The Monsoon Ball Python is a mesmerizing snake with a unique, stormy pattern that stands out among all other morphs. Imagine having a snake that looks wrapped in the mystery of a swirling monsoon! Have you ever seen a snake with an intricate pattern that feels like a piece of living art? Discover what makes this Ball Python a true wonder in reptiles.
Monsoon Ball Python History
The Monsoon Ball Python morph is a relatively new and exciting discovery in the world of ball python morphs. It first gained attention in the snake breeding community in the early 2010s.
How to make Monsoon Ball Python?
The Monsoon morph was accidentally discovered when a breeder, Dave Green, noticed an unusual pattern in one of his Ball Python clutches.
After finding the Monsoon’s unique pattern in a clutch of Ball Python eggs, breeders were to experiment to see if this captivating trait could be replicated in future clutches.
As they carefully paired the Monsoon with other Ball Pythons, the excitement grew with each new clutch. When it did, it sparked excitement across the snake-breeding community.
This discovery was something special—a new morph that could be bred and shared. Breeders worked hard to perfect and enhance the Monsoon pattern, mixing it with other morphs to create even more amazing variations.
Each successful clutch brought more excitement, as snake enthusiasts looked forward to the next incredible combination.
The Monsoon snake quickly became a standout in the world of Ball Pythons, captivating everyone with its wild and unpredictable beauty.
Monsoon Ball Python Characteristics
Monsoon Ball Python Appearance
Their base colour is usually a rich brown or tan, with darker spots and blotches. They have an incredibly intricate and busy pattern that covers their entire body.
Each Monsoon Ball Python’s pattern is slightly different, making every snake unique. Like other Ball Pythons, the Monsoon has smooth, shiny scales that add to its sleek and polished look.
Their head is broad and slightly triangular, with the same intricate pattern extending onto the head.
Monsoon Ball Python eyes are relatively large, with vertical slit pupils, and they blend into the overall pattern of the snake.
Monsoon Ball Python Size & Weight
Like other Ball Pythons, typically grows to about 3 to 5 feet in length. It’s a medium-sized snake, which makes it manageable for most reptile enthusiasts.
Their weight varies depending on their age and size:
Behavior & Temperature
Like other Ball Python morphs, are known for their calm and docile nature, making them popular pets. They are most active during the night, preferring to hide and rest during the day.
When threatened, they are more likely to coil into a ball. They are non-venomous snakes. It subdues its prey by constriction, wrapping around the prey and squeezing until it can no longer breathe.
Monsoon Ball Python Habitat
They are ground-dwelling snakes. In the wild, Ball Pythons prefer savannas, grasslands, and lightly forested areas where they can find burrows to hide in.
In captivity, they thrive in enclosures that mimic their natural environment with places to hide, climb, and regulate their temperature.
Geographical Range: The Ball Python species, including the Monsoon morph, is native to West and Central Africa. They are commonly found in countries like Ghana, Togo, and Benin.
Monsoon Ball Python Lifespan
With proper care, they can live 20 to 30 years in captivity, sometimes even longer. Their long lifespan makes them a long-term commitment as pets.
Monsoon Ball Python Cost
They are one of the most expensive and highly sought-after morphs in the reptile world due to their rare and stunning pattern. The rarity of this morph drives up its cost significantly.
Here’s what you can expect to pay:
Monsoon Ball Python Breeding & Reproduction
Breeding Monsoon Ball Pythons can be an exciting yet challenging endeavour due to the rarity and high demand for this unique morph. When breeding, it’s essential to pair a Monsoon Ball Python with other morphs to create stunning combinations.
Monsoon is a dominant gene, so when paired with other morphs, its storm-like pattern can either blend beautifully or add a new dimension to the offspring.
They reach sexual maturity around 3 to 4 years of age, depending on their size and health. Females typically weigh at least 1,200 grams before they are ready to breed.
While males start breeding when their weight is around 700-800 grams. The breeding season usually starts in the late fall or early winter, with eggs being laid in the spring or early summer.
Famous Monsoon Ball Python Combinations
Axanthic Monsoon Ball Python: The Monsoon Axanthic combines the stormy pattern of the Monsoon with the cool, grayscale tones of the Axanthic gene. This combination creates a mesmerizing black-and-white snake that looks like a living thunderstorm.
Pastel Monsoon Ball Python: Adding the Pastel gene to a Monsoon Ball Python brightens the overall colour, making the stormy pattern pop with more vibrant yellows and creams. This combination is perfect for those who love high-contrast and vivid snakes.
Monsoon Leopard Ball Python: The Leopard gene enhances the Monsoon pattern, making it even more chaotic and bold. This combination results in a snake with intricate, swirling patterns that look like they’re in constant motion.
Monsoon Pied Ball Python: Combining the Monsoon pattern with the Pied gene, which introduces large patches of pure white, creates a striking contrast. The Monsoon Pied Ball Python is a rare and beautiful morph, with patches of stormy patterns interspersed with pure white areas.
Mojave Monsoon Ball Python: The Mojave gene adds a soft, creamy colour to the Monsoon’s pattern, creating a snake with a gentle, cloud-like appearance. This combination is popular for its subtle yet stunning beauty.
Monsoon Sapphire Ball Python: The Sapphire gene enhances the blue and grey tones within the Monsoon pattern, giving the snake a cool, mysterious look. The Monsoon Sapphire Ball Python is perfect for those who love unique and striking colour combinations.
