Looking for a pet that combines striking beauty with a gentle temperament? Discover the Lesser Ball Python! With its captivating colours and friendly nature, this snake is perfect for both new and experienced reptile enthusiasts.
Curious about how to care for this fascinating creature or how it fits into your life? Discover why this Ball Python morph is a standout choice for anyone looking to add a unique and charming pet to their home.
Lesser Ball Python History
The Lesser Ball Python, also known as the Lesser Platinum Ball Python, burst onto the reptile scene in the early 2000s.
This captivating morph of the Ball Python (Python regius), is native to West Africa. They were created through the selective breeding of enthusiasts aiming to develop a snake with unique and striking colour patterns.
By crossing various Ball Python morphs, breeders were able to enhance its distinctive colouration and pattern, leading to the Lesser Ball Python’s emergence.
Its dazzling appearance, featuring bright, contrasting colours and intricate patterns, quickly captured the attention of collectors and breeders alike.
Today, the Lesser Ball Python stands out as a favourite in the reptile community, admired for its stunning looks and relatively easy-to-care requirements. It remains a highly sought-after morph in the Ball Python breeding world.
Lesser Ball Python Taxonomy
The Lesser Ball Python is classified as follows: Kingdom Animalia (animal), Phylum Chordata (backbone animals), Class Reptilia (reptiles), Order Squamata (lizards and snakes), Family Pythonidae (pythons), Genus Python (large constrictors), and Species Python regius (Ball Python).
Lesser Ball Python Characteristics
Lesser Ball Python Appearance
These Ball Pythons are known for their beautiful, golden-brown colouration with smooth, creamy undertones. Its pattern is typically a series of darker, well-defined bands that create a stunning contrast, making this morph highly attractive.
The Lesser Ball Python eyes are usually a soft, light brown or golden hue, complementing their overall body colour.
Body Shape: They have a thick, muscular body with a rounded head. Their body shape is perfect for burrowing and hiding, which they love to do.
Lesser Ball Python Size & Weight
Like other Ball Python morphs, they typically grow to about 3 to 5 feet in length, making it easy to handle and care for beginners.
Their weight depends on their size age and gender.
At the hatchling stage, Lesser Ball Pythons typically weigh between 50 to 100 grams. As they grow, their weight will increase to about 2 to 5 pounds.
Behaviour & Temperament
Ball Python is known for its calm and gentle temperament. It rarely shows aggression and is generally easy to handle, making it an ideal pet for both beginners and experienced snake keepers.
These snakes tolerate handling very well and can become accustomed to being held if handled regularly and gently.
The ball pythons are nocturnal, meaning it’s more active at night. These snakes love to hide, so providing multiple hiding spots in their enclosure helps them feel secure.
Lesser Ball Python Habitat
These Royal Pythons are native to tropical regions of West and Central Africa, where they live in warm, humid environments like forests and grasslands.
In captivity, it’s important to recreate these conditions to keep your snake healthy.
Provide a warm, humid enclosure with plenty of hiding spots to make your snake feel at home.
Lesser Ball Python Lifespan
Like other ball pythons, a Lesser Ball Python can live 20 to 30 years in captivity. This long lifespan makes them a long-term companion, so be prepared for years of enjoyment with your pet.
Lesser Ball Python Diet
Like Firefly ball pythons, they eat rodents such as mice or rats. For a healthy diet, it’s best to offer pre-killed or frozen-thawed rodents to avoid the risks associated with live feeding.
Hatchling and juvenile lesser pythons typically need to be fed once a week.
While adult lesser ball python required feeding every 10 to 14 days. This schedule helps them grow and maintain their health.
Lesser Ball Python Cost
Their price can vary depending on factors like age, pattern, and breeding history. They are generally affordable, making them accessible to a wide range of reptile enthusiasts.
Here’s we provide detail, what you can expect to pay:
Lesser Ball Python Breeding &Reproduction
Breeding Lesser Ball Pythons can be a thrilling adventure for reptile enthusiasts. To get started, make sure both your male and female snakes are at least 2 years old and in great health.
As you prepare for breeding, lower the temperature to mimic the cooler seasons and introduce the snakes in a neutral space to prevent any aggression.
Watch for the exciting courtship rituals, where the male will show his interest by rubbing against the female. Mating sessions can last from a few minutes to several hours.
