Blue Eyed Leucistic Ball Python Paradox Ball Python

If you're considering adopting a ball python for a pet, it's important to note that there are quite a few types out there. Of the thousands of color variations you can find, a paradox ball python morph is an excellent choice.

In reality, paradox ball python morphs aren't really morphs, as they happen at random. Therefore, you can't breed a ball python to be a paradox. It just happens spontaneously through breeding. However, they're so rare that they are certainly worth talking about and owning as a pet if you can get one.

If you're considering purchasing a paradox ball python for a pet, keep on reading for everything you need to know about this reptile.

Quick Facts about Paradox Ball Python

Species Name:	Python regius
Common Name:	Paradox Ball Python
Care Level:	Low
Lifespan:	30+ years
Adult Size:	Around 6 feet
Diet:	Rodents
Minimum Tank Size:	36" x 18" x 12"
Temperature & Humidity:	50% to 60% humidity, temperature between 78 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit

Do Paradox Ball Pythons Make Good Pets?

Ball pythons are known for their docile and gentle ways, making them very good pets, and the paradox ball python is no exception. If you're a beginner snake owner, then this is the pet you'll want to start with, if at all possible.

Ball pythons are usually non-aggressive at all, making them good to have around children as well. However, these are nocturnal reptiles, which means they roam at night and sleep during the day. Therefore, it's best to handle them early or late at night

Also, since most ball pythons don't get very big, they don't need cages that are huge, making them great pets for people who have limited space.

Appearance

Unlike a normal ball python, the paradox ball python is so-called because it has mismatched colors and markings that shouldn't even be possible in the species from a genetic standpoint. For example, a paradox ball python might have a dark brown mark in an otherwise yellow and white pattern, making it a genetic anomaly. So a ball python is called a paradox morph if it shows signs of being two things at once that are otherwise impossible to achieve.

There's no scientific reason why this happens with paradox ball pythons, as they are so rare. However, this is why these snakes are so sought-after. No one knows why they exist or where they get their unusual coloring from. There's no way to predict a trend in their appearance, which is what makes them so difficult to define aesthetically.

How to Take Care of Paradox Ball Python

Habitat, Tank Conditions & Setup

Taking care of your paradox ball python is the same as taking care of any ball python you keep as a pet. In this section, we'll go into tank size, lighting, heating, and the substrate you should use to take care of your new reptile friend and keep him healthy and happy.

Tank

A 36" x 18" x 12" enclosure is recommended for your new pet, so a 20-to-40-gallon tank will do. Luckily, especially if you're a new snake owner, your tank for your python doesn't need to be elaborate.

The tank should have a lid that fits tightly to keep your pet from escaping, but it's best to avoid screens on top of the tank as it messes with the humidity levels.

It is important to note that ball pythons don't require huge enclosures. Just make sure that the enclosure is long enough that your snake can get away from the heated portion of the tank when needed.

Lighting

Since UVB lighting isn't required for ball pythons, the heating lamp you use will suffice. However, if you do decide to put a light in your snake's cage, make sure to keep it on for 12 hours, then off for 12 hours for the best results.

Heating (Temperature & Humidity)

Your snake's basking spot should be between 88 to 96 degrees Fahrenheit, while the temperature in the cage itself should be between 78 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity levels should be kept between 50% to 60% at all times. Humidity levels are extremely important, as they help with the shedding process your ball python will go through.

Substrate

The best and easiest substrate to use for your paradox ball python is newspaper or paper towels. These are easy to change out and easy to clean up as well. Do not use substrates that contain any type of oils, and stay away from sand, peat bedding, and shavings, as they can harm your pet.

Tank Recommendations

Tank Type	36" x 18" x 12" aquarium or enclosure
Lighting	Not Needed
Heating	Heating lamp or pad
Best Substrate	Newspaper or paper towels

Feeding Your Paradox Ball Python

Feeding your paradox ball python is the same as feeding any ball python. Feed your python once a week with food that is no wider than your snake's body. Young snakes should be fed crickets and small insects, while adult snakes can be fed rodents that have been frozen and thawed.

Do not under any circumstances feed your paradox ball python live mice and rats. The reason is that if your snake isn't hungry, he'll simply let the rodent live in the enclosure, which could lead to him being injured, as rodents have been known to chew on snakes.

Ball pythons can become obese easily, so don't overfeed your pet.

Diet Summary

Fruits	0% of diet
Insects	0% of diet
Meat	100% of diet – small/medium-sized rodents
Supplements Required	None

Keeping Your Paradox Ball Python Healthy

Keeping your paradox ball python healthy is done the same way you would keep any snake healthy. You need to make sure he's fed regularly and that you don't leave live rodents in his cage. However, there are a few health concerns you need to watch for with a ball python.

Common Health Conditions

Parasites
Respiratory infections
Scale rot
Body disease

Lifespan

Ball pythons tend to live around 30 years if they're raised in captivity. However, there have been cases of them living for up to 40 years, so be prepared for that before purchasing one as a pet.

Breeding

Unlike other species of snakes, ball pythons don't reach maturity according to their size. You can expect a female to lay anywhere from 3-11 eggs at a time, and they will come to maturation within 55 to 60 days and be ready to hatch. new snake divider

Are Paradox Ball Pythons Friendly? Our Handling Advice

Ball pythons are known for being non-aggressive, gentle, and shy. You can train your snake to be held, but you do need to be gentle with him and keep an eye on him when children are holding him in case he gets injured. However, since he is so shy, it could take him a while to get used to people and his surroundings as well.

Related Read:Do Ball Pythons Recognize Their Owners?

Shedding & Brumation: What to Expect

A ball python sheds its skin all in one piece, just as other snakes do. However, if you see that your snake's skin isn't shedding properly, it could be because of the humidity in his cage. If he continues to have problems with shedding or sheds in strips or patches, take him to your vet for an examination.

How Much Do Paradox Ball Pythons Cost?

Since the paradox ball python is so rare, they can be quite expensive. If this snake has only a small patch of a different color, you could get one for under $1,000. However, if he has large patches of colors that should be impossible for the species, a pet paradox ball python could cost up to $30,000!

Care Guide Summary

Docile nature
Low maintenance
Simple diet

Tends to be shy
Needs time to adjust to a new environment
Not very affectionate

Conclusion

This ends our guide on the paradox ball python and what you need to know to keep one as a pet. Remember, these snakes live for many years, so make sure you're able to be responsible for one for a long time to come.

Featured Image Credit: sipa, Pixabay

fosternottlentimen.blogspot.com

Source: https://petkeen.com/paradox-ball-python-morph/