Imagine a snake that blends the warmth of a cinnamon spice with the elegance of a striking pattern—meet the Cinnamon Ball Python!
This mesmerizing morph of the Ball Python has captivated reptile enthusiasts with its rich, dark colours and bold, contrasting patterns.
If you’ve ever wondered about the allure of this beautiful snake, you’re not alone. What makes the Cinnamon Ball Python so special? How does its unique colouration come to life?
And what secrets lie within its genes that make it a standout in the world of reptiles? Dive into their fascinating world and uncover the answers to these intriguing questions!
History, Taxonomy, and Genetics
Like many popular ball python morphs, has a fascinating history rooted in selective breeding. This morph was first recognized in the early 2000s when breeders discovered a unique colour variation in Ball Pythons.
Breeders were intrigued by the vibrant colours and patterns, leading them to focus on producing and stabilizing these traits.
Through careful breeding, the Cinnamon Ball Python was developed and became a sought-after morph in the reptile hobby. Today, they are celebrated for their striking appearance and are used in various breeding projects to create new and exciting morph combinations.
Taxonomy
The Cinnamon Python is a morph of the Ball Python species, which is scientifically classified as:
Genetics: Understanding their genetics is key to appreciating their unique appearance. The Cinnamon morph is a result of a specific genetic mutation.
The Cinnamon morph is caused by a co-dominant gene. This means that if a Ball Python inherits one copy of the Cinnamon gene from one parent, it will display the Cinnamon pattern.
If it inherits two copies (one from each parent), it will exhibit an even more pronounced version of the Cinnamon appearance, often called a “Super Cinnamon Ball Python.”
Cinnamon Ball Python Characteristics
The stunning and unique snake morph is prized for its deep, rich colour patterns and gentle temperament. Let’s dive into its fascinating characteristics, covering everything from its appearance and size to behaviour, habitat, lifespan, and cost.
- Cinnamon Ball Python Appearance
They get their name from their beautiful, dark, and earthy colour tones, which are a signature feature of this morph.
Body Color: The body is typically a warm, dark brown or deep chocolate colour, with black or darker brown markings that create bold patterns across the snake’s scales. Some may also have a reddish or bronze hue, which gives them their distinctive “Cinnamon” look.
Body Shape: Like most ball pythons, the Cinnamon has a thick, muscular body. Their cylindrical shape helps them maintain strength and allows them to constrict their prey efficiently.
Tail: Their tail is short and tapers off smoothly, blending into the rest of the body.
Cinnamon Python Eyes: They have captivating, almond-shaped eyes that often appear dark or slightly reddish. Their eyes give them an alert, curious look.
Head Shape: Their head is slightly wider than the neck, triangular in shape, and perfectly proportioned to the rest of their body.
Speed: Ball Pythons, including the Cinnamon morph, are not particularly fast movers. They prefer to move slowly and methodically, especially when exploring or hunting.
2. Size, Weight & Height
Like other Ball Pythons, they are medium-sized snakes with impressive length and weight when fully grown.
- Length: Adults usually grow to around 3-5 feet in height, with females generally being larger than males.
- Weight: An adult Cinnamon Ball Python typically weighs between 3-5 pounds. However, larger females can sometimes reach up to 6 pounds.
- Height: While Ball Pythons are not arboreal snakes, they can climb, and their muscular bodies give them a height of around 1-2 inches when slithering across flat surfaces.
3. Behavior & Temperament
The Ball Python morphs are known for their calm and gentle nature, making them one of the most popular choices among snake enthusiasts.
- Calm Demeanor: These snakes are not aggressive and are generally easy to handle, which is why they’re ideal for beginner snake keepers. They are shy by nature and will often curl into a ball when they feel threatened, a behaviour known as “balling up”—hence the name “Ball Python.”
- Docile: They rarely bite and prefer to retreat into their hide or ball up when they feel stressed.
- Handling: These Ball Pythons can be handled regularly without stress, and with consistent interaction, they become more comfortable around people.
