Spinner Ball Python Morph: Ultimate Care Guide, Pricing, & Breeding Tips

Marie curie

Snake Myths
spinner ball python

What if you could have a pet that’s both low-maintenance and fascinating to look at?

The Spinner Ball Python is exactly that – a snake with a hypnotic golden-brown pattern that looks like nature’s finest artwork.

 Have you ever seen a snake that seems to move gracefully yet maintains such a docile temperament?

In this guide, we’ll explore why this Ball Python morph has become a favourite among hobbyists, focusing on its striking features, care requirements, and why it’s perfect for snake enthusiasts of all levels.

Spinner Ball Python History & Genetics

The Spinner Royal Python morph doesn’t have a long historical background like some other species, but its history is rooted in Ball Python morphs.

Morphs are variations in colour and pattern that occur due to genetic mutations, and the Spinner is a combination of the Spider and Pinstripe morphs.

pastel spinner ball python

The Spider morph was first introduced in the 1990s, making waves in the reptile trade with its unique web-like pattern, while the Pinstripe morph emerged with its bold, striped appearance.

Breeders eventually combined these two traits to create the Spinner morph, a visually striking snake with blended patterns.

This morph quickly gained popularity among snake enthusiasts due to its intricate design and the desirable traits of its parent morphs.

Spinner Ball Python Characteristics

Spinner Ball Python Appearance

  • Body colour: A mix of golden-brown to yellowish shades with dark brown or black lines forming a spider web-like pattern.
  • Pattern: The “spinner” name comes from the unique spider-web pattern on its body.
  • Belly: Typically pale or white, contrasting with the body colour.
  • Body shape: Slender, smooth, and sleek.
  • Head: Slightly rounded with darker tones than the rest of the body.
  • Eyes: Large, black, giving a curious and alert look.
  • Tail: Short, tapering to a neat point, adding elegance to its overall shape.

Spinner Ball Python Size & Weight

  • Hatchling length: Typically 10-17 inches long.
  • Adult length: Grows to about 3 to 5 feet long.
  • Weight: Adult Spinner Ball Pythons weigh between 2 to 5 pounds.
  • Size difference: Females are generally larger and heavier than males.

Behaviour and Temperament

  • Nature: Calm, gentle, and non-aggressive.
  • Great for beginners: Perfect for first-time snake owners due to their manageable temperament.
  • Shy behaviour: Prefers hiding rather than being aggressive.
  • Nocturnal: Active during the night, mostly resting during the day.
  • Slow movement: Moves at a relaxed pace, making them easy to handle.
  • Rarely bites Only bites when feeling threatened.

Spinner Ball Python Lifespan

  • Long life expectancy: Can live between 20 to 30 years in captivity with proper care.
  • Commitment: A long-term pet that requires consistent care for many years.

Spinner Ball Python Cost

  • Hatchlings: Usually priced between $100 to $200.
  • Juveniles: Cost ranges from $150 to $300.
  • Adults: Prices can range from $250 to $500, depending on genetics and breeder reputation.
  • Additional costs: The snake’s enclosure, heating, and food should be considered when calculating the overall cost of care.

Spinner Ball Python Care Sheet

Housing Requirements

Tank Size: For juvenile Spinner Ball Pythons, a 20-gallon tank is enough. As they grow, adults will need a tank of at least 40 gallons or larger to move around comfortably.

Substrate: Use safe bedding like aspen shavings or cypress mulch. These are soft and help absorb moisture. Avoid sand or cedar, as they can be harmful.

Hides: Place at least two hides in the tank — one on the warm side and one on the cool side. Snakes need to feel safe, and having hiding spots helps reduce stress.

Climbing Accessories: Spinner Ball Pythons are semi-arboreal, meaning they might enjoy some climbing. Add branches or logs to the tank for them to explore.

baby spinner ball python

Humidity: Keep the humidity between 50% and 60%. You can increase it to 70% when they’re shedding. To maintain humidity, mist the enclosure lightly and use a water bowl.

Lighting: UVB lighting isn’t necessary, but it helps keep a natural day-night cycle.

Temperature Gradient: Create a warm side with temperatures between 88°F-92°F and a cool side around 75°F-80°F. This allows the snake to regulate its body temperature.

Heating: Use a heat mat or ceramic heat emitter for warmth, but avoid heat rocks as they can burn the snake. Always check temperatures with a thermometer.

Spinner Ball Python Diet

Spinner Pythons eat rodents like mice and rats. Feed appropriately sized prey — about the same width as the snake’s thickest part.

  • Feeding Schedule: Juveniles should be fed once a week, while adults can be fed every 10 to 14 days.
  • Prey Size: Start with small prey for hatchlings and move to medium or large prey as they grow. The prey should not be larger than the snake’s midsection.

Water

Provide fresh water daily in a bowl large enough for the snake to drink from or even soak in if it wants.

Soaking Dish: While not required, many snakes enjoy soaking, especially during shedding. Ensure the water dish is shallow to prevent drowning.

Handling

  • You can handle your Spinner Royal Python 2-3 times a week, but avoid handling right after feeding to prevent regurgitation.
  • Always approach your snake calmly. Support its body and avoid grabbing its head. Be gentle to build trust over time.

Shedding

Signs of Shedding: Your Spinner Ball Python’s eyes will turn blue or cloudy, and its skin will look dull when shedding is near.

