Have you ever seen a Ball Python with colours so vibrant it feels unreal?
The Leopard Pastel Ball Python combines bold patterns with bright, eye-catching hues, making it one of the most stunning morphs.
Are you curious about how this unique morph is bred or what makes its genetics so special? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of this beautiful snake!
Leopard Pastel Ball Python History & Genetics
The Leopard Pastel Royal Python is a stunning combination morph that brings together two popular genes: the Leopard and Pastel.
The Pastel gene, first introduced in the early 2000s, is known for brightening colours, giving Ball Pythons a more vibrant, yellowish tone.
The Leopard gene discovered a bit later, adds bold and chaotic patterning, making each snake’s markings more striking and unique.
When these two genes are combined, the result is a Leopard Pastel ball python morph with vibrant colours and wild, irregular patterns.
Genetically, the Leopard is a dominant trait, meaning it only takes one gene to produce the bold patterns.
The Pastel gene is codominant, meaning that even with one copy, the snake’s colouration is significantly enhanced.
Together, these two traits create a morph that’s both visually appealing and genetically intriguing to breeders and collectors alike.
Leopard Pastel Ball Python Characteristics
Leopard Pastel Ball Python Appearance
Body Color: They are known for their stunning golden-yellow body, which is enhanced by the Pastel gene. This morph often has a beautiful contrast with darker brown or black markings that create unique patterns.
Shape: This snake has a sleek and elongated body. The Leopard gene gives it a slightly more streamlined appearance, making it visually appealing.
Eyes: The eyes of the Leopard Pastel are often bright and expressive, typically displaying a dark outline that makes them stand out against its vibrant body colours.
Head Shape: It has a slightly smaller and more pointed head compared to other Ball Pythons, featuring reduced patterns typical of the Pastel morph.
Tail: The tail tapers gradually, maintaining a consistent shape with the rest of the body.
Speed: This morph is generally moderate in speed, not the fastest of snakes but can move quickly if it feels threatened or excited.
Leopard Pastel Ball Python Size & Weight
Adult Size: They typically grow to be between 3 to 5 feet long.
Weight: Adults usually weigh between 1,500 to 2,500 grams. Size and weight can vary depending on genetics, diet, and overall care.
Behaviour and Temperament
They are known for their gentle and docile nature, making them an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced snake owners.
This morph enjoys being handled and is generally calm around people, making it easy to interact with.
Initially, it might be a bit shy, but with regular handling, it becomes more sociable and confident.
Leopard Pastel Ball Python Lifespan
In captivity, they can live anywhere from 20 to 30 years with proper care, making it a long-term companion for snake lovers.
Pastel Leopard Ball Python Cost
Adults: Prices typically range from $1,500 to $2,500 depending on colour intensity and pattern quality.
Hatchlings: Generally cost between $500 to $1,000 and can vary based on the breeder and availability.
Juveniles: Usually priced around $1,000 to $1,500.
Best Place to Buy
It’s best to purchase from reputable breeders, local reptile shows, or trusted online platforms like MorphMarket, where you can find a variety of Leopard Pastel Ball Pythons.
Buying from established sources ensures you get a healthy snake with a good genetic background.
Preparation: Ensure both the male and female Leopard Pastel Ball Pythons are healthy, well-fed, and at least two years old before breeding.
Breeding Season: The breeding season typically runs from late winter to early spring. To stimulate breeding, cool the snakes slightly to mimic their natural seasonal changes.
Courtship: Introduce the male to the female, allowing him to court her. He will exhibit various behaviours, including rubbing against her and moving around her.
Mating: After successful courtship, mating usually occurs within a few days. The female will retain the sperm for several months, which allows her to fertilize the eggs when she’s ready.
Egg Laying: After approximately 30 days post-mating, the female will lay a clutch of about 4 to 10 eggs. Ensure she has a suitable nesting area with a warm, humid environment.
Incubation: Incubate the eggs at 88-90°F with appropriate humidity levels for 55-60 days. Use an incubator or a container with a moist substrate to maintain the right conditions.
Hatching: Once the eggs hatch, you’ll be greeted with a diverse range of hatchlings, each showcasing the striking colors and patterns characteristic of the Leopard Pastel morph.
Care for Hatchlings: Provide the hatchlings with proper care, including appropriate habitat, temperature, and humidity, to ensure they grow healthy and strong into adulthood.
