Pastel Ball Python: Your Complete 2025 Care & Breeding Guide (With Photos)

This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.

You’ll find the pastel ball python a stunning sight with its lighter coloration and eye-catching yellow to burnt-orange patterns.

These snakes showcase sharp, dark markings with lighter patches called "blushes" and mesmerizing gold to green eyes.

As a co-dominant mutation, breeding two pastels can produce normal, pastel, and super pastel offspring.

You’ll need to maintain temperatures between 75-95°F and humidity at 50-60% in their enclosure.

While prices typically range from $100-$300, investing in a healthy specimen from a reputable breeder makes all the difference.

There’s more to these beauties than meets the eye.

Pastel Ball Python Basics

You’ll notice your pastel ball python stands out with its lighter coloration and distinctive yellow to burnt-orange patterns replacing the typical brown pigment.

When you examine its features more closely, you’ll see the sharply defined dark patterns with lighter patches called "blushes," along with striking light-colored eyes in gold or green shades.

Appearance and Characteristics

The beauty of a pastel ball python lies in its distinctive appearance, setting it apart from typical ball pythons.

You’ll notice these stunning snakes showcase lighter coloration, with rich yellows and burnt oranges replacing traditional brown tones.

Pastel Mutation Characteristics

The pastel ball python’s mutation creates a stunning transformation of your snake’s appearance.

This genetic trait intensifies yellow pigmentation throughout the body, creating vibrant pastel colors that catch everyone’s eye.

You’ll notice distinctive features like high blushing intensity along the sides, alluring green or pale eyes, and pristine white lips.

The scale patterns show remarkable clarity, with each pastel morph displaying a uniquely clean underside that sets it apart, showcasing remarkable clarity and a stunning transformation.

Super Pastel Characteristics

When you breed two pastel ball pythons together, you’ve got a chance to create a super pastel – a stunning morph with reduced patterns and higher color intensity.

Proper housing and care are essential for their well-being, so understanding their specific dietary needs is key.

You’ll notice these beauties keep their yellow coloration while showing off extensive blushing with a signature purple-haze effect.

Their faded heads and distinct pattern reduction make them a prized find among ball python genetics enthusiasts.

Pastel Ball Python Genetics

You’ll find that pastel ball python genetics follows a co-dominant inheritance pattern, where a single copy of the gene produces the classic pastel appearance while two copies create the striking super pastel form.

When you breed two pastel ball pythons together, you’ll get a mix of normal, pastel, and super pastel offspring in a predictable 1:2:1 ratio, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced breeders who value predictable outcomes.

Co-Dominant Mutation

Understanding the genetic code behind these fascinating snakes reveals a fascinating pattern.

The pastel ball python’s codominant mutation means the genetic mutation shows unique traits even with a single copy of the gene.

When you’re examining ball python genetics, you’ll notice the pastel morph expresses varying levels of dominance – it’s like having a volume control for gene expression, creating stunning visual effects.

This complexity is influenced by genetic variations and codominant gene interactions that affect the snake’s phenotype with genetic variations.

Breeding Outcomes

When you pair two Pastel ball pythons, you’ll get a fascinating mix in your clutch: 25% Super Pastels with their striking purple haze, 50% regular Pastels showing those classic yellow patterns, and 25% normal ball pythons.

These beautiful snakes are excellent for beginners.

If you’re breeding with a normal ball python instead, expect a simpler 50-50 split between Pastel and normal offspring. It’s genetic math in action!

Genetic Inheritance

The genetic code of your pastel ball python follows a fascinating inheritance pattern that’s easier to understand than you might think.

When discussing gene expression, these snakes carry a co-dominant mutation that creates their stunning appearance.

• One copy of the genetic mutation produces the classic pastel traits: yellow scales, blushing, and pale eyes
• Two copies result in a Super Pastel with brighter colors and enhanced patterns

The dominant traits consistently pass down through generations, making breeding outcomes predictable.

Understanding the pastel ball python genetics is important for successful breeding and care.

Pastel Ball Python Care

You’ll need to provide your pastel ball python with specific environmental conditions, including a temperature gradient between 75-95°F and proper enclosure sizing from 40 gallons for juveniles to 120 gallons for adults.

While these beautiful morphs share the same care requirements as regular ball pythons, they’ll thrive in a setup that includes proper hiding spots, fresh water, and consistent humidity levels between 50-60%.

