The Mojave Pastel Ball Python is a stunning morph that captivates reptile enthusiasts with its vibrant colors and intricate patterns.
This remarkable combination showcases the Pastel gene’s soft, buttery hues paired with the Mojave trait’s rich contrast, creating a visual feast for the eyes.
Have you ever wondered what makes this morph so unique? Or how its genetics can lead to breathtaking offspring? Let’s discover with us!
Mojave Pastel Ball Python History & Genetics
The Mojave Pastel Ball Python is a stunning morph that captures the attention of snake enthusiasts with its vibrant colours and captivating patterns.
This unique morph emerged in the early 2000s, born from the combination of the Mojave gene, known for its rich contrast and intricate designs, and the Pastel gene, which enhances brightness and adds a soft, buttery hue.
The genetics of this morph are co-dominant, meaning that one parent can pass down the Mojave Pastel trait to the offspring, often resulting in even more striking combinations.
As breeders experimented with this pairing, they created a visual masterpiece showcasing both genes’ beauty.
Today, the Mojave Pastel is celebrated for its eye-catching appearance and its role in advancing the artistry of Ball Python breeding, making it a favourite among collectors.
Mojave Pastel Ball Python Characteristics
Appearance
- Body Color: The Mojave Pastel Ball Python features a vibrant combination of colours, typically showcasing bright yellows and creamy whites and contrasting dark brown or black patterns that enhance its beauty.
- Shape: Like all ball python morphs, they also have a robust, stocky body shape, which helps in their natural behaviour of constricting prey.
- Eyes: The eyes are often a striking golden yellow or light brown, adding to the snake’s appealing look.
- Head Shape: The head is wider than its neck, with a slightly triangular shape, giving it a distinctive appearance that many find charming.
- Tail: The tail tapers smoothly and usually matches the body colours, featuring the same beautiful patterns that make the Mojave Pastel stand out.
- Speed: While they aren’t the fastest snakes, these Pythons can move quickly if needed, especially during feeding or exploration.
Mojave Pastel Ball Python Size & Weight
- Size: Adult Mojave Pastel Ball Pythons typically grow to be about 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 meters) long, with some individuals reaching even longer lengths.
- Weight: Their weight generally ranges from 2 to 5 pounds (0.9 to 2.3 kg), depending on their age, diet, and care.
Behaviour and Temperament
They are known for their calm and gentle nature, making them great pets for beginners and experienced keepers alike.
They are generally docile and easy to handle. When they feel threatened, they might curl up, but they are not prone to biting and usually prefer to hide instead.
Mojave Pastel Ball Python Lifespan
They can live between 20 to 30 years with proper care, making them a long-term companion for reptile lovers.
Mojave Pastel Ball Python Cost
- Adults: The price for an adult Mojave Pastel Ball Python usually ranges from $500 to $1,200, depending on its size, genetics, and overall quality.
- Hatchlings: Hatchlings are more affordable, typically costing around $250 to $500. Prices can vary based on specific patterns and colour intensity.
- Juveniles: Juvenile Mojave Pastel Ball Pythons usually cost between $350 to $800.
Where to Buy
The best places to purchase a Mojave Pastel Ball Python include reputable breeders and specialized pet stores.
Websites like MorphMarket and Backwater Reptiles have a wide variety of healthy specimens available. Always check the breeder’s reputation and read customer reviews to ensure you’re buying a well-cared-for snake.
Also see, Banana Mojave Ball Python: Unique Morph, Care Guide, & Breeding Tips
Mojave Pastel Ball Python Breeding and Reproduction
- Breeding Age: They typically reach sexual maturity between 2 to 3 years of age.
- Breeding Season: The breeding season usually occurs from late fall to early spring, triggered by temperature and light changes.
- Pairing: A male can be paired with multiple females, but it’s essential to monitor their health and behavior to ensure compatibility.
- Pre-Breeding Care: Ensure both snakes are well-fed, hydrated, and healthy before introducing them for breeding.
- Gestation: Female Mojave Pastels will lay eggs approximately 30 days after successful mating, with clutch sizes ranging from 4 to 10 eggs.
- Incubation: Eggs should be incubated at a temperature of around 88-90°F (31-32°C) for about 55 to 60 days until they hatch.
- Hatchling Care: Once hatched, provide proper humidity, heat, and a suitable diet to ensure healthy growth.
