What is a Champagne Ball Python?
The Champagne Ball Python is a stunning morph known for its unique and eye-catching appearance. This morph features a warm, golden-yellow base colour with intricate patterns that make it stand out among other Ball Python morphs.
Champagne Ball Pythons are recognized for their vibrant golden-yellow colouration and varying patterns of brown and orange. The Champagne Ball Python’s distinctive and beautiful appearance, along with its manageable size and easy care requirements, makes it a popular choice among snake lovers. Its unique colour and pattern variations ensure that each individual is one-of-a-kind.
Champagne Morph History & Origin
The Champagne morph of Ball Pythons was first discovered in 2000 in the United States. It resulted from a genetic mutation that created its rich and unique colours. The morph has since become a favourite due to its captivating appearance.
Development & Popularity
Since its introduction, the Champagne Royall Python has gained significant popularity in the reptile community. Its unique visual traits and genetic intrigue have made it a sought-after morph among collectors and breeders.
Champagne Ball Python Morph Characteristics
Champagne Ball Python Appearance
The ball python has a rich, golden-yellow base colour that is visually striking. This morph’s patterns often include shades of brown, orange, and black, creating a dynamic and unique look. The Champagne gene causes these distinct colour and pattern variations, making each Champagne Python uniquely beautiful.
Champagne Ball Python Eye Color
Champagne Ball Pythons typically have dark, contrasting eyes that enhance their overall appearance and complement their light body colours.
Champagne Ball Python Size & Weight
On average, a Champagne Ball Python grows to be about 3 to 4 feet (0.9 to 1.2 meters) long when fully grown. Males are typically smaller, often reaching around 3 feet, while females can grow up to 4 feet or slightly longer.
In terms of weight, Champagne Ball Pythons usually weigh between 2 to 4 pounds (0.9 to 1.8 kilograms). The exact size and weight can vary depending on factors such as age, diet, and overall health.
Proper care, including a balanced diet and appropriate habitat, helps ensure your Champagne Ball Python remains healthy and grows to its full potential.
Genetics Behind the Champagne Morph
The Champagne Ball Python morph is a result of a unique genetic trait that affects its colouration and pattern. This morph is produced by a recessive gene known as the Champagne gene.
Recessive genes require both parents to carry the gene for the trait to be expressed in their offspring. In other words, a Ball Python must inherit the Champagne gene from both its mother and father to display the Champagne morph’s distinctive features.
How the Champagne Morph is Produced
To produce a Champagne Ball Python, both parent snakes need to carry the Champagne gene. When two Champagne Ball Pythons are bred, their offspring will have a chance to inherit the Champagne gene from both parents, resulting in Champagne morph babies.
If only one parent carries the Champagne gene, the offspring will be a “het” (heterozygous) for Champagne.
Popular Champagne Ball Python Morph Combinations
Pairing champagne Ball Pythons with other morphs can produce a variety of stunning results. For example:
Champagne Clown Ball Python: This morph combines the Champagne and Clown genes, resulting in a stunning morph with reduced patterns and high contrast, featuring the distinctive champagne colour.
Champagne Firefly Ball Python: Combining the Champagne and Firefly genes, this morph showcases intense, vibrant colours with a clean and reduced pattern.
Champagne Pied Ball Python: Combining the Champagne and Pied genes results in a visually striking morph with the Champagne colours and the characteristic white patches of the Pied gene.
Champagne Super Pastel Ball Python: The Champagne Super Pastel morph features the Super Pastel gene along with Champagne, resulting in extremely bright and vivid colours with reduced patterning.
Champagne Leopard Ball Python: This combination of Champagne and Leopard genes results in a snake with a striking pattern, featuring bold spots and a beautiful champagne hue.
Champagne GHI Ball Python: Combining the Champagne and GHI (Gotta Have It) genes, this morph results in a darker, more dramatic colouration with intense contrast.
Champagne Pastel Ball Python: The Champagne Pastel morph blends the Champagne and Pastel genes, creating a snake with even brighter, more vivid colours and a more pronounced pattern.
Champagne Mojave Ball Python: The Champagne Mojave morph features the Champagne gene paired with the Mojave gene, producing a snake with rich, contrasting colours and a unique pattern.
Champagne Pinstripe Ball Python: The Champagne Pinstripe morph blends the Champagne and Pinstripe genes, creating a snake with a clean, striped pattern and vibrant champagne colours.
Champagne Enchi Ball Python: The Champagne Enchi morph highlights the Champagne gene alongside the Enchi gene, creating a snake with enhanced colours and a more refined pattern.
Champagne Ball Python Breeding & Reproduction
Breeding Champagne Ball Pythons involves a series of steps to ensure successful mating and healthy offspring. Here’s a detailed guide to the breeding process:
Selecting Breeding Pairs
Ensure both the male and female Champagne Ball Pythons are healthy and at least 2 years old. They should be in good physical condition, with no signs of illness or parasites.
To produce Champagne Ball Pythons, at least one parent must be a Champagne. Breeding two Champagne Ball Pythons will yield all Champagne offspring while pairing a Champagne with a normal Ball Python will produce “het” (heterozygous) Champagne babies.
