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
Albino Enchi Ball Python Size & Weight
Behaviour and Temperament:
Lifespan
Typically, 20-30 years with good care, making them great lifelong companions.
Albino Enchi Ball Python Cost
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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.
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
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.