Shedding Process: Increase the humidity slightly (to about 70%) and provide rough surfaces like rocks to help them shed properly.

Common Issues: If the snake has a stuck shed, especially around the eyes, increase humidity and provide a soak in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes.

Health & Common Issues

  • Parasites: Keep an eye out for mites and ticks. These can cause itching or discomfort. Clean the tank regularly and treat parasites early with reptile-safe products.
  • Respiratory Infections: Symptoms include wheezing or bubbles around the mouth. These infections are often caused by improper humidity or temperatures. Seek a vet if symptoms appear.
  • Mouth Rot: Watch for swollen gums or discharge from the mouth. This requires vet care and is usually caused by injuries or bacterial infections.
  • Other Issues: Keep an eye on your snake’s activity. If it’s sluggish, not eating, or looks dehydrated, there could be underlying health issues.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Enclosure Cleaning: Spot clean daily by removing waste. Every 4-6 weeks, do a full cleaning, replacing the substrate and disinfecting the tank with reptile-safe cleaners.

Disinfection: Use reptile-friendly cleaning solutions like diluted bleach (rinse well afterwards) or commercial reptile disinfectants.

Spot Cleaning: Remove waste, uneaten food, and any soiled bedding daily to maintain a clean environment.

Spinner Ball Python Breeding

Breeding Season: Spinner Ball Pythons usually breed in the winter, from November to March. Gradually reduce the temperature to mimic natural seasons and encourage breeding.

Breeding Age/Size: Males can breed at about 500 grams, while females should be at least 1200-1500 grams. This ensures they’re healthy enough for breeding.

Incubation Requirements: After laying, incubate the eggs at 88°F-90°F with humidity around 80-90%. Eggs typically hatch in about 55-60 days.

Popular Spinner Python Morph Combinations

1. Spinner blast Ball Python (Spinner + Pastel)

  • Genetics: Spider + Pinstripe + Pastel
  • Appearance: Lighter shades with reduced pattern, high contrast, and a yellowish tone due to the Pastel gene.
spinner blast ball python

2. Spinner Fire Ball Python (Spinner + Fire)

  • Genetics: Spider + Pinstripe + Fire
  • Appearance: Brighter, clean, and more vibrant patterns. The Fire gene intensifies the contrast and sharpness of the pattern.

Also See, Firefly Ball Python: Pricing, Care, and Breeding Tips

3. Enchi Spinner Ball Python (Spinner + Enchi)

  • Genetics: Spider + Pinstripe + Enchi
  • Appearance: More vivid colouration with an enhanced pattern thanks to the Enchi gene, creating rich golden and orange tones.
Enchi Spinner Ball Python

4. Spinner Lesser Ball Python (Spinner + Lesser)

  • Genetics: Spider + Pinstripe + Lesser
  • Appearance: Smooth, creamy colouration with reduced patterning, often giving a more polished and clean look.
Spinner Lesser Ball Python

Also see, Lesser Ball Python: A Complete Guide to Care, Breeding & Unique Traits

5. Spinner Ghost Ball Python (Spinner + Ghost/Hypo)

  • Genetics: Spider + Pinstripe + Ghost
  • Appearance: Faded, translucent appearance with lighter, muted colours due to the Ghost gene.

Also see, Ghost Ball Python: Secrets of This Hypo Morph Care, Breeding, & Expert Tips

6. Spinner Banana Ball Python (Spinner + Banana)

  • Genetics: Spider + Pinstripe + Banana
  • Appearance: Vibrant yellow and orange colours with lavender hues, creating a visually striking snake with signature Banana spots.
Spinner Banana Ball Python

7. Spinner Albino Ball Python (Spinner + Albino)

  • Genetics: Spider + Pinstripe + Albino
  • Appearance: Bright yellow and white patterns due to the Albino gene, give the snake a very clean and bold look.

Also See, Albino Ball Python: Cost, Expert Care Tips & Breeding Secrets

8. Mojave Spinner Ball Python (Spinner + Mojave)

  • Genetics: Spider + Pinstripe + Mojave
  • Appearance: High contrast patterns with darker, more defined markings. The Mojave gene adds a unique twist to the Spinner’s pattern.
Mojave Spinner Ball Python

9. Bumblebee Spinner Ball Python (Spinner + Bumblebee)

  • Genetics: Spider + Pinstripe + Pastel + Spider (Double dose of Spider)
  • Appearance: Bright yellow with clean, high-contrast patterning and reduced dark pigmentation.
Bumblebee Spinner Ball Python

10. Spinner Pinstripe Pied (Spinner + Pinstripe + Pied)

  • Genetics: Spider + Pinstripe + Piebald
  • Appearance: Striking white patches on the body due to the Piebald gene, with the remaining pattern showing Pinstripe and Spinner effects.
spinner pinstripe pied ball python

These combinations show how versatile the Spinner Ball Python is when paired with other morphs, producing a wide range of colours and patterns that are highly desirable in the reptile hobby.

Each morph adds its twist, from enhancing colour to altering patterns or reducing pigment, making Spinner morph combinations some of the most visually appealing.

Conclusion

The Spinner Ball Python is a stunning combination of beauty, elegance, and calm temperament, making it an ideal pet for both beginners and experienced snake enthusiasts. With its unique patterns and easy care requirements, this snake brings the wonder of the reptile world into your home effortlessly. If you’re looking for a fascinating yet manageable companion, this Ball Python is a perfect choice!

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