Enclosure Size and Dimensions

Setting up your pastel ball python’s home doesn’t have to break the bank. You’ll need different enclosure sizes as your snake grows, focusing on proper cage requirements and ventilation needs.

Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right housing:

Snake Age	Tank Size	Additional Features
Hatchling	10-20 gallon	Extra hiding spots
Juvenile	30-40 gallon	Humidity box
Adult	120 gallon	Multiple hides

Proper ball python enclosures are Paramount for the health and well-being of your pet. Remember, a happy snake needs room to stretch, climb, and explore their space comfortably, which is why proper cage requirements and a suitable environment are crucial for their development.

Temperature and Lighting

Your pastel ball python’s comfort depends heavily on maintaining proper temperature gradients and lighting cycles.

You’ll need to create distinct temperature zones within their enclosure to mimic their natural habitat.

Maintaining the essential temperature humidity levels is vital for your pastel ball python’s health and well-being.

Humidity and Feeding

Maintaining proper humidity levels is essential for your pastel ball python’s health.

Keep the enclosure’s humidity between 50-60% by misting the enclosure daily and providing a large water bowl.

Feed your snake appropriately sized prey every 7-10 days – the meal should be no larger than the widest part of their body.

Always offer fresh, clean water and monitor substrate moisture to prevent scale rot.

To make sure accurate readings, use a device that measures humidity gauge levels in the enclosure to ensure accurate humidity control.

Pastel Ball Python History

You’ll find the Pastel Ball Python’s story begins in 1997 when breeders first discovered this striking co-dominant mutation.

This foundational morph, pioneered by experts like NERD and Amir Soleymani, has become a cornerstone of modern ball python breeding, with specimens typically available for $75-100, showcasing the striking co-dominant mutation.

Origin and Development

While you’ve mastered the art of ball python care, you’ll love knowing the story behind your pet.

The pastel ball python morph emerged in 1997 through the groundbreaking work of Greg Graziani and Kevin McCurley at NERD.

Their genetic research revealed the ball python pastel gene, establishing the founder lineage that revolutionized morph development.

Understanding pastel ball python care is essential for responsible pet ownership.

Today, this discovery stands as one of the first successfully reproduced mutations in the hobby.

Popular Combinations

When you venture into breeding Pastel Ball Python crosses, you’ll discover a rainbow of stunning genetic pairings.

You can create remarkable color combinations by mixing Pastel morphs with other variants.

Pastel Ball Python Ownership

You’ll find that owning a Pastel Ball Python combines the joy of caring for a docile pet with the thrill of having a genetically unique morph that typically costs between $75-100.

Your investment in this co-dominant mutation gives you access to one of the hobby’s most versatile breeding morphs, known for its distinctive yellow coloration and potential for creating stunning combinations.

Temperament and Handling

Regarding handling techniques, your pastel ball python will likely become one of your most laid-back pets.

These snakes display a remarkably docile nature, making them perfect for beginners and experts alike.

Here’s a quick guide to their behavior patterns:

Behavior	Meaning	Handling Response
Tongue Flicking	Exploring	Continue Gentle Handling
Ball Position	Nervous	Give Space, Try Later
Straight Posture	Comfortable	Perfect for Interaction

Trust-building with your snake starts with short, consistent handling sessions, usually 10-15 minutes at a time.

They’ll curl around your hands and arms comfortably once they’re used to you, which is a sign of trust and comfort in their handling environment.

Buying and Pricing

Now that you’re comfortable handling your snake, let’s talk about bringing one home.

You’ll find pastel ball python prices typically range from $100-$300, making them an accessible choice for new snake owners.

When shopping for your pastel ball python, keep these key factors in mind:

• Reputable breeders often charge more but provide healthier, captive-bred snakes with proven genetics
• Pet stores might offer lower prices, but may lack detailed morph information
• Online marketplaces and reptile expos give you more options to compare prices and breeders

Researching the pastel ball python price is essential to making an informed decision, and considering the reputable breeders and their impact on the snake’s health is crucial.

Potential Problems and Health Issues

While your pastel ball python’s price tag is now settled, keeping an eye on their health is your next priority.

These snakes can face several challenges, from common respiratory infections and scale rot to specific genetic disorders.

Some super forms may develop skeletal issues like duck bills or bug eyes.

Regular vet check-ups, proper humidity levels, and careful monitoring help prevent most health risks and shedding problems.

Ensuring the well-being of your pet is crucial, and with the right care, you can help your pastel ball python thrive and avoid potential genetic disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)