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You crave a beautifully patterned serpentine companion.
The pastel ball python’s faded scales and alien markings entrance your eyes.
Its docile nature and manageable size invite handling.
Genetics shape its gentle colors.
This guide illuminates caring for a pastel ball python.
You’ll learn its history, genetics, temperament, and ideal habitat.
Embrace understanding this stunning morph.
Table Of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Distinctive yellow and purple coloration resulting from a recessive genetic mutation
- Breeding two pastels together can produce normals, pastels, and super pastels in a predictable 1:2:1 ratio
- One of the first and most popular ball python morphs, key to unlocking new morph combinations
- Care requires proper humidity, feeding, heating, and gentle handling to build trust
Pastel Ball Python Morph Appearance
Possessing a faded head as babies that gains vibrancy with age, Pastel Ball Pythons display their distinctive yellow and purple hues across a slender build.
The Pastel morph results from a recessive genetic mutation influencing coloration.
As hatchlings, their heads present as a faded lilac or purple that darkens over time. Their alien heads and sides showcase pastel yellow scales while black markings exhibit blushing.
The yellow pigmentation varies in intensity between individual Pastels. Their green or pale eyes and white lips provide additional distinctive traits.
When bred together, some Pastels produce even brighter Super Pastels.
Popular morphs combining the Pastel include the Pastel Clown, Pastel Banana, and Pastel Dreamsicle.
Environmental factors like temperature and diet minimally impact color presentation.
Pastel Ball Python Genetics
Your genetics determine the Pastel Ball Python’s distinctive faded coloration and reduced pattern.
Possessing a simple recessive inheritance, breeding two Pastels together can produce Normals, Pastels, and even Super Pastels in predictable ratios.
You’ll need to grasp these genetic mechanisms to successfully create your desired morphs.
The Pastel morph exhibits a monogenic recessive mode of inheritance.
Breeding two Pastels can yield Normal, Pastel, and Super Pastel offspring in a 1:2:1 ratio.
Combining Pastels with recessive morphs like Spider, Fire, or Axanthic produces exciting compound morphs.
Tracing your snake’s lineage and exploring different pairings is key to unlocking new combos.
Analyzing pedigrees also helps verify pure lines free of undesired traits.
Mastering Pastel genetics allows strategic matings to produce stunning designer Ball Pythons.
History of the Pastel Ball Python Morph
Having been one of the first mutations reproduced and proven to have a super form, the Pastel Ball Python morph is a cornerstone of the ball python hobby.
You’ll find it makes almost any combination better looking and is key in producing great-looking ball pythons like the Bumblebee, Pewter, Blast, and Pastel Calico.
The original Pastel genetic lines were developed in the late 1990s by pioneering ball python breeders like NERD and Amir Soleymani through meticulous breeding experiments and collaborations.
Over years of dedicated breeding work, they unlocked the stunning coloration changes and genetic lineage defining the Pastel morph and its blushing hues.
This key morph development opened the door to creating new combo morphs and advanced the Pastel’s significance in ball python breeding evolution.
Popular Pastel Ball Python Combinations
You’ll find some of the most sought-after ball python morph combos feature the pastel gene when paired with other traits like spider, clown, and pinstripe.
- Pastel Spider
- Pastel Pinstripe
- Pastel Clown
- Pastel Mojave
The pastel gene really makes the color and pattern of these combos pop with its signature bright yellows and purple hazing.
When combined with recessive traits like clown and mojave that reduce pattern, the pastel morph allows more of that bright color to show through.
Breeders must carefully plan pairings to produce these combos, considering possible complications like neurological issues seen in some spider-pastel crosses.
But with diligence, amazing pastel combo morphs can be produced safely.
Pastel Ball Python Care Needs
When caring for Pastel Ball Pythons:
- Provide an enclosure with proper humidity between 50-60%. Use a hygrometer to monitor levels.
- Offer food items weekly that are appropriately sized; do not handle after feeding.
- Their enclosure should have a hide, a water dish, substrate that holds humidity and is easy to clean like cypress mulch, and adequate heating.
- Provide a hot spot of 88-92°F using an under tank heating pad.
Handling Pastel Ball Pythons:
- Handle Pastel Ball Pythons regularly to build trust, but do so gently and deliberately.
- Take the snake to a veterinarian knowledgeable in herpetological medicine annually for checkups to ensure it stays healthy.
Maintaining good husbandry practices ensures Pastel Ball Pythons thrive.
Pastel Ball Python Temperament
How do pastel ball pythons behave?
Pastels have a calm temperament and are a great choice for beginner and experienced keepers alike.
They’re generally docile when handled, though they may become defensive if feeling stressed or threatened.
With regular gentle handling, pastels learn to trust their owners and make for wonderful pets.
To build trust and enrich their environment, provide branches, vines, and hides for security.
Watch for tongue flicking, movements away, or hissing as cues of stress.
Limit handling after feeding and when in shed cycles.
Gently scoop up the snake and support its body when handling.
Always wash hands before and after, and avoid jerky movements that may seem threatening.
With time and proper techniques, pastels will thrive with their caretakers.
Their mellow nature makes them a rewarding snake for dedicated keepers.
Buying a Pastel Ball Python
- Carefully select your breeding pair based on desired genetics and health. Pair to normals for more Pastels or combo morphs.
- Provide proper incubation temperatures of 88-92°F and humidity over 60% for healthy hatchlings.
- Assist hatchlings in shedding and offer appropriate prey items. Quarantine before introducing to collection.
- Market and sell responsibly on forums like MorphMarket, focusing on animal health and buyer education.
- Take detailed records of each pairing and hatchling for your own reference.
- Enjoy this rewarding experience of producing your own beautiful, unique Pastel Ball Pythons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does a pastel ball python cost?
A Pastel Ball Python can cost anywhere between $50 to $200 on average, depending on factors that affect the ball python price range, such as genetics and morphs
- Location
- Breeder
- Age
- Morph quality
- If sexing of the snake is available
You could find slightly cheaper or more expensive ones.
Shop around and find a good breeder you’re comfortable with for the best deal on a healthy Pastel Ball Python.
What is the average lifespan of a pastel ball python?
You can expect a pastel ball python to live 20-30 years with proper care.
Provide a suitable habitat, nutrition, and veterinary care to maximize its lifespan.
Handle gently and monitor for signs of illness.
Their longevity requires commitment, but pastels can thrive for decades when cared for properly.
Can I house pastel ball pythons together?
Can you house pastel ball pythons together?
Unfortunately not.
They’re solitary snakes that become stressed when cohabitated.
Provide each python its own secure enclosure for safety and health.
What are good names for a pastel ball python?
Sunshine
Lemonade
Buttercup
Daffodil
Marigold
Canary
Citrus
Tangerine
Custard
Sorbet
Cream
Apricot
Daisy
Dandelion
Poppy
Butterscotch
Honeydew
Choose a cheerful name that fits your snake’s personality.
Can I feed my pastel ball python rabbits or chickens?
I wouldn’t recommend feeding rabbits or chickens to your ball python.
Stick to appropriately sized rodents from a reputable source.
Chickens and rabbits can pose health risks or cause impaction.
Consult an exotic veterinarian if you have questions about your ball python’s diet.
Conclusion
Embrace the pastel ball python’s faded beauty.
Its gentle temperament and manageable size enthrall during handling.
This morph’s genetics gift its pale scales an alien allure.
Provide proper habitat for your docile, serpentine companion to thrive.
The pastel ball python’s muted palette patterns a stunning pet.