4. Cinnamon Ball Python Habitat
In the wild, they are native to West and Central Africa, where they thrive in warm, tropical environments.
- Natural Habitat: They are found in grasslands, savannas, and forested areas, where they seek shelter in caves, hollow logs, or underbrush. They are terrestrial snakes that prefer to stay on the ground, although they may climb occasionally.
- Captive Habitat: In captivity, it’s essential to recreate a warm, humid environment for them. A tank with a temperature gradient, proper humidity levels, and secure hiding spots mimics their natural habitat.
5. Lifespan
One of the great things about Cinnamon Royal Python morph is their long lifespan. With proper care, they can live up to 20-30 years in captivity, making them a long-term commitment for pet owners. This extended lifespan is one of the reasons they are so popular among reptile enthusiasts.
Cinnamon Ball Pythons Cost
They are relatively affordable compared to more rare morphs like monsoon ball pythons. Their price can vary depending on the snake’s age, the rarity of the combination, and the breeder’s reputation.
Cost Breakdown by Rarity
Their price can also fluctuate depending on whether they combine with other morphs. For example:
- Pewter Ball Pythons (Cinnamon + Pastel) may also command higher prices, usually starting at $250 or more, depending on the quality of their patterns.
- Super Cinnamons (resulting from breeding two Cinnamons) can be priced higher, ranging from $200 to $600, due to their striking, almost solid-coloured appearance.
Cinnamon Ball Python Breeding & Reproduction
Breeding Ball Pythons morphs is a fascinating journey that allows you to create unique and stunning morphs. Before breeding make sure your snakes are healthy and mature.
Males are typically ready to breed once they weigh around 500 grams, while females need to be at least 1,200-1,500 grams.
Before breeding, cooling the enclosure a few degrees mimics natural seasonal changes, signalling the snakes that it’s time to mate. Once introduced, the male will begin courting the female by nudging and wrapping around her.
If she’s receptive, they’ll mate, and the process can last several hours. About 30 days after ovulation, the female will go through a pre-lay shed, signalling that she’ll soon lay her eggs.
Females typically lay 4-10 eggs, which you can carefully move to an incubator at 88-90°F. In 55-60 days, the eggs will hatch, revealing tiny hatchlings with exciting patterns.
Most Famous Cinnamon Morph Combinations
The Cinnamon gene is a co-dominant morph that blends beautifully with other genes, creating some stunning combinations. Here are a few popular ones:
1. Pewter (Cinnamon x Pastel): This combination of the Cinnamon and Pastel genes results in a snake with a silvery or greyish appearance. The contrast between the light and dark tones is striking, making it a popular choice for breeders.
2. Super Cinnamon: When two Cinnamon genes are bred together, you get a Super Cinnamon. This morph is typically a solid dark brown or black colour, and it often has a cleaner, more uniform appearance compared to single-gene Cinnamon Ball Pythons.
3. Cinnamon Lesser: The Mojave gene paired with Cinnamon produces a snake with unique colour contrast, often with creamy or grey patterns over a dark base. The Mojave gene tends to clean up and enhance the Cinnamon pattern, making it a very appealing morph.
5. Cinnamon Clown: The Clown gene adds a dramatic twist to the Cinnamon morph. The result is a bright, bold pattern with a reduced or “clownish” pattern effect, often with sharp contrasts between dark and light shades.
6. Gargoyle (Cinnamon x Hypo/Red Axanthic): This unique combo results in a deep, dark morph with a muted or “ghostly” appearance. It can show stunning reds or oranges mixed with dark hues.
7. Cinnamon Pied: The combination of Cinnamon and Pied genes produces a highly contrasting morph, with dark Cinnamon patches on the body and large areas of white (due to the Pied gene). It’s a visually striking morph that many collectors love.
8. Cinnamon Banana: Adding the Banana gene to Cinnamon creates a morph with bright yellow and orange tones, often with a softer, faded pattern. The combination of these two genes results in beautiful purples, lavenders, and yellows.