Once mating is complete, it’s important to give the female a comfortable and stress-free environment, along with a nutritious diet to support her during the egg development phase, which lasts about 30-45 days.
When she’s ready, she’ll lay her eggs in a moist, secure nesting area. Keep the eggs in a controlled incubator with the right temperature and humidity, and they’ll hatch in approximately 60-70 days.
Famous Lesser Ball Python Morph Combinations
Lesser Ball Python Care Sheet
Enclosure Requirements
Start with a 20-gallon tank for a young Lesser Ball Python. As your snake grows, move up to a 40-gallon or larger enclosure.
Substrate: Use aspen bedding, cypress mulch, or reptile carpet. These substrates help maintain humidity and are safe for your snake. Avoid pine or cedar, as these can be harmful.
Temperature & Heating
Warm Side: Keep the warm side of the enclosure between 88-92°F (31-33°C) using an under-tank heater or a ceramic heat emitter. This is important for your snake’s digestion and overall comfort.
Cool Side: The cool side should be maintained at 75-80°F (24-27°C). This allows your snake to regulate its body temperature.
Night Temperature: It’s okay if the temperature drops slightly at night, but it shouldn’t go below 72°F (22°C).
Also, use a digital thermometer to monitor temperatures accurately in different areas of the enclosure.
Humidity
Maintain humidity levels between 50-60%. This is crucial for your Lesser Ball Python’s respiratory health and to ensure proper shedding.
Increase humidity to 60-70% when your snake is shedding. This helps the old skin come off more easily.
Lighting
Provide 12 hours of light followed by 12 hours of darkness. This simulates the natural environment and helps regulate your snake’s daily rhythms.
UVB lights are not required, but a low-level UVB light can benefit your Lesser Ball Python’s overall health. Always use a low-wattage bulb to avoid overheating.
Handling
Handle your Lesser Royal Python regularly but gently. This helps maintain its tameness and allows it to become accustomed to human interaction.
Avoid handling during shedding or within 48 hours after feeding, as your snake may be more sensitive or stressed during these times.
Shedding
Ball Pythons shed their skin approximately every 4-6 weeks, though this can vary with age and growth rate.
Signs: Look for cloudy eyes, dull skin, and reduced activity. These are indicators that your snake is about to shed.
Maintain higher humidity (60-70%) during shedding to help your Lesser Ball Python shed its skin smoothly.
Also, provide a rough surface, like a branch or textured hide, to assist with the shedding process.
Lesser Ball Python Health Issues & Cures
1. Respiratory Infections
- Symptoms: Wheezing, coughing, or bubbles around the nose.
- Cure: Improve enclosure temperature and humidity. Consult a reptile veterinarian for antibiotics or specific treatments.
2. Mites
- Symptoms: Small black or red dots on the skin, excessive scratching.
- Cure: Use reptile mite treatment products and thoroughly clean the enclosure. Treat both the snake and its habitat.
3. Regurgitation
- Symptoms: Frequent vomiting of food.
- Cure: Ensure prey size is appropriate and avoid handling the snake for 48 hours after feeding. If problems persist, consult a veterinarian.
4. Scale Rot
- Symptoms: Sores or blisters on the skin, often due to excessive moisture or poor substrate.
- Cure: Improve hygiene and ensure proper humidity levels. Treat affected areas with antiseptic and consult a veterinarian if needed.
5. Obesity
- Symptoms: Excessive weight, difficulty moving.
- Cure: Adjust feeding schedules and portion sizes. Increase exercise opportunities and monitor weight regularly.
6. Digestive Issues
- Symptoms: Constipation or difficulty passing waste.
- Cure: Ensure adequate humidity and appropriate diet. Consult a veterinarian if issues persist or worsen.
7. Shedding Issues
- Symptoms: Incomplete or difficult shedding, retained shed patches.
- Cure: Increase humidity to 60-70% and provide rough surfaces to aid shedding. If the retained shed persists, consult a veterinarian.
Conclusion
The Lesser Ball Python is a stunning and manageable pet that captivates with its unique beauty. By providing proper care and attention to its needs, including the right habitat and diet, you can ensure a long, healthy life for your snake. This charming reptile offers both beauty and a rewarding companionship, making it a standout choice for any snake enthusiast.
