Albino Enchi Ball Python: Cost, Genetics, Care Guide, & Unique Morph Features

Marie curie

super Albino Enchi Ball Python

The Albino Enchi Ball Python is a breathtaking blend of vibrant colours, combining the bright yellows and creamy whites of the albino trait with the warm, clean patterning of the Enchi morph.

What makes this unique combination such a hit among reptile lovers? Could it be the mesmerizing contrast or the ease of care that attracts enthusiasts?

Let’s explore what makes the Albino Enchi truly stand out in the world of ball pythons.

Albino Enchi Ball Python History & Genetics

The Enchi Albino Ball Python is a captivating morph that merges two incredible genetic traits—albino and Enchi.

The albino trait, recognized for its lack of dark pigmentation, brings vivid yellows and whites, while the Enchi gene, which originated in the early 2000s, enhances the pattern and brings out richer coloration.

The albino gene is recessive, requiring both parents to pass it on, whereas the Enchi gene is co-dominant, creating noticeable visual improvements even in single-gene offspring.

Together, these traits create a snake that is not only visually stunning but also highly desirable among collectors for its vibrant colours and simplified, clean patterning.

Albino Enchi Ball Python Characteristics

Albino Enchi Ball Python Appearance

  • Body Color: Vivid yellows and whites, with a smooth, cleaner pattern thanks to the Enchi gene.
  • Shape: Thick, muscular body, typical of all ball pythons.
  • Eyes & Belly: Pink or red eyes (albino trait), and a clean, white belly.
  • Head Shape and Tail: Rounded head with slightly reduced markings, and a bright yellow tail.
  • Speed: Generally moves slowly but may display more exploratory behaviour due to its curious temperament.

Albino Enchi Ball Python Size & Weight

  • Adult Length: 3-5 feet.
  • Weight: Typically between 1,200 to 2,500 grams.

Behaviour and Temperament:

  • Temperament: Calm and easy-going. The Enchi gene tends to make this morph slightly more inquisitive and interactive.
  • Behaviour: Prefers to hide during the day but can be active when handled in the evenings.

Lifespan

Typically, 20-30 years with good care, making them great lifelong companions.

Albino Enchi Ball Python Cost

  • Adults: $400 – $700.
  • Hatchlings: $300 – $500.
  • Juveniles: $350 – $550.
  • Best Place to Buy: Online platforms like MorphMarket or breeders specializing in ball python morphs are ideal for finding Albino Enchi Ball Pythons.

Albino Enchi Ball Python Breeding & Reproduction (Step-by-Step Guide)

Breeding Albino Enchi Ball Pythons is a rewarding process that requires careful planning and the right conditions. Here’s how to breed them successfully:

  1. Select a Healthy Breeding Pair:

Choose an Albino and an Enchi Ball Python, both mature and healthy. The female should weigh at least 1,500 grams to breed safely.

  1. Pre-Breeding Preparation:

Increase feeding for both snakes leading up to the breeding season. This will help the female gain sufficient energy for egg production.

  1. Introduce the Breeding Pair:

Place the male and female together during winter, which is their natural breeding time. Look for signs of courting, such as the male rubbing against the female.

  1. Ovulation:

The female will show signs of ovulation, such as increased swelling in the middle of her body. This is a sign that breeding was successful.

  1. Gravid Care:

Provide a nesting box for the female once she becomes gravid. She will lay her eggs around 30 days after her pre-lay shed.

  1. Incubate the Eggs:

Once laid, move the eggs to an incubator. Keep the temperature at about 88-90°F (31-32°C). This ensures the healthy development of the hatchlings.

  1. Hatching:

The eggs will hatch in about 55-60 days. The Albino Enchi hatchlings will exhibit the bright colors of the albino combined with the reduced pattern of the Enchi morph, making them visually striking.

Albino Enchi Ball Python Care Sheet

1. Enclosure Setup

  • Tank Size:
    Albino Enchi Ball Pythons are moderate-sized snakes. For hatchlings, a 20-gallon tank is suitable, but as they grow, an adult will need at least a 40-gallon tank (36” x 18” x 12”). Ensure the enclosure has a secure lid to prevent escapes.
  • Substrate:
    Safe and comfortable substrates include aspen bedding, cypress mulch, or reptile carpet.
  • Avoid substrates that can hold too much moisture, such as pine or cedar, as they can cause respiratory issues. Newspaper or paper towels can also be used for easy cleaning.
  • Hides and Decorations:
    They enjoy having multiple hiding spots. Provide at least two hides: one on the warm side and one on the cool side of the enclosure.
  • Additionally, you can add artificial plants, branches, or cork bark to create a natural environment. Even though they are not active climbers, they appreciate a well-decorated habitat for security.