- Genetic Outcomes: Breeding Mojave Pastel can result in a variety of morph combinations, including Mojave, Pastel, and other hybrid morphs, depending on the genetic traits of the paired snakes.
Also see, Mojave Pied Ball Python: Care, Unique Traits, Price & Breeding Guide
Mojave Pastel Ball Python Care Sheet
1. Enclosure Requirements
- Tank Size: For a hatchling, a 10-20 gallon tank is suitable, while adults require at least a 40-gallon enclosure.
- Type of Enclosure: A glass terrarium or a plastic tub works well, provided it has a secure lid to prevent escapes.
- Ventilation: Ensure good airflow by using enclosures with adequate ventilation to prevent mold and maintain healthy humidity levels.
- Substrate: Safe options include aspen, cypress mulch, or paper towels. Avoid substrates like cedar that can be toxic. Spot-clean regularly, and replace substrate completely every 4-6 weeks.
- Hiding Spots: Provide at least two hides—one on the warm side and one on the cool side of the enclosure. This helps your Mojave Pastel Ball Python feel secure and reduce stress.
2. Temperature and Humidity
- Temperature Gradient: Keep the basking side at 88-92°F and the cool side around 75-80°F.
- Heat Sources: Use a heat mat or ceramic heat emitter. Position heating sources underneath or above the enclosure but never place heating directly inside to avoid burns.
- Humidity Levels: Maintain a humidity level between 50-60%. Increase humidity slightly during shedding periods by misting or adding a larger water dish.
3. Lighting
- Natural vs. Artificial Light: While ball pythons don’t need special lighting, it’s important to provide a consistent day-night cycle. A 12-hour light cycle using natural or artificial light is ideal.
- UVB Requirements: Though not required for ball pythons, UVB lighting can help enhance their overall health and behavior by promoting natural day-night rhythms.
4. Feeding and Nutrition
- Diet: Ball pythons primarily eat rodents, like mice or rats. Offer frozen-thawed prey to reduce the risk of injury.
- Feeding Frequency: Hatchlings should be fed once every 5-7 days, while adults need food every 10-14 days.
- Size of Prey: Prey should be no larger than the widest part of the snake’s body to prevent regurgitation or injury.
- Water: Always provide fresh water in a sturdy dish. Ensure the water bowl is large enough for the snake to soak during shedding periods if needed.
5. Handling and Socialization
- Initial Handling Tips: After bringing your Mojave Pastel Ball Python home, allow it 5-7 days to acclimate before handling. Start with short, gentle sessions to build trust.
- Signs of Stress: Watch for signs of stress, like hissing, striking, or excessive hiding. Avoid handling when the snake is about to shed or digesting food.
- Regular Socialization: Handle the snake 1-2 times per week to maintain socialization. Consistent handling helps reduce stress and builds familiarity.
6. Health and Common Issues
- Signs of a Healthy Snake: Look for a snake that has clear, bright eyes, smooth scales, and a healthy appetite.
- Common Health Problems: Watch for respiratory infections (wheezing, open-mouth breathing), mites (small black or red dots on the snake), or improper shedding (patchy or stuck shed).
- Veterinary Care: If you notice any signs of illness, seek advice from a reptile veterinarian. Regular health check-ups are recommended to ensure long-term health.
7. Shedding
- Shedding Cycle: Younger Mojave Pastel Ball Pythons shed more frequently, about every 4-6 weeks, while adults may shed every few months.
- Signs of Shedding: The snake’s skin will become dull, and its eyes will appear cloudy or blue.
- Post-Shedding Care: Ensure humidity is slightly higher to aid in shedding. If any skin remains stuck after shedding, a warm bath or using a damp cloth can help.
8. Cleaning and Maintenance
- Spot Cleaning: Remove waste and uneaten prey daily to keep the enclosure clean and odor-free.
- Deep Cleaning: Every 4-6 weeks, fully clean the enclosure by removing substrate, sanitizing hides, and replacing water bowls.
- Substrate Changes: Depending on how messy your snake is, replace the substrate every 4-6 weeks or sooner if needed to maintain cleanliness.
Conclusion
The Mojave Pastel Ball Python is a captivating blend of beauty and genetics, showcasing vibrant colors and stunning patterns.
This remarkable morph enchants both collectors and enthusiasts alike, making it a prized addition to any reptile collection.
With its striking appearance, the Mojave Pastel symbolizes the creativity and endless possibilities in the world of snake morphs.
