Ball Python (Banana Enchi Orange Dream Fire Het Piebald)

Python regius
Common Names: Ball Python, Royal Python

---

Species Overview

• Size: Adults usually reach 3–5 feet (0.9–1.5 m), with females tending to be larger and bulkier than males. Rarely, some females may approach 6 feet.

• Appearance: This combination morph creates a vibrant, high-contrast animal with rich yellows, oranges, and creamy tones.

  • The Banana gene lays the foundation with lavender and golden coloration and the characteristic dark “freckling.”

  • Enchi sharpens the pattern and enhances orange tones while reducing busy side markings.

  • Orange Dream brightens overall coloration and deepens the orange and yellow hues.

  • Fire lightens the background, creating more contrast and a “cleaner” overall look.

  • Het Piebald does not express visually, but the animal carries one copy of the recessive piebald gene, which can be passed on in breeding projects.
    Overall, this morph is a bright, clean, and pattern-reduced ball python with significant potential in future pairings.

• Distribution: Native to West and Central Africa, where wild-type ball pythons are found in savannahs, grasslands, and agricultural landscapes.

• Habitat: In the wild, ball pythons use burrows, termite mounds, and ground cover to shelter during the day, becoming active at night.

• Behaviour: A nocturnal ambush predator, feeding primarily on small mammals and birds.

---

Captive Care

• Enclosure: A 40-gallon breeder (36” × 18” × 18”) is sufficient for most adults. Provide at least two hides (warm and cool), climbing décor, and a secure water bowl.

• Temperature & Humidity: Maintain a gradient of 78–82°F (25–28°C) with a basking spot at 88–92°F (31–33°C). Night drops to 72–75°F (22–24°C) are fine. Keep humidity at 50–60%, with a humid hide during shed cycles.

• Diet: Juveniles thrive on hopper mice or rat pups every 5–7 days; adults on medium rats every 10–14 days. Prey should match the snake’s girth.

• Behaviour in Captivity: Ball pythons are renowned for their docile nature, ease of handling, and adaptability in captivity. They are among the most popular pet snakes worldwide.

• Special Considerations: Regardless of morph, all ball pythons have the same husbandry requirements as wild-type animals.

---

Genetics Note

• Banana (Co-Dominant): Produces golden-yellow coloration with lavender/purple contrast and dark freckling over time.

• Enchi (Co-Dominant): Sharpens pattern, reduces side spotting, and deepens orange tones.

• Orange Dream (Co-Dominant): Intensifies orange/yellow hues and creates a cleaner overall look.

• Fire (Co-Dominant): Lightens background colour, increasing contrast; two copies create a Super Fire (black-eyed leucistic).

• Piebald (Recessive): Causes patches of unpigmented white skin; this animal is het, carrying one copy of the gene but not displaying it.