The Pied Ball Python is a member of the royal python family. Its scientific name, Python regius, means “royal python”. However, it is mainly called the Pied Ball Python due to its distinct coloration. This reptile gets its name from the word “pied,” meaning having patches of two different colors.
In the wild, Pied Ball Pythons are typically found in the savannahs and light forests of western Africa, where they spend time hiding. They are not aggressive and are known for their docile temperament. However, care is needed when handling them. The Pied Ball Python requires a temperature-controlled enclosure with a heat source and a hide box.
The pied trait is a recessive gene. Both parents must carry the gene for the offspring to show the pied pattern. This genetic trait is also in other snakes like the corn snake, but is most prominent in ball pythons. The Pied Ball Python has a mostly white body with randomly placed dark splotches. This recessive trait of unpigmented skin makes them unique amongst Pythons.
Pied Ball Pythons typically reach 3-4 feet in length, with some reaching 5 feet. Their average lifespan is 20-25 years when well cared for. They mainly eat rodents and birds like rats and mice. Due to their rarity, Pied Ball Pythons normally cost $400-$600. Rarer versions cost up to $8,000. Their skin color does not affect their size. The largest recorded was 9 pounds. Females weigh heavier and grow longer than males.
How much are pied ball pythons worth?
Piebald ball python ranges in price from 500 USD to 4000 USD. Market demands influence its price. The piebald ball pythons are easier to care for in terms of feeding and disposition. Many breeders reported that this morph rarely becomes aggressive or bite.
Depending on sex, age and size, you can purchase a piebald ball python for $300-$500. Females sell for more than males. Adults fetch higher prices than juveniles and hatchlings.
Piebaldism in ball pythons is recessive. Both parents must carry the gene. The offspring of a Piebald ball python and a normal ball will carry one copy of the mutation.
On average, a ball python costs $100-200. Exact cost can be higher depending on morph, genes and breeding value. You can get a normal ball python for under $80.
They live 30+ years.
Pied Ball Pythons have large white patches on brown spotted/striped skin. This recessive trait makes them unique. They are known for calm temperament and being easy to handle.
Are piebald ball pythons poisonous?
No. Ball pythons are not poisonous or venomous.
Piebald ball pythons have five labial pits to sense heat. This helps them find food. Males have large spurs to grip females during sex.
The piebald color is rare in the wild. But it is popular as a pet. Piebalds are not more prone to problems than normal pythons. With care they live for years.
Piebalds combined with albinos have rust-orange saddles on white. These are popular morphs. Piebalds cost $200-500 based on gender, size and age. Females cost more.
Bites happen when threatened or feeding. Teeth typically leave small wounds. Despite the name, ball pythons curl into a ball when scared. With handling, they are docile pets. Bites are avoided by not threatening them.
Piebalds need a 60-gallon tank when adult. Use smaller until 3 feet long. Then get multiple tanks.
Piebald is a morph with random color splotches on white. It can combine with other colors. Check if teeth are stuck after a bite. Wash the wound. Apply antiseptic. Bites are painful but not poisonous.
Piebalds are popular pets. They have easy temperament and care needs. Piebald is a recessive morph. Breeders made many designer morphs from it.
What does it mean when a ball python is het pied?
Het pied means the snake carries the pied gene but does not display it. To get pieds, breed her. Pied is a recessive trait. So a het pied is a normal looking snake carrying one pied gene copy instead of two needed to be a visual piebald.
Pied ball pythons live 20-30 years in captivity. Some live to 40 years old.
“Het” means heterozygous. There is one allele copy on a locus, a place on the chromosome. Each locus holds two alleles. Alleles are genes or morphs.
Not all leopard ball pythons are het pied. Determining requires a breeding test to a known pied. Resulting pied offspring confirm it. Offspring not carrying the pied gene are het for it. They have a 50% chance of passing the gene. Pied offspring display the pied pattern. Without a test, it is difficult to determine if an individual is het pied.
A banger ball python has lots of desirable genes for breeding projects. Following a number means identifiable genes. Ball pythons are more than paint jobs.
Pied balls have large white skin patches. The pattern is rare in the wild but common in captivity.
With proper care, ball pythons live 30+ years. The record is over 40 years.
Rare piebald individuals have fewer spots and crisper markings. More common individuals may have alternating white and color spots. Controlled breeding of rare designer morphs by professionals is fascinating.
Piebalds look like somebody erased some pattern. They produce pigments but also have white skin patches.
Banana pieds are white with Banana coloring patches. They sell based on pattern and genetic quality. Rarer ones with fewer spots cost $500-$1500. More common ones cost less.
Pied balls maintain best ball python characteristics while having stunning colors. They lack health problems other morphs have since coloring is a recessive trait. Their ease of care and beauty make them a perfect first morph.