2. Temperature and Heating

  • Temperature Gradient: Maintain a temperature gradient within the enclosure. The warm side should be between 88°F-92°F, while the cool side should range from 75°F-80°F.
  • Heat Source: Use under-tank heating pads or ceramic heat emitters to maintain consistent warmth. Always connect these heat sources to a thermostat to avoid overheating.
  • Night Temperature: At night, temperatures can drop slightly but should not go below 70°F. Most ball pythons do not require any additional night-time heating unless your room gets very cold.

3. Lighting

  • Natural Day/Night Cycle:
    They do not require UVB lighting, but it is beneficial for maintaining a day/night cycle. You can provide 12 hours of light during the day using standard LED or fluorescent lights.
  • Supplementary Lighting:
    If UVB lighting is not used, ambient room light or soft white lights can help maintain the day/night cycle.
  • Ensure the enclosure has a natural rhythm of light and dark for the snake’s overall health.

4. Humidity

  • Humidity Levels: Keep the enclosure’s humidity level between 50%-60%. Albino Ball Pythons, including the Enchi morph, do not require very high humidity, but ensuring the correct level is important for healthy shedding.
  • Humidity Control: To maintain humidity, mist the enclosure lightly when needed, especially during shedding.
  • A large water dish can also help regulate humidity levels. You can provide a humid hide filled with damp sphagnum moss for additional moisture during shedding periods.

5. Feeding

They primarily eat rodents. Feed appropriately sized prey, such as mice for juveniles and rats for adults.

The prey size should be slightly smaller or equal to the width of the snake’s body at its widest point.

  • Feeding Schedule: Juveniles should be fed once every 5-7 days, while adults can be fed every 10-14 days. Adjust the frequency based on the snake’s size and health.
  • Live vs. Frozen/Thawed Prey: It is generally safer to feed frozen/thawed prey to avoid the risk of injury from live prey. If feeding live, supervise the feeding to ensure the prey does not harm the snake.

6. Water

  • Water Dish:
    Provide a shallow water dish large enough for your snake to drink from and soak in if desired. Change the water daily to keep it fresh and clean.
  • Soaking:
    Although these snakes don’t often soak, offering a large enough water dish for occasional soaking can help them stay hydrated and aid in the shedding process.

7. Handling

  • Frequency:
    Handle your Albino Enchi Ball Python 2-3 times a week, but avoid handling immediately after feeding or during shedding. Regular, gentle handling helps the snake become accustomed to human interaction without causing stress.
  • Proper Technique:
    Support the snake’s body while handling it, being careful not to grab or squeeze it. Let the snake move naturally through your hands. Always approach slowly and calmly to avoid startling it.

8. Shedding

  • Signs of Shedding:
    When your Albino Enchi Ball Python is ready to shed, its skin will become dull, and its eyes will turn a bluish colour. This is a normal process that happens every few weeks to months, depending on the snake’s age and growth rate.
  • Shedding Assistance:
    Ensure the humidity is properly maintained to assist with shedding. If your snake has trouble shedding, you can provide a humid hide or gently soak the snake in lukewarm water for 15-20 minutes to help loosen any stuck shed.

9. Health & Common Issues

  • Health Monitoring:
    A healthy Enchi Albino Ball Python will have clear eyes, smooth skin, a regular feeding schedule, and active behaviour when being handled.
  • Common Health Problems:
    Watch for signs of respiratory infections (wheezing, mucus around the nose), mites, and stuck sheds.
  • Respiratory infections are often caused by improper humidity or low temperatures, while mites can be introduced by unclean environments.
  • Veterinary Care:
    Regular check-ups with a reptile vet are recommended, especially if any signs of illness appear. If your snake refuses to eat for an extended period, consult a vet to rule out any health issues.

10. Cleaning & Maintenance

  • Cleaning Schedule:
    Spot-clean the enclosure daily by removing waste and soiled substrate.
  •  Perform a thorough cleaning every 4-6 weeks, replacing the substrate and disinfecting all decorations and the enclosure itself.
  • Sanitization:
    Use reptile-safe disinfectants to clean the enclosure. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could harm the snake.

Conclusion

The Albino Enchi Ball Python is a stunning example of beauty and charm in the reptile world, showcasing vibrant hues and reduced patterns that catch the eye.

Its friendly nature and manageable size make it an excellent companion, while dedicated breeding practices ensure a bright future for this exceptional morph.

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