from three to five feet.
Babies and juvenile ball pythons have similar sizes and weight, regardless of gender.
The normal rate of growth is 1 foot every year for their initial three years.
| Age | Male | Female | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby | 1ft | 45-70 grams | 1ft | 45-70 grams |
| Juvenile | 2ft | 200-700 grams | 2ft | 200-700 grams |
| Adult | 2ft to 3ft | 1000 to 1,500 grams | 3ft to 5ft | 1,000 – 1,750 grams |
Banana Ball Python Care Sheet
Banana Ball Python Diet
The reptile is considered to be a carnivore, so they consume only meat.
When they are in the wild, they walk on the desert floor to look for mice.
It is recommended to not give Banana Ball Pythons rodents in captive. Be sure that the mouse isn’t larger than the broadest portion of your snake’s body.
You might want to give your ball python rodents “hunt” and provide them with food and enrichment. However, feisty mice may hurt your snake.
It is better to let the frozen mice thaw and feed mice that have been frozen instead. Be sure that the rodent has been heated to room temperature prior to feeding:
- Juveniles and baby pythons must be fed one rodent each seven days.
- Adults only require one mice every seven to ten days.
When you feed a rodent, be sure to not touch your hands.
Use tongs as well as gloves when feeding your snake. This will ensure the snake isn’t bitten by you while eating.
The amount of time it takes for your snake to eat its meal can be different, so you should allow your snake around 12 hours to eat before you take it off.
An adequate water source is crucial to the diet of your ball python and well-being.
The snake uses the bowl for drinking and soak in. The bowl should be big enough to fill the whole snake, but not too large that they could be trapped in the bowl that they get stuck. A large and shallow bowl is the best.
Clean, fresh water for your snake throughout the day.
Ball Python Lifespan and Health
Banana ball Python has an extremely long time. Their life span is quite lengthy for snakes. They can live between 20 & 30 years.
The snake is not required to be quarantined since they are pet owners who live in a solitary space. They are able to go directly to their own enclosure.
Ball Pythons do not get sick, but they do have health issues while in captivity because of their poor care:
- Respiratory infections are usually caused due to a dirty cage or insufficient humidity levels. It’s characterized by breath that is open as well as wheezing or sneezing sounds. mucus coming out of its mouth or nose.
- Mouth Rot is caused by the presence of bacterial infections within their mouths. It is treated with prescription antibiotics from a vet. It is characterized by an unpleasant smell in the mouth as well as red or pink spots on the area of wounds, as well as drainage of mucus from the mouth and nose.
- Skin infections are simple to recognize and are easy to treat using a snake-safe spray. The ticks and mites can be seen for the uninitiated. They appear like tiny white dots that move on the skin of your snake.
- Then, managing weight is vitally important. Overweight morphs are characterized by a large middle section with scales that are all over their necks, showing the skin. Anorexia is a common occurrence for ball Pythons.
The Signs That They Are Healthy
- Eats regularly.
- Active and alert.
- Skin that is smooth and healthy.
- Bright eyes.
Sickness Signs
- Refuses to consume food.
- The breathing is difficult.
- They are rubbing their heads.
- White substance that is in the mouth.
Banana Ball Python Enclosure
The animals are natively discovered within The West African Desert, however they are extremely durable and adaptable to living in the wild. Banana Ball Pythons aren’t lively snakes and may feel uneasy when they are kept in tanks that are too big.
What size tank should I Purchase for a Ball Python?
Your enclosure will grow along as does your Python. A hatchling’s enclosure ought to be 10 gallons in size for a juvenile’s enclosure, 15-20 gallons for a juvenile and an adult’s 30-60 gallons.
An easy guideline is that the enclosure should be at least as long as your adultsize, with a height and width of one-quarter from the length of your snake.
- Tank type Plastic or glass cage.
- Tank Size 60-gallons.
- Lighting: basking light.
- Substrate Cypress mulch, or even orchid bark.
Banana ball pythons are able to live in a variety of enclosures. Make sure that it is ventilated well and has the top is secure.
Ball Pythons are fond of hiding places in captivity.
At a minimum, you should have two hiding places in your enclosure.
The best substrate is one that will allow them to grow and retain humidity without being too moist. The best choice is orchid bark or cypress mulch. Avoid cedar as it contains poison and sand is irritating when it is inhaled.
Heating their enclosures is crucial. Heating mats, basking lamps, or even ceramic heat emitters. Whatever you decide to use, make sure your snake doesn’t be in contact with the heating element since it may burn itself and cause skin irritation.
The cooler part of the enclosure should be between 80 and 85 degrees and the cooler side should be between 75 and 80degF. Utilize digital thermometers on both ends that of your tank, to confirm that the temperature gradient is in line with your expectations.
They must also include a basking spot that has temperatures between 88-92degF. A basking lamp equipped with UVA is also able to supply the sun with nutrients.