Visual Monsoon Ball Python: A Monsoon Visual is a snake that displays the Monsoon pattern, without any het genes. This pure form of the Monsoon gene is highly prized and showcases the true beauty of the stormy pattern.
Monsoon Sunset Ball Python: Combining the warm, fiery colours of the Sunset gene with the Monsoon pattern results in a snake that looks like a stormy sunset. This combination is breathtaking, with deep oranges and reds blending into the Monsoon’s intricate design.
Monsoon Firefly Ball Python: The Firefly combination, which includes the Fire and Pastel genes, brightens the Monsoon pattern even more, creating a snake with high contrast and a glowing appearance. This morph is perfect for those who want a snake that truly stands out.
Dave Green Monsoon Ball Python: Dave Green is credited with first producing the Monsoon Ball Python. His Monsoon morphs are highly sought after, and when paired with other genes like Pastel or Leopard, the results are nothing short of spectacular.
Special Monsoon Ball Python: The Special Monsoon Ball Python features a unique Monsoon pattern with rare colour or pattern variations, making each one truly unique and highly prized.
Pinstripe Monsoon Ball Python: The Monsoon Pinstripe blends the stormy Monsoon pattern with Pinstripe’s clean lines, creating a sleek and structured design.
Banana Monsoon Ball Python: The Monsoon Banana pairs the bright yellow of the Banana with the Monsoon pattern, resulting in a vibrant and eye-catching snake.
Monsoon Ball Python Care Sheet
The Monsoon Royal Python is a rare and stunning morph, loved by snake enthusiasts for its unique, intricate patterns.
To keep your Monsoon Ball Python healthy and happy, it’s important to provide the right care. In this guide, we provide you with all care tips about this rare morph.
Enclosure Requirements
Monsoon Ball Python hatchlings need 10-20 gallons tank. While adults need a 40-gallon enclosure or larger. Ensure your snake has enough space to move around comfortably.
For a Monsoon Ball Python, a plastic enclosure is often the best choice. Because, Plastic enclosures retain humidity much better than glass, which is crucial for their health.
Substrate
The best substrates for this Ball Python morph include aspen shavings, coconut fibre, and paper towels. These substrates help maintain humidity and provide a comfortable surface for your snake to move on.
Also, provide at least two hide spots—one on the warm and one on the cool side of the enclosure. These hides should be snug to make your snake feel secure.
Climbing Structures
While Ball Pythons are mostly ground dwellers, they enjoy the occasional climb. Adding branches or sturdy rocks will allow your Monsoon snake to explore and exercise.
Safe decorations that mimic a Monsoon Ball Python’s natural habitat can make the enclosure more interesting.
Use items like artificial plants and smooth rocks. Make sure all decorations are secure to prevent them from falling.
Temperature & Heating
Create a temperature gradient in the enclosure with a warm side between 88-92°F and a cool side around 78-82°F.
This allows your ball python snake to regulate its body temperature. Use heat mats or ceramic heaters to provide the necessary warmth.
Also, use the thermometers to monitor the correct temperature. Place one on the warm side and one on the cool side of the enclosure.
Nighttime Temperature
At night, temperatures can safely drop to around 75°F. If your home gets colder, use a thermostat to keep the nighttime temperature stable.
They thrive with a consistent day/night cycle. Aim for 12 hours of light followed by 12 hours of darkness. You can use a timer to automate this cycle.
While UVB lighting is not mandatory for Ball Pythons, it can benefit their overall health. If you choose to provide UVB light, ensure it is low-level and does not overheat the enclosure.
Humidity & Water Bowl
They need a humidity level of 50-60%. To maintain humidity, you can mist the enclosure with water daily or use a humidifier.
Provide a large, shallow water bowl for drinking and soaking. The bowl should be placed on the cooler side of the enclosure to help with humidity.
Monsoon Ball Python Diet & Feeding
They eat rodents, typically mice or rats. Young Monsoon Ball Pythons should be fed once every 5-7 days. Adults can be fed every 7-10 days.
They are ambush predators, meaning they prefer to lie in wait for their prey rather than actively hunt.
You can offer either live or frozen-thawed prey. Frozen-thawed is often safer as it eliminates the risk of the prey injuring your snake.
Supplements: While Monsoon Ball Pythons generally don’t need dietary supplements, occasionally dusting prey with calcium powder can be beneficial, especially for breeding females.
Handling
Handle your Monsoon Ball Python 1-2 times a week. Always support the snake’s body, particularly its head and midsection. Move slowly and calmly to avoid startling the snake.
Start with short handling sessions, gradually increasing the time as your snake becomes more comfortable. Avoid handling during shedding or right after feeding.
Shedding
Before shedding your snakeskin becomes dull, and its eyes will turn blueish. If your snake faces difficulty in shedding, you can increase the humidity or offer a warm soak to help.
During shedding, increase the humidity to around 70% to aid in the process.
Health & Common Issues
Ball python morphs can suffer from respiratory infections, mites, and scale rot if their enclosure conditions aren’t ideal. Watch for symptoms like wheezing, lethargy, or visible parasites.
Keep the enclosure clean and maintain proper temperature and humidity to prevent health issues. Regularly check your snake for any signs of illness.
If you notice any signs of illness, take your snake to a reptile veterinarian.
Conclusion
The Monsoon Ball Python is a stunning and unique morph that has quickly captured the interest of snake lovers. Its distinctive, intricate pattern and vibrant colors make each snake truly one-of-a-kind. With exciting morph combinations and straightforward care requirements, they are not only a visually captivating addition to any collection but also a relatively easy snake to care for.