Preparing for Breeding
Set up a breeding enclosure that replicates the snakes’ natural habitat. Maintain temperatures between 78-80°F (25-27°C) and humidity levels around 50-60%. This environment helps stimulate breeding behaviours.
Breeding Process
Introduce the male and female Champagne Ball Pythons in a neutral, stress-free environment. It’s common to introduce them during the evening when they are more active.
Mating may take several hours and could require multiple attempts over several days. The male will typically begin to court the female by rubbing his body against hers and aligning his body with hers.
Post-Breeding Care
After mating, the female champagne python will need extra care. Provide a stress-free environment and ensure she has access to water and food. She will begin to develop eggs internally.
Champagne ball python eggs
They lay eggs about 30 days after mating. Create a nesting area with suitable substrate, and ensure she has a place to lay her eggs comfortably. She may coil around her eggs to provide warmth and protection.
Incubation of Eggs
Once the eggs are laid, transfer them to an incubator. Set the temperature to 88-90°F (31-32°C) and maintain high humidity levels around 80-90%. Eggs typically hatch in 60 to 70 days. During this time, avoid disturbing the incubator to prevent temperature fluctuations.
Champagne Ball Python Care Sheet
Habitat Setup for Champagne Ball Pythons
For a champagne Ball Python, a spacious enclosure is essential. A 20-gallon tank is suitable for a juvenile champagne ball python, while an adult ball python needs at least a 40-gallon tank. Choose a secure, escape-proof enclosure with good ventilation.
Ensure the enclosure is designed to prevent escapes and provide adequate airflow.
Substrate, Lighting, and Humidity
Opt for a substrate like aspen bedding, reptile carpet, or paper towels. Avoid sand or gravel, as these can cause health issues. The right substrate helps maintain cleanliness and comfort in the enclosure.
They don’t require special lighting beyond a regular light cycle. Maintain humidity levels between 50-60% for adult Champagne Ball Pythons. Increase humidity to 60-70% during shedding periods.
Champagne Ball Python Diet
Champagne Ball Python feeds rodents, such as mice or rats. Hatchlings generally eat pinky or fuzzy mice, while adult Champagne snakes require larger prey. Providing the right diet is crucial for their health and growth.
Feeding schedule: Juvenile Champagne pythons should be fed every 5-7 days, while adults typically eat every 7-14 days. Adjust the feeding schedule based on the snake’s size and appetite to ensure proper nutrition.
Hydration: Provide a clean water bowl at all times. Champagne Ball Pythons need access to fresh water for hydration and digestion. Regularly change the water to keep it clean and free from contaminants.
Handling & Temperament
Handle your Champagne Ball Python gently and confidently. Support its entire body to avoid injury, and avoid sudden movements that could startle the snake. Regular, gentle handling helps maintain a calm and socialized snake.
Champagne snakes have a friendly and calm nature. They may become defensive if they feel threatened. Due to their gentle nature, they are a great choice for pet lovers.
Health and Common Issues
There are some common health problems, that might your champagne snake can face are:
Maintain clean living conditions, provide a balanced diet, and monitor the snake’s environment to prevent health issues.
FAQ’s About Champagne Ball Python
What is the cost of a champagne ball python?
The cost of a Champagne Ball Python typically ranges from $150 to $500 or more. The price can vary based on several factors, including the snake’s age, sex, overall health, and the specific traits of the morph.
Additionally, Champagne Ball Pythons with unique or rare pattern variations, or those that are part of special breeding projects, may be priced higher. Reputable breeders and specialized reptile shops usually offer these snakes, with prices reflecting the quality and care given to the reptile.
How Long Do Champagne Ball Pythons Live?
Champagne Ball Pythons can live a long time, typically between 20 to 30 years when properly cared for. Their lifespan in captivity depends on factors like diet, habitat conditions, and overall health care. With the right environment, including proper temperature, humidity, and regular feeding, a Champagne Ball Python can thrive and become a long-term companion.
Also, read How Long Do Ball Pythons Live?
Where Do Champagne Ball Pythons Come From?
Champagne Ball Pythons, like all Ball Pythons, originally come from the wilds of West and Central Africa. In their natural habitat, they live in grasslands, savannas, and forests, where they spend a lot of time hiding in burrows or under vegetation.
The Champagne morph itself was first developed through selective breeding in captivity, which is how this unique and striking colour pattern came to be popular among snake enthusiasts.
Are Champagne Ball Pythons venomous?
No, Champagne Ball Pythons are not venomous. Like all Ball Pythons, they are non-venomous constrictors. This means they kill their prey by wrapping around it and squeezing, rather than using venom. They’re completely safe to handle and make great pets, especially for beginners.
Final Thoughts
Owning a Champagne Ball Python can be a rewarding experience. Their unique, shimmering appearance and generally calm temperament make them a favorite among snake enthusiasts. With proper care, including a well-maintained habitat, a balanced diet, and regular handling, these snakes can thrive in captivity.
If you’re looking for a beautiful and relatively easy-to-care-for pet, the Champagne Ball Python is a great choice. It’s a stunning addition to any reptile collection and can provide years of enjoyment.