The presence of a designated spot for basking is essential to establish an ideal warm area and also a temperature gradient permitting your snake to regulate its temperature by selecting the desired temperature.
Utilize a clear or white light during the day, and a the red lighting at night, to give your snake the 12 hours of day and night.
The humidity in their tank should be maintained between 50 and 60 percent humidity. If the cage is dry, consider using a room humidifier and misting it daily using spray bottles or placing the water dish in close proximity to the lamp for basking.
Cleaning and Misting
You must be sure to spot clean their enclosure every day eliminating any excrement.
Healthy Urates are white and pasty and feces range from dark brown to black having a middle consistency, and hairs. Feces that appear clumpy or runny may suggest an infection.
The water bowl must be cleaned every week with water and soap.
Clean up the enclosure and its accessories with an 5% bleach solution every two months. Bleach is poisonous to snakes. Therefore, make sure your snake isn’t exposed to bleach.
The Typical Behaviour
Banana Ball Python Curling Into A Ball
A healthy and happy banana snake moves slowly , but purposefully. They use their tongues to collect information about their surroundings.
Ball pythons depend on vibrations, visual cues and chemical tracks to collect information about their surroundings. They also utilize UV light or scents to identify their prey.
They are nocturnal , and crawl into a cave to hide during dry seasons. The snake is only out in the daylight to relax.
When they feel stressed, they will curl into a ball, then yell at the person who is causing them stress. They are defense animals and can roll into a ball in order to defend themselves.
Ball pythons do not bite, however they are known to lash out when they feel they are stressed. In the event that your snake’s defensive, it could be more likely to strike. They’re not poisonous, therefore, if you are bitten, clean and disinfect the area, making it look like the wound you would treat.
Adult pythons tend to be territorial which is why it is not recommended to cohabit with this species of pet.
Banana ball Pythons are very individual snakes and are only able to come together to form a pair.
Do Ball Pythons like being handled?
Yes. Ball Pythons are gentle and can tolerate handling but only with moderate quantities.
If you are the first to bring your Python at home, let it be for a week so that it can adjust to the new enclosure. Once it is acclimated, handle once a week to establish confidence. Once you’ve gained trust, you are able to handle more often.
Get started handling your hands by washing them with some soap and water.
When you are handling your banana ball python, do not squeeze it, and stay in a relatively calm manner. Any tension or movement could cause the snake to become anxious.
The juvenile banana ball pythons can be shy, but they can be handled frequently and they’ll become more comfortable.
Do not handle your pet for a few days after the python has eaten since it requires the time to properly absorb its food.
Baby Banana Ball Python
Baby banana ball Pythons are created from egg pythons.
The eggs measure about three inches wide and weigh anywhere from 70 and 100 grams.
They will stick to each the other until the day four days before hatching.
Temperature of the aquarium won’t influence the gender of the eggs, but females is only able to brood eggs in high humidity and temperatures between 86 and 88 degF.
The cycle of breeding occurs every year and results in clutches of between 1-11.
Mating is a challenge for ball pythons , and is usually triggered by signals from the environment, like fasting and dropping temperatures.
When hatchlings have left their shells, they must be kept separate from one another to prevent fights.
Babies will not eat until after their first shed, which is at 2 weeks old. They usually grow about a foot every year for the initial three years of their lives. As they age , their color are darkening, but they keep their banana spots that are yellow.
Buyer’s Guide
It’s very easy to locate the simple Banana Ball pythons.
It is best to purchase your snake from a ball breeder who is in person. A healthy snake should have clean eyes and a smooth body with no bones visible.
Request to touch the snake to feel their behavior. If a snake is relaxed, it will walk with purpose and remain alert, often moving its tongue.
If stressed, it’ll form an elongated ball and then hiss. an animal that is constantly stressed is an indication of a bad handler.
What’s the Cost of A Banana Ball Python?
The typical banana ball python is between $100 and $150 for a child. Adults can be purchased for $200-$300. The most costly transformations (e.g. scaleless bananas) can cost $3,000.
| Banana Ball Python Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Python Regius |
| Price | ~$150 |
| Size | 2 – 5 feet long |
| Lifespan | 20-30 years |
| Diet | Only rodents |
| Tank Size | 60-100 gallon tank |
| Humidity and Temperature | Temperature: 75 – 96degF Humidity: 50 – 60% |
| Popular Alternatives | California King Snakes, Kenyan Sand Boa and Milk Snakes. |
Summary
The banana ball Python is the second most sought-after ball python type and is adored by those who love its vibrant yellow-colored blotches as well as dark freckles.
They are beautiful snakes which are ideal for novices.
Check that your pet has regularly on a diet that is based on rodents and is kept in a warm enclosure that has temperatures ranging from 75-96degF, and a humidity range of 50 to 60 to 60 percent.
They’re gentle but they don’t like being handled often. Be respectful of your snake’s limits and let them be when they appear stressed.
When buying this morph, be sure that they are in a calm state and alert.
Let us know your thoughts on this ball Python morph below.