Leopard Pastel Ball Python Care Sheet
1. Enclosure Setup
Tank Size: Start with a 20-gallon tank for juveniles. As the snake grows, an adult should have a 40-gallon tank or larger, depending on its length. Ideally, the enclosure should be at least as long as the snake’s body to provide ample space for movement.
Type of Enclosure: Glass terrariums are a popular choice, as they provide good visibility. However, plastic tubs are also effective for maintaining humidity and are easier to clean.
Substrate: Suitable bedding options include aspen shavings, cypress mulch, or even paper towels for easy maintenance. Avoid substrates like pine or cedar as they contain oils that can be harmful to snakes.
Hides: Provide at least two hides—one on the warm side and one on the cool side of the enclosure. The hides should be snug to make the snake feel secure.
Climbing Structures: While Ball Pythons aren’t strictly arboreal, they do appreciate a branch or two to climb on. Including some climbing structures like branches or sturdy shelves adds enrichment and keeps your snake entertained.
2. Temperature Setup
Temperature Gradient: Maintaining a temperature gradient is essential. The basking spot on the warm side should be between 88°F to 92°F (31°C to 33°C), while the cooler side should be around 75°F to 80°F (24°C to 27°C).
Heating Equipment: Use an under-tank heater (UTH) with a thermostat to maintain the basking temperature, or consider a ceramic heat emitter or heat lamp. Always monitor the temperature with a reliable thermometer.
Humidity: Ball Pythons thrive in 50% to 60% humidity, which can be achieved by misting the enclosure or placing a large water bowl on the warm side to increase evaporation.
Lighting: UVB lighting is not necessary for Ball Pythons, but maintaining a natural day-night cycle is important. Use a regular light source to provide 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness daily.
3. Leopard Pastel Ball Python Diet
Diet: They primarily feed on rodents. As juveniles, they can be fed small mice, while adults will need larger prey like rats.
Feeding Frequency: Juvenile Ball Pythons should be fed every 5 to 7 days, while adults can be fed every 10 to 14 days.
Feeding Tips: Offering frozen/thawed prey is generally safer than live prey, which can bite or injure the snake. To feed, use long tongs to offer the prey, gently wiggling it to entice the snake.
Water: Provide a large water bowl with fresh, clean water at all times. Ball Pythons may occasionally soak in their water dish, so ensure it’s big enough for them to fit in comfortably.
4. Handling
Handling Frequency: They can be handled 2 to 3 times a week, but avoid handling immediately after feeding to prevent regurgitation.
Handling Tips: Always approach your snake calmly and confidently. Support the snake’s body with both hands and never grab it by the tail. Be gentle, as sudden movements can stress the snake.
5. Shedding
Signs of Shedding: Before shedding, your snake’s eyes will turn cloudy blue and its skin will appear dull. This phase usually lasts about 7 to 10 days.
Shedding Assistance: If your snake has trouble shedding completely, providing a moist hide or gently soaking it in lukewarm water can help remove any stuck skin.
Humidity During Shedding: Increase the humidity to around 70% during shedding to ensure the skin comes off easily. You can achieve this by misting the enclosure or adding damp sphagnum moss to the hide.
6. Health & Common Issues
Signs of Illness: Watch out for signs like wheezing, mucus around the mouth, lethargy, lack
Respiratory infections are often caused by improper temperature or humidity.
Mites can be seen crawling on the snake’s body.
Scale rot, usually from a dirty, wet environment.
Loss of appetite, or unusual breathing. If your snake exhibits any of these symptoms, it may require medical attention.
Veterinary Care: If you notice any signs of illness, take your Ball Python to a reptile vet. Regular check-ups can help catch issues early, and maintaining proper enclosure conditions will prevent many common problems.
7. Cleaning & Maintenance
Cleaning Frequency: Spot cleans the enclosure daily to remove feces and uneaten prey. Fully clean the tank and replace the substrate every 4 to 6 weeks, or sooner if needed.
Sanitizing the Enclosure: Use a reptile-safe disinfectant or a 10% bleach solution to clean the tank, hides, and water bowl. Rinse thoroughly to ensure no harmful chemicals remain.
Maintaining Hygiene: Keep the enclosure dry and clean to prevent bacterial growth and parasite infestations.
Conclusion
The Leopard Pastel Ball Python is not just a stunning visual delight; its gentle nature and captivating patterns make it an ideal pet for both new and experienced snake lovers.
With proper care, this beautiful morph can be a long-lasting companion, bringing joy and fascination for many years to come!