9. Cinnamon Black Pastel: When Cinnamon is combined with Black Pastel, you get a snake that’s very dark in colour, often with a rich, deep chocolate hue. This combo intensifies the darkness of both morphs, making it a favourite for those who prefer darker snakes.
10. Cinnamon Fire: This combination with the Fire gene creates a brighter and cleaner look compared to a typical Cinnamon. It often produces brighter colours, adding contrast and making the morph stand out.
Cinnamon Ball Python Care Sheet
Caring for a Cinnamon Python is relatively straightforward, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced snake keepers.
With the right setup, feeding routine, and care, your snake can live a long, healthy life. Below is an easy-to-follow care sheet covering all the important aspects.
Enclosure Setup
A proper enclosure is essential for keeping your Ball Python comfortable. A 40-gallon tank is ideal for adult snakes, while younger snakes can start in smaller enclosures.
The enclosure should have a secure lid to prevent escapes since Ball Pythons are great at finding ways out.
Temperature & Humidity
Temperature control is one of the most critical aspects of Ball Python care.
- Warm side: Keep the warm side of the enclosure between 88-92°F using an under-tank heater or a ceramic heat emitter.
- Cool side: The cooler side should be around 75-80°F, giving the snake the option to regulate its body temperature.
- Humidity: Maintain humidity levels around 50-60%, which is essential for healthy shedding and overall well-being. Increase humidity slightly during shedding periods by misting the enclosure lightly or adding damp moss to the hides.
Use a thermometer and hygrometer to monitor temperature and humidity, ensuring consistency.
Lighting
These ball pythons do not require special UVB lighting, but a regular light cycle (12 hours of light, 12 hours of dark) is recommended to mimic their natural environment. You can use a standard light bulb or ambient room lighting.
Cinnamon Ball Python Diet
Feeding your Cinnamon royal python is relatively easy. They are carnivores and thrive on a diet of appropriately sized-rodents.
Water
Always provide a clean water bowl with fresh water. They may also soak in the water bowl, especially during shedding. The bowl should be sturdy enough that it won’t tip over.
Handling
These Pythons are known for their calm temperament, making them great for handling. However, it’s important to follow a few tips to ensure both you and your snake are comfortable.
- How to handle: Always support the snake’s body and avoid quick movements. Allow the snake to explore gently while in your hands.
- When to handle: Avoid handling your snake after feeding or during shedding, as this can cause stress.
Frequent handling helps your snake become more accustomed to human interaction, but always handle them gently and with respect.
Shedding
Ball Pythons shed their skin periodically, and it’s important to help them through this process. A well-maintained humidity level will aid in smooth shedding.
- Signs of shedding: Your snake’s skin will become dull, and their eyes may turn bluish. This is normal and indicates that shedding is about to begin.
- Shedding issues: If the shed doesn’t come off in one piece, it could indicate low humidity. You can help by soaking your snake in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes.
Common Health Issues
While Cinnamon Python snakes are generally hardy, a few health concerns can arise.
If you notice any unusual behaviour or signs of illness, it’s always best to consult a reptile vet.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Keeping your Cinnamon Ball Python’s morph enclosure clean is key to their health.
- Deep cleaning: Every 4-6 weeks, do a deep cleaning of the enclosure. Replace the substrate, clean hides, and water bowls, and disinfect the enclosure using a reptile-safe cleaner.
- Spot cleaning: Remove waste or uneaten food immediately to maintain hygiene.
Conclusion
The Cinnamon Ball Python is truly a gem in the reptile world, with its rich, warm colours and eye-catching patterns. This stunning morph not only adds a touch of elegance to any collection but also sparks curiosity with its unique genetics.
Whether you’re a seasoned keeper or a newcomer, the Cinnamon Ball Python is sure to captivate and inspire. Dive into its world and experience the beauty and charm it brings!
