Ball Python (Orange Dream Lesser DH Hypo/Clown)

Python regius
Common Names: Ball Python, Royal Python

Species Overview

• Size: Adult ball pythons typically grow 3–5 feet (0.9–1.5 m), with females usually being larger and heavier-bodied than males. Some exceptional females may reach 6 feet.

• Appearance:

  • Orange Dream (OD, co-dominant): Enhances orange and golden tones, cleans the pattern, and produces brighter overall colouration.

  • Lesser (co-dominant, BEL complex): Lightens base tones and adds contrast; in homozygous or BEL pairings, produces solid white snakes.

  • This snake is also double het (DH) for Hypo and Clown (recessive genes):

    • Hypo/Ghost: Reduces melanin for a ghostlike, softened appearance when visual.

    • Clown: Produces bold dorsal striping, head stamps, and reduced side patterning when visual.

  • Outwardly, this morph displays the bright, clean look of OD and Lesser, while holding genetic potential for Hypo Clown combos.

• Distribution: Native to West and Central Africa, where wild-type ball pythons are found across savannahs, farmland, and light woodland.

• Habitat: Primarily burrow-dwelling, often found in rodent burrows that provide humidity, stable temperatures, and protection.

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

Captive Care

• Enclosure: Most adults thrive in a 40-gallon breeder (36” × 18” × 18”) or equivalent. Provide at least two hides (warm and cool side), climbing décor, and a water bowl large enough for soaking.

• Temperature & Humidity: Maintain daytime temps of 78–82°F (25–28°C) with a basking area at 88–92°F (31–33°C). Nighttime dips to 72–75°F (22–24°C) are acceptable. Humidity should remain 50–60%, with slight increases during shedding.

• Diet: Juveniles feed on hopper mice or rat pups every 5–7 days; adults thrive on medium rats every 10–14 days. Match prey size to the snake’s girth.

• Behaviour in Captivity: Like other ball pythons, this morph is calm, docile, and easy to handle, making it a dependable captive snake.

• Special Considerations: While morphs affect appearance and breeding potential, husbandry remains identical across all ball pythons.

Genetics Note

• Orange Dream (Co-Dominant): Enhances golden/orange tones and sharpens the overall pattern.

• Lesser (Co-Dominant, BEL Complex): Lightens colour; two copies help form Blue Eyed Leucistics.

• Hypo/Ghost (Recessive – Het Form): Carried as a single copy; reduces melanin when expressed visually.

• Clown (Recessive – Het Form): Carried as a single copy; produces bold dorsal striping and unique head markings when visual.

• Double Het (DH): This snake carries one copy each of Hypo and Clown, giving it strong potential for producing visual Hypo Clowns and designer combos.

The Orange Dream Lesser DH Hypo/Clown is a visually appealing, bright morph with significant double-recessive breeding potential, making it valuable in high-end projects.